Does Dutton-Lainson Sidewind Swivel 1200 Pound Trailer Jack Have to be Lubricated

Question:

Ive replaced two of these not sure if they are the same one jacks with wheels on my service trailer. Problem - unable to crank down to raise of hitch so had to manually lift the tongue. Does the tube need to be lubricated from time to time? My trailer may sit for several weeks or a couple of months before I need it to carry samples of outdoor furniture to show customers or to take them to a trade show.

asked by: Tom W

Expert Reply:

Jacks like # DL22300 come greased already and normally you would not need to add any grease unless excessive dirt, moisture, or corrosion got inside. Take the cap off of the top of the jack to inspect the gears. Inspecting the nut and screw inside would require removing these gears. If corrosion has built up on the screw and nut then that could be causing the problem.

If additional grease is needed you will need to make sure to use a compatible grease or remove all the old grease before adding new grease if you are unsure of what type is used. I have included an FAQ article on grease compatibility. The grease that is most compatible with other greases is Polyurea (LUB-LM Type).

If the jack capacity is too low, that could be the problem as well, especially if it is placed far back on the tongue or trailer frame where the trailer is heavier/harder to lift. Going with a higher capacity and/or moving the location could help. I have included a link to all of the bolt-on swivel jacks with wheels that we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H