Recommended A-Frame Trailer Jack For A 7,000lb Loaded Cattle Trailer

Question:

I have a cattle trailer that I use to haul cattle and feed. When I haul feed I sometimes need to leave the feed in it for several days. The trailer weights 2690 empty. Then I will put 7000lbs of feed in it. My trailer jack currently is 2000lbs and I cannot even get it to move when the trailer is loaded. I have to get my tractor jack to get it off the truck. What capacity jack would I need to replace it? Currently i have topwind, but would a sidewind be better? I know currently I am the only person you can get the trailer to jack up even when its empty. I bought the trailer second hand, and the jack does not look bent but it is extremely difficult to get it to jack up and down. I was thinking of the following but dont if its enough. Bulldog Round, A-Frame Jack - Sidewind - 15inch Lift - 5,000 lbs Bulldog Square Jack w/ Footplate - Leg - Topwind - 28-1/2inch Lift - 7,200 lbs Item # BD180354 open to anything

asked by: Austin

Helpful Expert Reply:

A trailer jack is designed to lift the tongue of your trailer so you can connect the trailer coupler to your hitch ball. To do this, you'll need a jack with a lift capacity high enough to handle your trailer's tongue weight.

Tongue weight is the amount of weight that your trailer applies to the back of your tow vehicle. Typically, your tongue weight should be 10-15% of your total trailer weight (trailer + cargo). In other words, a 10,000-lb trailer would have a tongue weight between 1,000lbs and 1,500lbs. For a trailer this size, you would need a jack with a lift capacity of at least 1,500 lbs.

It's okay to have a jack with a weight rating that is higher than your trailer's tongue weight. In fact, a jack with a higher lift capacity should operate more efficiently, allowing you to spend less time cranking. Since you said you're the only one able to get it jacked up I recommend with going on the higher end with a 5,000lb capacity jack to make it easier for anyone else who might be helping you.

When it comes to sidewind or topwind it really just comes down to personal preference. If you would prefer a topwind I recommend the Bulldog Round, A-Frame Jack 5,000lbs # BD155032 and if you'd prefer a sidewind I recommend the etrailer.com Round, A-Frame Jack - Sidewind - 15" Lift - 5,000lbs # TJA-5000S-B. Both of these jacks are ideal for multiple agricultural and commercial applications, this standard A-frame jack features an 8-3/8" retracted height and measure 15" from the mounting bracket to the top, excluding the handle. Both offer a 15" lift and will need the Footplate for 2,000-lb and 5,000-lb Round, A-Frame Jacks # JF-99.

expert reply by: Kevin C