Will Upgrading To Higher Capacity Scissor Jacks Add More Stability

Question:

Hello. If I have a 26foot travel trailer and the weight is 8000lbs, is it fair to say I need to have each of the four stabilizer scissor jacks to have a weight capacity of 2500lbs each? Can I assume that I will get a stronger jack by increasing the weight capacity to 5000lbs. each even though not required? Thank you for your help.

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

Most scissor jacks, like the etrailer Scissor Stabilizer Jacks w/ Handle # TJSCHD-24-4, have a weight capacity rating but aren't actually rated to lift the trailer. Stabilizer jacks are only meant to stabilize, meaning that as you lower them you are supposed to stop as soon as they touch the ground. The majority of the weight is held up by the axles/wheels with rest being supported by the trailer jack on the tongue.

The scissor jacks you choose really only need to handle the weight pressing down in the trailer at that specific point. As you move around in the trailer the load shifts around spreading across the body and frame of the trailer. If a 100lb bowling ball was rolling from corner to corner in the trailer you'd see a small portion of that pressing down on the trailer giving you the springboard effect since the weight would first have to transfer through the floor and the frame. Unless you were moving really heavy items around the capacity of the scissor jack really doesn't matter.

If you had a toy hauler and were pulling out a heavy ATV or something then you'd want something to help offset the weight as it's rolling out of the trailer but if you just have a standard travel trailer the # TJSCHD-24-4 would be more than sufficient.

The amount of jacks you use does have an important role though since the more you install the stronger the foundation is for your trailer. The longer the distance between supports means more opportunity for the base to bow and give you that spring board feeling. That being said 4 jacks should be all you'll need and if you still don't feel comfortable with the quality level of stability then you could also install the JT's Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer Kit for Travel Trailers # LC191025 to help distribute the weight more evenly across the frame of the trailer.

expert reply by: Kevin C