Best Electric Trailer Jacks Reviews & Recommendations
The Husky HB4500 can lift up to 4,500 pounds, which is higher than many comparable jacks. It is set up to operate from a 12-volt battery, giving buyers additional flexibility. For additional strength, it has hardened steel soldered connections. The total full stroke is 18 inches. The jack features a drop-down leg which serves to reduce the time that it takes to set up the jack and cuts down wear on the motor. It comes with an LED light to ensure that all of the critical areas will be illuminated. It also has a ball screw which means that the ball rolls through the threads on the shaft and nut. It also has a weather-resistant storage bracket and is finished in hammer gray paint.
The HB4500 isn’t cheap, coming in higher than some of the budget-focused models. Additionally, there are some reports of motor failure after about a month or use or less. Also, be aware, the manufacturer will likely charge a restocking fee to replace failed products. Finally, the HB4500 is a bit heavier than some of the other units on our list.
- Brand Husky
- Model HB4500
- Weight 30 pounds
Can lift up to 4,500 pounds
Set up to operate from a 12-volt battery
Steel gears and soldered connections for added strength
LED lighting
Friction reducing ball screw design for lower battery use
Not cheap, but you pay for what you get
Some reports of failing motors
Manufacturer charges a restocking fee to replace broken units
A bit heavier than some units
With this powerful Quick Products electric tongue jack, you get a maximum lift capacity of 3,650 pounds. The diameter of the post is 2.25 inches which are the standard tongue jack dimensions so you will have no problem installing on your rig. So that you can operate it in all weather conditions, the electrical components are water-resistant and the heavy-duty steel gears are protected by a plastic housing.
This jack features a manual crank override so if your battery dies, you can still lift the jack. It connects to the top of the jack and requires surprisingly little effort to operate. It also has a bubble-style leveling cap so you will be able to set up your rig perfectly every time. It is always in place, even when you are traveling, so it is impossible for you to leave it behind. For working at night, there is an LED light that is operated via a toggle switch, and a directional shield makes the light shine downward where you need the illumination. The jack even comes with a heavy-duty weatherproof vinyl cover to protect the jack from the weather or when it is in storage. There are some reports of the powered function failing, but customer service seemed to be quick and effective. Also, the installation instructions sound like they could be a bit better organized.
- Brand Quick Products
- Model JQ-3500B
- Weight 25.9 pounds
Maximum lift capacity of 3,650 pounds
Electrical components are water-resistant
Bubble-style leveling cap and LED light
Potential for the powered function to fail
Installation instructions aren’t that great
This Uriah Products trailer jack is loaded with features to make any towing job quick and easy. The bright, built-in LED light makes hooking up a breeze at any time of day. This jack also features a seven-way connector that stores out of the way easily for travel. The lift motor in this model is pretty stout and can handle a maximum load of 5,000 pounds. Automatic thermal protection means the motor should not overheat and burn out. The one-piece plastic motor housing offers further protection for the water-resistant parts inside so you can feel confident using this jack in any weather.
The jack has a lift range of nine inches, all the way to 31.5 inches. This is a versatile tool that can make quick work of most tow hookups. The adjustable, oversized footpad provided added stability and safety for ease of use. Lift brake technology ensures reduced friction and better lift efficiency. An emergency manual crank is included so that you can get the job done, even if you lose power.
- Brand Uriah Products
- Model EUC500010
- Weight 22.3 pounds
Capacity of 5,000 pounds
Durable black powder-coat finish
Travel height of 18 inches
Made from durable hardened steel but still fairly light
Like many electric jacks, some have failed during limited use
Reports of lift capability not quite matching advertised amount
The Bulldog 500200 is a powered A-frame jack that has a maximum lift capacity of 4,000 pounds. The jack has a drop leg pull pin that is spring-loaded which provides a full 22 inches of travel that includes 14 inches of travel and eight inches of drop leg. This gives you exceptionally easy access even if a weight distribution system is getting in the way.
Thanks to the jack’s single-axis level, deployment is always easy and straightforward. There is a handy manual override that allows emergency operation if your battery gets drained. It comes with three LED lights so you can safely hook up or disconnect in low light conditions and at night. While the 500200 isn’t inexpensive, the premium pick typically isn’t as cheap as others.
- Brand Bulldog
- Model 500200
- Weight 24.1 pounds
Maximum lift capacity of 4,000 pounds
Design makes for easy access
Manual override
Three LED lights
More expensive choice than competitors
Reports of broken units received on shipment, or failures during limited use
Spring pin system has also been known to fail
This Lippert power tongue jack comes in a little lower, with a maximum lifting capacity of 3,500 pounds, but it’s priced well for those looking to save a few bucks. All you have to do to operate it is flick a switch. It has been manufactured with gears that have a helical cut and operate very quietly and efficiently.
There are four LED lights so you can set up camp in the night if you need to and electric leveling which is button-operated. It is an 18-inch stroke jack and when retracted the bracket height is 10.75 inches but when extended it is 28.75 inches. The casing is textured to protect it from chipping and cracking. With the jack, you get a manual crank handle (in case of battery failure), mounting hardware, and pins. At over 30 pounds, it’s also a bit heavier than most options on our list.
- Brand Lippert Components
- Model 285318
- Weight 31 pounds
Maximum lifting capacity of 3,500 pounds
Helical cut gears
Four LED lights
Casing is textured to protect it from chipping
A little on the heavy side compared to others
Incidents of defective units out of the box
The versatile SuperHandy power jack comes in at a lightweight 3,500-pound capacity. It still packs some impressive features like a DC 12V steel gear motor plus a 25A circuit breaker built in. You’ll get a 6-inch diameter footpad to support the weight and a total vertical travel of 18 inches.
The fairly simple adjustable height control and on-off button is flanked by an LED work light to keep things illuminated at night when you’re tired and ready to get set up already. Plus, there is a manual option in case you lose power.
- Brand SuperHandy
- Model B086SHPQC2
- Weight 23.4 pounds
Maximum lifting capacity of 3,500 pounds
Vertical travel of 18 inches
Stout 6-inch footpad for even weight distribution
12V connectivity
Potential for the jack to be dead on arrival or die shortly after installation
Wiring could be backwards
How We Selected Electric Trailer Jacks
We researched dozens of electric trailer jacks for sale and carefully weighed dozens of owner reviews on each product to help you find the right option for your RV. We weighed the owner assessments against our own expertise, which includes nearly 20 years of experience seeking out the best place to escape for a long weekend in the woods. We also prioritized well-known, high-quality electric trailer jack brands and owner reports that spoke to construction quality, ease of use, and durability.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Buying Guide/What to Look For
Here are a few critical things you should consider when you are choosing your electric camper jacks. First and foremost, be aware of the total weight of your rig as most electric trailer jacks have a max load capacity. Also, look at other critical items like power supply and total vertical travel as they can make the difference between usable and useless.
Key Features
Lifting Weight Capacity
It is critical that you get this right or you could overload the jack with serious consequences. The electric tongue jack will be required to lift the front of the trailer only so this will work out at around 15 percent of the total weight of your trailer when it is loaded. For lifting the front of most trailers, a jack with a capacity of up to 3,500 pounds is usually sufficient. If you use a weight-distribution system, you’ll need to raise more of the trailer’s weight. That means you’ll need a jack that can support the weight from the rear axle of the trailer as well. The total capacity in this case typically needs to be over 4,000 pounds. Always check with your RV or trailer manufacturer to estimate how much load is on your back axle.
Jack Shape
You have the option of an A-frame jack or a straight tongue jack. Obviously, if the front of your trailer is an A-shape, you need that type of jack. If the trailer has a straight tongue frame, you need a straight tongue-shaped jack.
Crank Style
This can be side wind or top wind but some jacks will do both. It is really a matter of personal preference. Some come with a trailer jack wheel, and some have a foot instead.
Installation
Electric camper jacks can either be bolted or welded on. You can remove the bolt-on jacks easily if you want to.
Electric or Manual Crank
Electric jacks require less effort, but you’ll run into problems if the power supply fails. This is why you need to look out for a jack that also has a manual crank in case your battery runs out.
Durability
This is important because you want electric camper jacks to last. A weatherproof casing is a good idea and some have waterproof covers too. An electric jack that is completely sealed is less likely to let in water. Corrosion can seriously shorten the life of an electric jack.
Tips and Tricks
As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and all things RV-related. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.
Tips
- Always make sure your trailer’s wheels are chocked before disconnecting.
- Also leaves the chains connected to your vehicle to minimize risk or rolling.
- Cross the chains! This will keep the tongue off of the ground in the event of something going sideways.
- Double-check the bolts or welds holding your electric jack to the trailer before operating.
- Do your best to ensure that you are parked on a level area to reduce the likelihood of something going wrong.
- At a minimum ensure that the jack leg is on a solid surface before operating.
FAQs
The required weight capacity of the tongue jack is typically determined by calculating the tongue weight of your trailer. The overall rule is roughly 15 percent of the weight of your fully-loaded trailer. If you have a 7,000 pound loaded trailer, using 15 percent as an example, you would require a tongue jack with a capacity of 1,050 pounds. However, if you are using a weight distribution system, you’ll need to raise more of the trailer’s weight and you’ll need a jack that can support the weight from the rear axle of the trailer as well.
To use an electric trailer jack, you connect the base of the jack to a solid surface. You hook up the jack to a power supply. Simply pull the pin on the leg to lower the inner leg and the foot to the ground. Then you line up the holes on the inner and outer leg and reinsert the pin. You switch on the jack to extend it and it will lift the front of the trailer into an elevated position.
You then reverse your vehicle so that the ball hitch lines up with the trailer’s tongue. Now you just crank the jack down until the trailer is seated over the hitch and you can connect the trailer to the hitch on the towing vehicle.
Start off with your safety checks. Make sure that your vehicle can safely tow the weight of your trailer, that your trailer hitch and ball can carry the weight and that the trailer is loaded in a balanced way.
Then you place the coupler on the tongue of the trailer over the ball on the ball mount and release the handwheel. Make sure they match so that the coupler’s securing device locks into position. This will stop the coupler from coming apart from the ball mount.
You should then cross the safety chains underneath the tongue of the trailer and attach them. If the trailer does ever break away from the hitch, its tongue will be supported by the chains. There should be slack in the chains so that you can turn corners. If you are towing a large trailer, there will probably be a braking system. If it is surge brakes, there will be an activation switch located in the trailer tongue so check this is set up. There will also be a connector to plug the trailer into the towing vehicle’s electrical system. This could be a simple four-way connector or a seven-way connector. Have one last check that everything is safe and secure and then you can hit the road.
Make sure that the trailer and tow vehicle are parked on a level surface, that the tow vehicle is in park mode, the motor is turned off and the parking brake is on. Put blocks in front of and behind the tires of the trailer to stop it from rolling. Disconnect the safety chains and the electric wires.
Loosen the coupler by pushing down on its latch and at the same time turning the handwheel counterclockwise. Give the trailer a push towards the vehicle and then lift the trailer using the handle on the tongue. If it doesn’t release, loosen the hand wheel some more. Once the trailer is disconnected, you can place the coupler on the ground, on a stand, or support it on the trailer jack.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick overall, the Husky Brute Power Electric Trailer Jack, is loaded with features for safety, ease of use, and convenience. This powerful electric tongue jack has a maximum lift capacity of 4,500 pounds. With maximum vertical travel of 18 inches, you have some flexibility in getting your rig hooked up. This model is built tough with hardened steel soldered connections and also ready for all-weather with a water-resistant housing and LED lighting.