Updated:
Although few people think of them in this manner, the trailer is among the oldest forms of wheeled transportation. Civilizations as far back as ancient Egypt had already come up with the idea of the chariot, and the idea of a towed payload has persisted throughout history.
Naturally, the development of heavier vehicles has caused trailers to change as well, and these days it is possible to see small cars towing things far bigger than themselves. The tractor-trailer truck, known in many locales as a ‘big rig’, has become the economic lifeblood of whole countries.
With trailers as big and complex as the cars that are pulling them, it should come as no surprise that trailers have their own considerable world of accessories. Some, such as lights or tires, are shared with other things on the road; others, such as the trailer jack, are used exclusively for towed vehicles.
Unlike an ordinary car jack, which tends to be used in repair work, a trailer jack can be used even when the trailer is in good working order. Large trailers especially will use the jack not only to attach and remove a trailer from the hitch but also serve as makeshift supports under trailers that would otherwise be unevenly balanced and dangerously unstable.
With such an important role for anyone dealing with trailers, it should be clear to all why you need the best ones. Here are five of the best models to use with your trailer.
Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
1. RAM EJ-3520-BBX  |
| Check Price |
2. Quick Products JQ-3500B  |
| Check Price |
3. Lippert 285318  |
| Check Price |
4. Husky HB4500  |
| Check Price |
5. Bulldog 500187  |
| Check Price |
Our Best Electric Trailer Jack Reviews and Comparisons
1.RAM EJ-3520-BBX
Product Highlights
The tractor-trailer industry works around the clock to keep freight moving. This trailer jack has a powerful light array to let truckers work safely at night.
Features
- 12v battery assist
- Body made of zinc tubing
- 18” travel height
- Supports up to 3500 lbs.
What We Like About RAM EJ-3520-BBX
Every jack is topped with an LED floodlight array that makes it easy to position the tractor and see the hitch.
What We Don’t Like About RAM EJ-3520-BBX
Poor electronics design can make this jack lose power after relatively little use.
PROS
- Built in lighting array
- Quiet operation
- Manual crank backup
- Good customer service
- Two leg extensions give added height versatility
CONS
- Works slower than other jacks
- Fuse and motor parts are low quality and need replacement often
2.Quick Products JQ-3500B
Product Highlights
This jack is an inexpensive but sturdy option for holding up heavier trailers.
Features
- Plastic housing
- Supports up to 3650 lbs
- 18” travel height
- Corded electrical power
What We Like About Quick Products JQ-3500B
This jack’s higher weight capacity makes it ideal for use under heavy freight.
What We Don’t Like About Quick Products JQ-3500B
The plastic housing on this jack is less resilient than all-metal alternatives.
PROS
- Corded power supply
- Emergency manual assist
- Relatively inexpensive
- High weight capacity
- Standardized components for easy repair
CONS
- Plastic housing does not have the durability of metal
- Ground wire may need assembly
3.Lippert 285318
Product Highlights
This jack is a fully automated model that gives precise leveling at the push of a button.
Features
- Supports up to 3500 lbs
- Plastic construction
- Single cord power
- Extends up to 28.5”
What We Like About Lippert 285318
This model includes automatic leveling switches, giving digital precision when trying to stabilize your trailer.
What We Don’t Like About Lippert 285318
The electronics in this model are more delicate than others, making it somewhat more fragile and shorter-lived.
PROS
- 4 LED lights keep hooking up easy and safe
- Digital leveling mechanism
- Helix gears are more efficient
- 30amp motor
CONS
- 30amp motor
- Will need to be replaced more frequently than other jacks.
4.Husky HB4500
Product Highlights
This trailer jack is built tough to allow you to work in all weather.
Features
- Supports up to 4500lbs
- Steel construction
- Three-cable electric power supply
- 6” extension
What We Like About Husky HB4500
This jack is quite resilient for the price, with parts and machining not often seen in budget equipment.
What We Don’t Like About Husky HB4500
The motor on this jack is mounted on the front of the tool, making it awkward to use while attaching the trailer to the truck.
PROS
- High-quality construction
- Screw design reduces friction
- Three cable array protects from suges or other malfunctions
- Weatherproof coating
- Exceptional load capacity
CONS
- Awkward design
- Short warranty period
5.Bulldog 500187
Product Highlights
This jack provides impressive reliability in a lightweight and easily positionable package.
Features
- Supports up to 3500lbs
- 14” leg extension
- Aluminum construction
- Integrated 12v battery power
What We Like About Bulldog 500187
This jack is designed narrower and with an onboard power supply to make it easy to use with any trailer or camper.
What We Don’t Like About Bulldog 500187
The low load capacity and narrow construction mean that this jack is not as reliable a support as many would like to have.
PROS
- Compact design
- Onboard power supply
- Manual emergency crank
- LED light can be angled to fall on the coupler
- 5 year warranty
CONS
- Relatively pricey
- Battery installation can be difficult
Final Verdict
Hauling large campers or shipping containers means a serious health and safety risk, both to yourself and to others around you. A proper trailer jack can seriously mitigate the risks, preventing tipping accidents and sparing serious damage to the trailer and its surroundings.
For many, having a good jack will be necessary just to get on the road. Without a jack, attaching a large freight trailer to a rig can be all but impossible.
When buying your jack, take into account both the shape of the trailer and where it is likely to be parked. Try to pick a trailer jack and hitch that will keep your vehicle streamlined and within a designated parking spot – protruding attachments can be almost as damaging to other cars as actual unsafe driving, and are far more liable to be clipped off by accidents.
It is worth mentioning that while all of these jacks should be more than capable of raising or lowering your trailer safely, they are still supporting and moving what is effectively another car. Make sure you and others keep a safe distance before activating your trailer jack.
Related Posts:
- Best Jack Stands for 2020 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]
- Best Mechanics Creeper for 2020 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]
- Best Torque Wrench for 2020 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]
Leave a Reply