When a boat trailer is not connected to a towing vehicle, the trailer tongue jack provides essential support. Looking to buy a new trailer tongue jack? Here are some key considerations to keep in mind before making your purchase.
The rated load capacity of the trailer tongue jack must be able to support your trailer's tongue weight, which is typically around 10% to 15% of the total weight of the boat and trailer. For all but the lightest small boats, I recommend choosing a capacity that is one size larger than required. This will extend its service life.
The lift height provided by a tongue jack refers to the range of heights it can operate within. You need the jack to be tall enough to support the trailer tongue so that the boat maintains a backward angle during storage for proper drainage, and also to reach and detach from your truck's hitch ball. A jack with the proper load capacity will offer sufficient lift height; it never hurts to take measurements before ordering or buying one from the store.
Wheel-mounted tongue jacks are suitable for boats weighing up to approximately 5,000 lbs. For heavier boats, a dual-wheel model is recommended. With this wheel (or wheels), you can move the trailer when it is not connected to the towing vehicle. This is helpful if you need to place the trailer in a very tight space or move it a few inches when trying to connect to the towing vehicle. Wheels are useful in these situations, although their effectiveness decreases on rougher terrain. Non-swivel jacks with fixed feet are designed for the heaviest boat trailers (after all, you can't move a large boat without a vehicle).
Different trailer tongues are made of different sizes of channel steel, such as 3×3 inches, 3×4 inches, and 3×5 inches for some large trailers. In most cases, choosing the right weight rating corresponds to selecting a jack with the appropriately sized clamp. However, it is still important to measure the trailer tongue size before purchase to ensure a proper fit.
1. If you have to extend the jack fully to keep the bow high enough for drainage, choose a taller jack or one with a longer stroke, or mount the jack on blocks to increase height. Extending the tongue jack fully will significantly shorten its service life.
2. Most marine trailer jacks are manually operated. Boat owners raise or lower the boat by cranking the handle. Today, there are other types of jacks that can be operated using a power drill. Some are even self-driven.
3. Fixed-foot jacks are also more suitable if the trailer is parked on rough or uneven ground after disconnecting from the towing vehicle. They offer greater stability and are less likely to shift. A cup or ring accessory can be purchased to prevent wheeled jacks from moving.
