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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
The 10 Best RV Jacks: Brand Buying Guide & Reviews
Whether you’re parked on uneven terrain or need to perform maintenance tasks, RV Jacks are pivotal in ensuring your vehicle remains steady and secure. Their robust construction and design make them reliable for supporting large loads.
- Choose a type based on need: scissor, hydraulic, or electric.
- Weight capacity must match or exceed RV’s GVWR.
- Select the size according to your RV’s height.
- Consider jacks with additional features for convenience.
- Regular maintenance is crucial for longevity.
- Safety and stability depend on proper jack use.
- Factor in the ease of operation and installation.
In this article, we’re reviewing seven of the best electric jacks on the market. We’ll jot down all of their advantages and disadvantages to give you a better picture of which ones are the best.
We also took some courtesy to throw three manual jacks into the mix so you can better see what makes them different.
We also wrote some pointers at the bottom to help you choose the best jack that will work best for the services that you need.
In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into some of the top-performing RV Jacks available on the market.
The 10 Best RV Jacks of 2024
1. JQ-3500B Power A-Frame Electric Tongue Jack
Summary
If you’re big on load capacity, then this JQ-3500W is your best choice. It has a maximum weight limit of 3650 pounds! That’s very impressive. Plus, it has plenty of other unique features that keep plenty of RVers happy and satisfied.
It’s easy to install. You won’t need any particular skill set to get this jack to work. It comes with all the regular jack dimensions, making it easy to figure out. We’ve seen it work on some pretty heavy vehicles, and it didn’t even look like it was struggling.
One of this unit’s best features is its Manual Override. If you’ve ever had an electric jack die on you, don’t worry.
That won’t happen with this one. This jack can still give your RV a good lift without being stressful in case of a power failure. That is what the Override is for. It’s a handy feature that you’ll be thankful for someday.
We know that you think a manually operated jack will be a hassle, but this one has its crank located almost at the top. This means that if ever you need to use the override, it won’t require as much effort from you as regular manual jacks.
Also, it’s important to note that this jack is water-resistant. It’s a nice little feature that’s rare to find in an electric jack, and it sweetens the deal for buyers.
Its damage-proof cover made of high-quality vinyl ensures that this well-manufactured jack will stay in tip-top shape for a very long time. It is resistant to corrosion or any kind of deterioration caused by the elements.
This jack also has a nice bubble-style cap that ensures your setup is leveled before it’s towed, greatly enhancing its appeal.
Sadly, it does feel a little slow. If you’ve ever tried other electric jacks, you might get irritated at how slowly this one works.
However, given the price and how much it’s sold for, you can’t complain. This is a great deal, one of the best you’ll ever get for a jack.
Well, we don’t think that it’s a big deal, but if you can’t look past it, that’s fine. We have plenty of other recommendations in this list.
Pros:
- Manual Override in case of power failure
- Easy to figure out
- Water-resistant despite being electric
- It has an efficient leveling cap
- Can lift to 3,650 lbs
Cons:
- It feels a little slow
2. Lippert Power Tongue Jack
Summary
If you have an enormous RV, this jack would work very well for you. Lippert’s astounding 3.5k pound capacity means that there is almost nothing that this robust jack can’t lift.
It also comes with a nice, sturdy case. Since the jack is prone to damage, it’s a nice added layer of protection. This ensures that your jack can stay in pristine condition for longer. The case also ensures that nothing happens to your jack even when you drop it.
Another great thing about the Lippert is that it comes with all the necessary add-ons to make it work smoothly. This means you don’t need to buy any other expensive helping tool for this jack.
It’s a very generous move by its manufacturers. Imagine how much more profit they could make if they sold everything separately. Kudos to them.
If you ever feel uneasy about battery-operated jacks, don’t worry. This one has a manual override. This means that you can still use it even when the battery dies. So, there’s a zero percent chance that this jack will fail you when you need it.
The Lippert is also designed to be intuitive. It doesn’t expect its users to be jack experts. Its essential features can be achieved in under two clicks or less.
It’s that user-friendly. If you need it to level your rig, you only need to press a single button and viola! Your RVs are leveled. It’s a simple yet powerful tool.
And though you might not need it, this jack also has LED lights. So if you’re ever stuck somewhere dark and you need to make car repairs fast, this tool can light everything up for you. It’s a very unique but handy feature.
The Lippert seems light-years ahead of its competitors. It’s already solving modern-day problems that people haven’t even complained about yet.
Of course, it’s not all 5 stars. It does have durability issues, so you probably won’t be able to enjoy it long. Plus, it also works slow. If you do car repairs for a living or if you like your jacks fast, then skip this one. Speed isn’t one of its fortes.
Still, it’s an excellent jack. If you can look past those tiny little blunders, get this one. That long list of features greatly outnumbers its cons. This is still really one of the best out there.
Pros:
- Manual Override in case of power failure
- Easy to figure out
- Has LED lights for emergency purposes
- It comes with a complete set of materials
- It comes with a strong, sturdy case
- Can lift to 3,500 lbs
Cons:
- It moves a little slow
- Possible issues around longevity
3. Uriah Electric Trailer Jack
Summary
This Uriah is super easy to operate. Its 7-pin connector will make your entire life much easier. It means that you won’t need to do much to get it to work. It would help if you simply plugged it in and then you’re done. It’ll do the rest for you.
This particular jack is also low-maintenance, meaning you don’t have to attend to it as much as others. It’s very durable, and it can take care of itself.
Its frame is powder-coated, which makes it resistant to damage caused by rusting or deterioration. It’s a unique feature that you’ll only get from this jack. That ensures that it’ll have a long and durable life.
This jack also has handy LED lights for emergencies to ensure you’ll never have to work in the dark. This is a very nice feature, and though you might never need it in your life, it’s still comforting to know that it’s there if you do.
This jack also has a manual override that allows you to operate it even without a single spark of electricity. It also comes with a year-long warranty that ensures you’ll get your money’s worth with it no matter what happens.
This shows how much confidence its maker has in it. Of course, if they’re not sure that this jack will perform well, they won’t back it up with a warranty like that. It gives you some insurance as to its quality and performance.
This tool’s 5,000 lbs capacity means that it can perform heavy-duty operations. Its only downside is its slow performance and confusing manual.
Still, these aren’t that terrible. If you can look past them, this is still a great jack, and we recommend it to anyone.
Pros:
- Year-long warranty
- Manual Override in case of power failure
- Easy to figure out
- Has LED lights for emergency purposes
- Added protection against rusting
- Can lift to 5,000 lbs
Cons:
- It moves a little slow
- Confusing Manual
4. EJ-3520-BBX 3,500 lb. Electric Trailer Jack
Summary
If you’re on a tight budget but you need a good jack, check out this one from RAM products. It may be cheap, but it’s still made of top-notch materials that are very durable and commonly sold at higher prices.
Its gears are pure, shiny steel and look like they can last forever. Some parts of this jack, like its inner tube and footplate, are made of deterioration-resistant material. Overall, this tool will stay with you for a very long time. If you choose this one, you won’t need to get yourself a new one for years.
It also comes with a manual override feature that ensures you can still use it even with a dead battery. The 7-and-a-half-inch drop is a great plus. It leaves the operator with plenty of room to make specific changes.
This jack is very user-friendly. Almost all of its great features are only a couple of clicks away. Now, you’ll never have to worry about making a mistake while operating it. With this jack, you can connect to that tow easily.
It’s good to know that at 3. 5k lbs capacity, it’s also capable of heavy-duty lifting. Plus, it has that emergency LED light feature, so you’ll never have to try to operate it in the dark.
It does have a warranty, but it’s limited, so that might discourage some people from buying it. After all, if the company that made it doesn’t have that much trust in its ability to deliver good results, then why should we? It’s a letdown.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Easy to figure out and set up
- Has LED lights for emergency purposes
- Some parts are made to be resistant to deterioration
- Can lift to 3,500 lbs
Cons:
- It moves a little slow
- It has a warranty, but it’s limited
5. Husky Super Brute Electric Jack
Summary
If you think that the 3.5k lbs capacity isn’t enough and you require more power, then get the Husky. Its 5k lbs capacity should be enough to lift your RV like it is paper or a bunch of grapes.
This jack also has a unique screw design that makes it more silent to operate than any other product on this list. It’s a great feature, especially when you suddenly need to use it near a house, and you don’t want to bother the people in it.
That unique screw also contributes to a long lifespan. It manages the jack’s friction and the number of amperes it uses, which can help preserve its pristine conditions for longer. Plus, that makes it smoother to raise and bring down.
This product has two remotes. So you can control its every move, even when you’re not near it. You can raise it or lower it as you wish by pressing a button. It’s very convenient.
If you’re a beginner and you’re not sure how to operate a jack, don’t worry. The Husky’s smart feature automatically stops it when it reaches a certain height to prevent the tool from getting damaged or unstable.
Also, this product’s switches are weatherproof, so you can use them safely even under extreme conditions. They also have a very generous 2-year warranty that protects you and your investment.
This is one of the best out there. This jack will make your life so much easier. If you’re looking for a reliable and cheap choice, go with this Husky. It won’t fail you no matter what.
Sadly, it doesn’t have mounting bolts. You need to provide those yourself. It’s a bit of a hassle to get, but it’s that big of a deal, and it’s certainly not that much of a deal-breaker.
Pros:
- Has two Remotes
- It has a generous two-year warranty
- High-tech feature that automatically stops it at a certain height
- Weatherproof switches
- Can lift to 5,000 lbs
Cons:
- It would help if you got your mounting bolts
6. Bulldog Powered Drive A-Frame Tongue Jack
Summary
If you want the best jack of its type in the market, then here it is. This Bulldog is a winner, and its confident 5-year warranty is an excellent testament to that.
With a warranty that long, this product’s manufacturer seems to dare us to try to max out their product. They’re probably sure that it can stably deliver no matter what we throw at it.
That’s a huge amount of confidence, though, and such an assurance for us as consumers.
Well, it’s easy to see why they’re so confident. At 4k lbs weight capacity, there’s almost nothing that this bad boy won’t be able to lift.
Plus, the entire jack is made of top-notch materials resistant to many deterioration. So, really, their confidence in it has a good basis.
This jack also has an 8-inch drop leg to help it while lifting. This makes it easier to operate and move around when lifting. It also has three emergency LED lights to help you operate it better in the dark.
To add more to its long list of features, it also has a manual override feature, and it’s cheaper than you’d expect it to be. Performance-wise, it’s A-plus. You can’t say anything wrong there; it’s all up, no negatives.
It’s now easy to see why the Bulldog has so many fans. It’s a high-quality jack that would serve you for many years. We haven’t heard anyone criticizing its performance.
Some customers did encounter packaging problems. Some reported getting busted stuff. It’s a really scary problem you don’t want to be a victim of. So if you do order from here, hope and pray that it doesn’t happen to you too.
Pros:
- It has three LED lights for emergency purposes
- Surfaces are resistant to deterioration
- Can lift to 4,000 lbs
- It has a manual override feature for emergency purposes
- It has a generous 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Packaging could be better
7. Husky HB4500 4500 lbs. Brute Power Jack
Summary
This other Husky is also as robust and reliable as its brother product. It also asserts the fact that Husky products truly would be the best if two of their products made it to this list.
This weatherproof jack is made of a material that can withstand any weather, no matter how extreme. It doesn’t have to be stored or kept in a particular place.
It’s so durable that it can survive no matter the weather. It’s perfect for travel junkies who find themselves going everywhere.
It’s also very durable, and you can be sure that it’ll serve you well for many years. Plus, it’s heavy-duty, and it can be brave no matter what situation you put it into.
Unlike most products on this list, this one works fast. If you hated slow jacks, then you’ll see this one. It can lift your RV to 10 inches in less than half a second. It’s amazing. With this jack, you can set up that entire tow thing in under 30 minutes.
Its 6-inch leg drop also helps ensure that your rig can move smoothly. This jack is getting so much praise online from enthusiasts and travelers. Its performance is so good that you’ll want to give it a nice round of slow claps.
This Husky’s highlights are its sturdiness, fantastic performance, and the comfort that it brings its users. It’s straightforward to see why it has so many fans. It’s the best.
We do have just one problem with it. It’s not a problem, but it bothered us anyway. It only has a month-long guarantee. Why? It’s a little puzzling and worrying. What was Husky thinking when they made that move?
Pros:
- Made of waterproof materials
- Fast and not slow, like plenty of jacks on this list
- The drop leg is 6 inches
- Can lift to 4,500 lbs
Cons:
- It has a warranty but only for a month
8. Reese Towpower 74407 A-Frame Jack
Summary
This isn’t exactly an electric jack but instead, it’s a manual. However, we felt that its performance was also a nod worthy, so we gave it a place on this list. Don’t worry; even when it’s manual, it can still get the job done as smoothly and as unique as any electric can.
The first good thing about it is its very cheap price. Although we half expected it since it’s not battery operated and you have to break a sweat for it, it’s still cheap.
That’s pretty awesome. It’s not like this product is made of poor-quality material because it’s not. It’s made of high-quality items. It’s just not electric.
Also, it’s not really for hefty trailers. It has a max capacity of 2,000 lbs. So, if you have a giant trailer, you might want to move down the list because this one isn’t for you.
It’s welded on, which makes it pretty easy to set up. You don’t need a manual to make it happen; you can figure it out. It doesn’t have a lot of parts, and it’s not that confusing. We think we can count this as one of its great features.
Aside from that, it’s very sturdy. Look it up online. People can attest to its incredible durability. You’re not going to have longevity or sturdiness issues with this one. It’s built to last.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Easy to figure out and set up
- The mounting bracket is welded and not bolted on
- Made of high-quality materials
- Can lift to 2,000 lbs
Cons:
- It’s a hassle to operate
9. Bulldog Fulton Sidewind 14 Travel A-Frame Jack
Summary
This bulldog may be manual, but it’s still a Bulldog, so you’re still sure of its excellent quality. It has plenty of unique add-on features that will surely interest even die-hard electric fans.
For one thing, it has a 5k lbs max capacity. That means there’s almost nothing that it can’t lift. Whatever your trailer might weigh. It can’t possibly need any more than that to go up.
Plus, this one is easy to set up. It can fit in regular mounting holes and wouldn’t take you 30 minutes to assemble. It’s not that much of a hassle.
Its side handle is so easy to use and to move around. It makes the rig flexible and adjustable. It makes the entire process go smoothly and without complications.
Lastly, this jack is super affordable. Sure, the fact that it’s a manual helped bring its price down a lot. It’s a great steal. Plus, it comes with a generous 5-year warranty, so what more could you ask for?
Pros:
- Side handles are straightforward to maneuver
- Can be mounted to regular RVs with mounting holes measuring about two and four inches
- Can lift to 5,000 lbs
- It has a generous five-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s a hassle to operate
- Made of plastic
10. CURT 28204 A-Frame Trailer Jack
Summary
Here’s another manual. The Curt may be from an unknown manufacturer, but if you look it up online, many past customers could swear to its performance. It’s not really for heavy-duty use but at 2k lbs, it’s not so bad.
It has an easy-to-use side handle that makes it flexible and easy to maneuver. Its vertical of 14 and a half inches also makes it very moveable when lifting.
It’s also super easy to set up. It fits in regular 2-half-inch holes and can be mounted or bolted, depending on your preference.
It’s made of highly durable materials, which ensure its longevity. Your trailer would deteriorate before this great little tool does. Plus, it’s cheap, which is expected of a manual.
It’s a great steal, and if you can handle manuals, then we recommend it. It’s one of the best jacks out there, even considering electronics.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Side handles are straightforward to maneuver
- Can be mounted to regular RVs with mounting holes measuring about 2 and four inches
- Can lift to 2,000 lbs
Cons:
- It’s a hassle to operate
- Packaging isn’t well done
What To Look For When Buying An RV Electric or Manual Jack
There is always a definite set of factors that make a certain tool or appliance “good” or “bad.” These factors are what you have to focus on when buying a product. They’ll tell you whether you’re getting a good one or if you’re just wasting your money.
The same is valid for jacks. So, if you’re new to this tool and still don’t have a solid idea of what makes it tick, take it from us.
In this section of the article, we’ll review what makes a good jack and what features to look for when buying one.
If you were ever confused about anything in the reviews above, this section might be able to clarify that for you. Here, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about electric jacks.
Maximum Capacity
Of course, it’s a no-brainer that weight capacity would be here. This factor should be high on your list of priorities.
Jack capacities usually vary, and if you accidentally get one that won’t lift your ride, you just throw your money away. You will not be able to use that tool at all, not even for anything.
So to make sure that doesn’t happen, you need to make sure that you know your RV well. Find out its overall weight if you can somehow, measure it yourself.
Its tongue’s weight would amount to around 15 percent of the overall weight. That should be narrow enough to give you an idea of which weight bracket it’ll most likely fall into.
Of course, you shouldn’t get a jack that would just be cutting it close. As with buying clothes, get the next size up. If your trailer is about 6k lbs, a jack that can take a 600 would do.
However, to give it an allowance of some sort, you should get a jack with a capacity of about 800 or above.
That’s just to ensure that it can comfortably lift your RV. Plus, it’s better to be sure than to have a jack give up on you and damage your RV. That can even endanger your life. That’s not what you want to happen, so you have to be careful when making your choice.
Tongue jacks only lift tongues. They’re not meant to lift the entire RV. They should be capable of braving 15 percent of the total weight, which is the estimated weight of the tongue or the front part of your RV.
Just as a safety measure, give your jack a 2k or 3k lbs allowance. This means that you should get the jack that can accommodate a tongue weighing about 2-3 thousand lbs more than you need.
This isn’t just about the stability of your RC. It’s also for your safety when working with it.
Of course, you could also get a jack to lift the entire ride. It would have to be about 5k lbs more potent than those on our list, but they’ll be able to get the job done.
Make sure that if you get one of those, it distributes the RV’s entire weight all over its body and can lift it comfortably.
Sturdiness and Longevity
Of course, sturdiness is an essential feature of jacks. Heck, it’s an important feature to focus on when buying anything.
A product’s durability can often significantly affect its performance. This factor will also decide whether the jack is worth the price at which it’s sold.
The material used to make the product usually decides how durable it is. You don’t even have to know that much about jacks or high-grade materials to be able to judge this one.
Even your basic knowledge about them would do. For example, you know full well that steel is more substantial than plastic. So of course, an all-steel jack would surely be durable.
Also, pay attention to the little things. How many screws does the entire setup have? Are its edges screwed together or welded? These might seem unimportant, but these little things tell you how well-manufactured a product is.
You should also pay attention to products’ damage resistance features and whether they have one. Electric jacks don’t do well with water. However, accidents can’t be prevented, so jacks with added safety features get plus points in our book.
Also, anti-deterioration features will extend your tool’s life. That means that you won’t have to replace it for a very long time.
Plus, a feature like that can ensure that your jack won’t look like a zombie after just a couple of months. Plastic jacks tend to do that, so it’s best to avoid them at all costs.
You should also pay attention to the warranty. Not all jacks have it, but most of the top ones do.
A warranty can ensure that no matter what happens, the money you invested in getting that jack is protected. It also tells you a lot about how confident its maker is in its performance.
Assembly
It would help if you tried to figure out how to assemble a product before you buy it. Try to ask yourself, can you do this on your own? Would you need to hire a pro for this? Does this jack require a unique set of skills to assemble?
If it doesn’t, and you think you can make it happen alone, go for it. However, if you think it’s beyond you, or if you see that it’ll need a unique tool that you don’t have, don’t buy it. It’ll just cost you more in the end. Just get another model.
If you don’t want to go through all of these, then get a welded-on jack. These are installed to stay on your RV. They don’t require too many processes to get going. Just weld them to your RV, and you’re good.
Bolted-on, on the other hand, requires more effort. However, they also give you more control over your RV. Plus, they’re removable, and you can even use them on multiple vehicles if you want.
Shape and Size
Please take a good long look at an RV’s front and try to research what category it falls into. It could either just be an A-frame or a straight tongue.
This is very important because jacks must latch onto your vehicle to work. If you get the wrong type of tongue, then the jack won’t be able to secure it as much as it has to.
So remember that RVs with A-frame fronts need A-frame jacks. RVs with straight frame fronts need straight frontal jacks. It’s that easy. Just don’t get them mixed up, and you’ll be fine.
While we make it sound simple, plenty of people get this part wrong. So keep every piece of our advice in mind and apply it when buying jacks. Follow all of them, and you’ll surely get the best tool for your money.
Manual Override Feature
One reason many people still use manuals rather than electrical jacks is that manuals don’t run out of batteries. It’s a good thing that plenty of the top electrical jacks these days have a special manual override feature.
This means that if they run out of battery, they have a special crank that still makes them usable and operational.
It’s a great feature that ensures that no matter what happens. Your jack will still be able to lift your RV. You might never use this feature in your life.
However, it’s still comforting to know that your jack has it. Plus, electric jacks with this feature aren’t even that expensive, so it doesn’t hurt to get one.
Crank
There are two types of cranks on the market: top or side wind. We try to headhunt jacks that have both. They’re rare, but they’re comfortable. Plus, they allow you to choose which style you want to use.
Still, it depends on what you want. It won’t affect performance, so just go with whichever you think will best suit you.
Budget
The budget may take the most significant slice of your decision cake. There are plenty of jacks in the market. Their prices usually vary depending on how feature-packed they are.
You can get one for 150 dollars or less. It’s not going to be impressive, but it’ll work. It should still be able to lift your RV’s tongue and get the job done.
However, if you have the moola for it, then go for the top ones, whose prices usually start at 300 dollars. Those jacks surely have amazing features that would make your life ridiculously easier.
Plus, the material they’re made of will surely be of top quality, which is what you should aim for.
While the cheap ones work, they often lack durability. They’re typically made of less expensive materials that easily deteriorate and wear off over time. You can’t complain because of how much you got them for.
If you need a fast working electric jack, go for the cheap ones. They’ll still be able to serve you well in the very little time that you’ll have them in excellent condition.
However, if you’re looking for a trusty RV jack that’ll last you years, prepare a mighty budget for it.
You won’t regret it. Expensive Electric jacks are a worthy investment that reaps rewards for as long as you have them. Plus, you won’t need a replacement for them for a very long time.
What you should know about Electric Jacks
It pays to be an informed buyer. You can’t have too much information about something. It’s good that you know a lot about a product before shopping for it. It’ll make your decision-making easier and give you a higher chance of getting a better deal for your money.
So the information above is just some of the basic things you should know about jacks before buying one. Below is some more critical information about them. Please pay close attention to the following discussions because they’re vital in getting a good jack.
Take the time to read this now instead of later when you realize you purchased a bad product and are trying to find out what went wrong with it. Read each section carefully and try to keep it in the back of your mind.
So, Why do RVs have their own Jack?
That’s a good question. Electric front jacks or tongue jacks are special tools that raise your RV a little to easily connect it to a towing truck. This is handy for when you encounter an emergency or need a little help getting back.
Shouldn’t tow vehicles be able to lift the RV themselves? Well, they can’t and they need a little help. That’s why it’s your responsibility as an RV owner to always have a tongue jack ready inside your vehicle when something like this happens.
So, Why do RVs have their jack? That’s because they’re heavier than standard vehicles. Regular car jacks aren’t made to accommodate their weight. So, there are jacks that are made specifically for them.
Some of these are called tongue jacks, which would only lift the vehicle’s front part and not its whole body. This makes it easier for towing vehicles to latch on to its “tongue” or the beam in front of it.
When you use an RV jack, it’ll push against the ground and pull your RV, by its “tongue,” up. It’s not that hard to imagine how important it is.
You can’t tell when an accident will happen so you must be ready and always have a trusty jack wherever you go.
It’ll be a hassle to try connecting an RV to a towing truck without a jack, but it won’t take too much time. It might even cause dents and damage to your vehicle’s front area.
What does a Tongue Jack do?
Tongue jacks are pretty easy to figure out. Once you know how to get them working, you won’t find it hard to operate one. They usually work the same.
So here is the correct sequence of steps that you should do to operate a tongue jack and raise your vehicle successfully.
- Take out the pin to drop the main part of the jack firmly in the ground
- Let the jack push against the ground to raise your trailer up
- Position the tow car close to your trailer’s tongue
- Lower the jack to the hitch that will connect the beam of your trailer and the tow car
- Adjust your jack until your trailer connects with the tow car
Don’t worry, you can do this entire process without special skill or technical knowledge. It’s that easy. Of course, the real process would depend on the kind of jack that you have, but this is more or less how you’ll go about doing it.
Considering these steps should give you an idea of what you want your jack to look like. This is why it’s important that it’s easy to operate.
So when you’re shopping, take a jack and imagine yourself doing the steps above with that jack. If you think you can handle it, then purchase it.
Types of electric jacks for RV tongues
There are plenty of electrical jacks in the market. To pick the right one for your RV, you need to know which type it specifically needs.
In most cases, getting the wrong jack type for the wrong RV tongue means you can’t use that jack. So be careful when choosing and focus on this information a lot.
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Electric A-Frames
This jack type can be welded or bolted. Its weight capacity is usually somewhere between 2k lbs and 2k lbs. This type of jack is most popular with travelers and experienced RVers who are always on the go.
Some are battery-operated, while some are plugged in. You can choose to go with either of those; they perform just as well as the other, so there wouldn’t be that much of a difference.
Just make sure that you’re going with an electrically operated one. You won’t stand a chance trying to control a jack like this manually; it’ll just tear your arms apart.
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Heavy Duty Jacks
If your RV weighs more than the normal ones, there are still jacks in the market that can carry it. Those are the heavy-duty jacks. They can accommodate trailers that weigh up to 12k lbs, which is impressive.
There are even some who can take more than that. Whatever weight you need, there’s one available out there for it. It’ll cost you, of course, but at least it can get the job done for you.
Jacks like these are also equipped with more support frames, so you’ll never be truly left alone trying to operate them yourself. They’re almost always electric, so you only have to choose whether you want to go with the order or battery-operated.
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Side Mount Jack
This jack type lets the jack swing out when towing and swing down when jacking. It can either be bolted or welded.
Side mounts can be mounted in three different ways: pipe mounting, drop leg, or pin swivel. The last one can’t handle heavyweights and can only support about 1.5k lbs max.
Pipe mounting, on the other hand, usually handles weights twice or thrice more than pic swivels. Their capacity ranges from 2-7k lbs. The last one, the drop leg, has the most capacity at 8-12k lbs. Nothing can beat that mounting type.
Why would you want to get an Electric jack?
There are plenty of reasons why it’s a good idea to get an electric jack. Aside from making your life so much easier, owning a tool like this can give you other heavy benefits. Here are some of them:
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Sure and secure lifting
Why risk your RV? Get the right tool now. With the proper jack, you can take your vehicle higher more safely and efficiently. Plus, now you can keep it up for as long as needed.
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Saves you time
With an electric jack, you’ll never have to spend hours trying to lift the RV; the entire towing process can be completed in under 30 minutes.
Sure, some RVs are slower than others, but they’re not that slow, and they won’t take an entire hour to reach their maximum height limit.
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It keeps you out of harm’s way
We don’t even have to tell you how dangerous it is to try to lift an RV using a manual jack. We’re sure you have a pretty good idea.
Having an electric jack ensures that you won’t have to put yourself at risk again like that. Plus, an electric jack requires almost no hard effort, so you don’t need to strain any parts of your body to operate it.
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Lifts the trailer more stable
An electric tow truck can hold your trailer more securely, even if it’s not connected to a tow truck yet.
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It makes the towing process a breeze
While towing is generally a hassle, having an electric jack can make it a breeze. Now, it doesn’t have to feel as stressful, and you don’t have to sweat as much for it.
There are plenty of other reasons why getting an electric jack is a good idea, but these should be more than enough to convince you that you need one.
The main point is that this tool can make your life much easier. It can make an activity that’s generally considered to be a hassle and time-consuming suddenly easy and manageable.
So, get one. Trust us. It would help if you had it.
FAQs
If you’re still confused about some things, check out these common questions and see if they can clarify them. We usually hear people ask these questions, so we took the time to answer all of them here.
Suggest some good brands
Of course, in anything and any industry, someone always leads the race. In tongue jacks, there are also some leading manufacturers whose names regularly appear in rankings and recommendations.
We suggest the company Bulldog and the other one, Husky. They might seem familiar to you. Some of their best products made it to our list. In terms of jacks, these two are the best of the best.
They’re considered the top tier. We’ll give you a bit of background on each of them to help you get to know them better.
Of course, they’re not the only ones. There are other good brands out there. However, we felt these two are the most prominent and consistent in the market.
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Husky
Husky not only pumps out great products after great products but also has an amazing, really strong customer support system.
You’ll rarely encounter a problem with any of their goods, but if you do, they make sure to resolve it in the best and most efficient way possible.
They pride themselves on great quality products and very knowledgeable employees. It shows in their products. Any of their items seem very intuitive. As if the person making them is an RVer wanting to solve an actual problem.
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Bulldog
Bulldog is an established company with a century-long history and many loyal customers who can attest to its great products and services.
This company offers excellent, accommodating customer service. The staff is knowledgeable about their products and RVing, which is nice and reassuring.
Bulldog always makes great-quality products. All of them seem well-manufactured and very clean-cut. You won’t regret getting anything from them. They have never pumped out a bad product for a very long time.
Of course, other manufacturers can also offer you great products. However, these two are just on a whole different level that we had to mention separately.
Do check out their offerings and see if there’s anything you like. You’ll never be disappointed if you go with these brands. They have the best.
What jack size do I need?
As we mentioned before, the size or maximum weight capacity that you need is dependent on the size of your RV—more specifically, the size of your RV’s tongue. You need to get a jack that can carry more than the weight of your tongue to ensure stability.
If you don’t know how to calculate your RV tongue’s weight, here’s how: Calculate your RV’s overall weight. You can either Google it or measure it. Just make sure it’s correct.
Then multiply it by .10 to get its 10%. So, if you have a 2000-lb trailer, your tongue weight would be around 200 lbs.
So does that mean you should get a 200-lb jack? No. You need to get the jack that can accommodate thrice that. This is just for security purposes. You don’t want to take chances at this, so you should be super sure that your jack can handle your RV.
So, for a 200-lb tongue, get a jack that can accommodate around 2,000 lbs of weight. It’s that easy. Just stick to that formula whenever you get a jack for your trailer. It’s okay to get a jack with a higher capacity. That’s much better.
If you don’t do it like this, you might get your RV in trouble. That’s the last thing that you’d want to happen. So just follow these simple rules when buying your jack.
Also, read the product descriptions carefully. Some write down important details you don’t want to miss. They also often describe the RV type that they’re most compatible with. So, before buying anything, find the one that best matches your ride.
Once you get this step done, everything else will flow more smoothly. It’s just this one crucial detail that would set the foundation for the next steps. So please don’t take it too lightly and focus when doing it.
How do I connect the tow vehicle to my RV?
Before making the connection, inspect the vehicle. Is it capable of supporting my ride’s weight? Can it handle the trailer securely? These are important questions that you should ask before making the connection.
When you’re done and sure about the entire setup, then do the hitching. Be careful not to tilt the trailer even just a little. Always check if the weight of the RV is evenly distributed all over the tow truck. Otherwise, you might have problems when you hit the road.
Start connecting. Attach your trailer to your jack and start lifting its mouth until the beam in front of the RV meets at the same height as the tow truck’s hook. Once you get this done, then start pushing them together.
After you’re sure that they’re secure and ready, let go. You should see the tow truck’s hinge lock into the beam of your RV. Now, secure the chains in front of your trailer to the tow truck.
They will ensure that your RV stays connected to the tow vehicle in case their connection with the beam accidentally breaks. Just be careful not to make it too tight, which might cause problems when making turns.
If your RV is one of those huge ones, double-check your brakes. Make sure it’s switched to your trailer’s front side. It is essential to ensure the trailer moves while it’s being towed.
You’ll also need an electrical connector to join the tow vehicle and the RV. Depending on the type of tow truck you’re attaching your vehicle to, you can use either a seven-way or a four-way connector.
That’s it. Just recheck it before you signal the other vehicle’s driver to start going. Once everything is ready, then go. You can never be too sure about all of these.
How do you operate an RV electric jack?
The fact that it’s electric makes the entire process much more straightforward. The modern electric jacks are very user-friendly. They usually only require a couple of clicks before they start working.
Before everything, ensure your tool has all the power it needs. If it’s battery-operated, make sure it’s charged, and if it’s corded, make sure it’s plugged in.
Then, pull the pin on the jack’s leg. This will place the jack’s foot securely on the floor. After that, align the two-leg holes and put the pin back where you pulled it out from.
Once that’s done, start extending the jack to lift your trailer. Position the tow vehicle somewhere near the back where its hitch can align directly with the RV’s beam.
It’s obvious what you should do after that. Join them together and connect. Back your tow vehicle a little until it connects to the beam. And you’re done, do some more securing where needed, and then drive away.
How do I get my trailer off of the Tow car?
That’s not so hard to do either. So, pick a spot and park your vehicles once you reach your destination. Make sure that the spot is stable and flat.
Leave the tow car on the brake before you go out and check on your RV. Kill the motor before exiting the vehicle.
Now, find heavy blocks for your RV’s tires. You’d want one for each of the rear and front tires. These will ensure that the car won’t roll away while you work on it. Once you have that secured, remove all of the security chains that you attached to the tow and your trailer.
Then, start putting pressure on the latch and rotating your hand wheel counterclockwise. This will loosen the coupler.
Now, push your RV to your tow car and lift the trailer using the beam in front. This will release it entirely from the tow car.
Once your trailer is free, put the coupler down in a safe place. You can put it anywhere that you’re sure is secure. That’s it. You’re done. It wasn’t even that hard, was it?
It’s okay to be nervous the first time. It’ll get easier the more you do it. Just don’t miss any details, as they are vital to making this entire process go smoothly.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Colorado Camperman
Final Words
Selecting the appropriate RV Jacks involves carefully evaluating your specific needs and the unique characteristics of your recreational vehicle.
First, you must choose between three types of RV jacks based on your requirements: scissor, hydraulic, or electric. Each type of jack offers distinct advantages and drawbacks, so it’s crucial to understand their functionalities.
Secondly, the weight capacity of the selected jack must match or exceed your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This ensures the jack can safely support the weight of your vehicle without causing any damage or potential safety risks.
Moreover, the size of the RV jack should align with your RV’s height for optimum performance. A mismatch could lead to instability or inadequate support.
Additionally, some RV jacks have extra features that provide added convenience, such as built-in levels and footplates.
Maintenance is another critical aspect to consider. Regular check-ups and timely repairs can significantly enhance the longevity and reliability of your RV jacks.
Safety and stability are two key factors that hinge on the appropriate usage of the jack. Incorrect placement or overloading can lead to accidents and damage to your RV. Therefore, understanding and following the correct operating procedures are essential.
Lastly, the ease of operation and installation should be factored into your decision-making process. An intricate jack installation or operation can cause unnecessary stress and delay travel plans.
In conclusion, selecting the right RV jacks involves carefully considering several factors, including type, weight capacity, size, additional features, maintenance requirements, proper usage, and ease of operation and installation.
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