How Much Electric Jack Do I Need

[marbles]

I am looking at an electric jack by Big Horn. It is a 3500lb jack and my trailer is 5400lbs wet.

How much jack do I need since I will never be lifting even half my trailer?

Thank you in advance.

[Crabman]

You could also be lifting your truck though to help engage the weight distributing bars. I would go with at least a 3000lb jack, 3500 is only a few bucks more. On edit I recommend Barker jacks, had one for 8 trouble free years and it went with the trailer when I traded. No experience with the Bighorn so......

[Camper_bob]

+1 to Crabman about lifting the truck. My trailer is MUCH bigger (heavier) than yours and was shipped with a 3500 lb jack. It never really had a problem lifting the trailer and truck enough for the WDH spring bars, but water got in it and tore it all up.

I replaced with a Husky 4500 lb (ball bearings instead of a square screw drive) and couldn't be happier. Its design is basically impervious to moisture. On occasion, I wish I had gotten the one with the remote, but it's no big deal.

I'd say a 3500 is enough for that trailer IMO. As far as brand goes, just about anything is better than the crap they put on there at the factory.

[marbles]

Anybody have knowledge of the quality of a Costway AT3964 electric jack?

[Atlee]

At least 3500#. I really liked my Barker #3500. Unfortunately, I sold it along with my old trailer.

Unfortunately, what came standard on my 23RB is junk, IMO. FIC 3500, really. Sounds like a cheap off brand Chinese product.

I'm guessing I'll have a new tongue jack by spring of next year. Probably a Barker 3500, but possibly a Husky 4500.

[wanderlust]

Like Crabman said, you'll be lifting the tail end of your TV + the TT when hitching up your WDH. I've used the Husky HB4500 4500 lbs. Brute Power Jack for several years. Like the name says, it's a brute; I feel very confident it will last.

[sennister]

It has already been pointed out that you are likely lifting the truck as well so add that to the tongue weight which you should know.

I have a buddy that stores his camper out at our place because the part of town he lives in has an association that won't let him keep a camper at his house. Anyhow he had a manual jack on his camper and he kept eyeballing my power jack and he bought one last month. I didn't look at it that close but in talking to him he mentioned it has memory. So I guess it remembers the position you went to in order to hook up. I guess he lifts the stabilizers, hits a button and it runs up to the right height for hooking up. Something like that. It might be nice to look into some more advanced features like that which might be available.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Atlee

At least 3500#. I really liked my Barker #3500. Unfortunately, I sold it along with my old trailer.

Unfortunately, what came standard on my 23RB is junk, IMO. FIC 3500, really. Sounds like a cheap off brand Chinese product.

I'm guessing I'll have a new tongue jack by spring of next year. Probably a Barker 3500, but possibly a Husky 4500.

If that long. I dumped almost a cup of nasty water out of mine when I took it off for replacement (the same standard "FIC 3500" you'll find on almost all Jayco TTs). I did just about everything I could to prevent water intrusion (which I shouldn't have to do at all!), but eventually the water won.

I really like my Husky Brute.

[mikem56]

at least a 3500 i use a bulldog seems well built no issues so far

[Bassdogs]

Installed a Bulldog 4500lb when the pos oem died after 18 months. Was under warrantee but was heading to TX on a winter trip so I just ordered one on Amzon. The will ship right to the CG and with prime you get it in 2 days. Its an easy install. Only 1 wire since its grounded via the bolts that attach it to the tongue.

[WeRJuliian]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

. Only 1 wire since its grounded via the bolts that attach it to the tongue.

That always bothers me... over time, corrosion can give a bad connection. and you may find you have to scrape away paint.

I just ordered a 4500 lb Husky, but I think I'll be adding a nice solid ground wire back to the battery, when I put it in.

Looking forward to saving my back, though. We have to do a bit of hitch-and-unhitch to get our unit turned around in our very awkward driveway, so standing back and pushing a button will be a delight :-)

[ALJO]

When I buy a new E-jack I install right away a ground #10 on the E-motor directly to the battery. Also grease all the components. Don't forget to leave a bucket over top as most of them are not waterproof.

[lsttype]

My tongue jack just went out. I've rebuilt it twice after it filled with water. The brushes in the Chinese motor can't take no more! I'd like to find a heavy duty replacement USA made. It looks like Barker is my only option? There website says proudly usa made. I also like the Husky brand but I can't find out where they are manufactured. Any suggestions? My camper is a Whitehawk 28dsbh, 5700lbs.

[Seann45]

You will never regret going with the largest tongue jack you can get.. Later on when you get a bigger trailer you can always transfer it over..