Installing a swivel trailer jack allows you to easily raise and lower your trailer tongue for convenient hookup and storage, and the swiveling feature keeps it out of the way during travel. Properly installed, it’s a significant upgrade for trailer owners, making hitching and unhitching safer and more efficient.
Understanding Swivel Trailer Jacks
A swivel trailer jack offers a significant advantage over a fixed-position jack: it can be rotated upwards, parallel to the trailer tongue, when not in use. This prevents ground clearance issues and potential damage during travel, especially on uneven terrain. Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand the components and their functions. The jack consists of a mounting bracket, a jack leg with a footplate or wheel, a crank handle, and, of course, the swivel mechanism. Choose a jack with a weight capacity that exceeds your trailer’s tongue weight by a comfortable margin for safety and longevity.
Choosing the Right Jack
Selecting the correct swivel jack is the first crucial step. Consider the following factors:
- Tongue Weight: This is the downward force exerted by the trailer tongue on the hitch. Consult your trailer’s documentation or use a tongue weight scale. Always overestimate slightly.
- Mounting Style: Jacks come in various mounting styles, including weld-on, bolt-on, and A-frame. Bolt-on jacks are generally easier for DIY installation, while weld-on jacks offer a more permanent and robust connection.
- Lift Height: Ensure the jack provides enough lift to raise the trailer tongue sufficiently for hitching and unhitching, even on slightly uneven ground.
- Material: Opt for a jack made of durable materials like galvanized steel or powder-coated steel to resist corrosion.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
This guide focuses on installing a bolt-on swivel trailer jack, which is the most common and DIY-friendly option. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific jack model as there may be slight variations.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- New swivel trailer jack with mounting hardware
- Wrench set (appropriate sizes for the mounting bolts)
- Socket set (optional, but often helpful)
- Drill (if necessary for pilot holes)
- Drill bits (for pilot holes)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or marker
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Torque wrench (recommended)
Preparing the Trailer Tongue
- Safety First: Ensure the trailer is parked on a level surface and securely chocked to prevent movement. Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle.
- Remove the Old Jack (if applicable): If you’re replacing an existing jack, remove it by unscrewing the mounting bolts. You may need to use penetrating oil to loosen stubborn bolts.
- Clean the Mounting Area: Use a wire brush or scraper to remove any rust, dirt, or debris from the area where the new jack will be mounted. This ensures a clean and secure connection.
- Mark the Mounting Holes: Position the mounting bracket of the new jack on the trailer tongue. Use a pencil or marker to mark the locations of the mounting holes.
Installing the Swivel Jack
- Drill Pilot Holes (if necessary): If the trailer tongue doesn’t already have pre-drilled holes for the mounting bracket, drill pilot holes at the marked locations. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the mounting bolts.
- Attach the Mounting Bracket: Position the mounting bracket on the trailer tongue, aligning the holes in the bracket with the pre-drilled holes.
- Secure the Mounting Bolts: Insert the mounting bolts through the bracket and the trailer tongue. Secure them with washers and nuts.
- Tighten the Bolts: Using a wrench or socket, tighten the mounting bolts securely. If you have a torque wrench, tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification. This ensures a strong and reliable connection.
- Attach the Jack Leg: Slide the jack leg into the mounting bracket. Some jacks have a locking pin or lever that secures the leg in place.
- Test the Swivel Mechanism: Ensure the jack swivels freely and locks securely in both the vertical (extended) and horizontal (stowed) positions.
- Lubricate the Jack: Apply a light coat of grease to the swivel mechanism and the jack screw to ensure smooth operation.
Best Practices and Safety Considerations
- Always use appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and gloves.
- Double-check all connections to ensure they are tight and secure.
- Never exceed the jack’s rated weight capacity.
- Regularly inspect the jack for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, cracks, or bent components.
- Lubricate the jack regularly to maintain smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Jack is difficult to crank: This could be due to lack of lubrication, excessive weight, or a damaged jack screw. Try lubricating the jack first. If that doesn’t work, check the jack screw for damage and consider replacing the jack.
- Jack won’t swivel: Ensure the locking mechanism is fully disengaged. Lubricate the swivel mechanism. If it still won’t swivel, the mechanism may be damaged.
- Jack is unstable: This could be due to uneven ground, a weak jack, or an improperly installed mounting bracket. Ensure the ground is level and the mounting bracket is securely attached.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What is the ideal tongue weight for choosing a swivel trailer jack?
The ideal tongue weight should be well within the jack’s rated capacity, leaving a significant safety margin. Aim for a jack rated at least 20% higher than your trailer’s actual tongue weight. For example, if your tongue weight is 300 lbs, choose a jack rated for 400 lbs or more.
FAQ 2: Can I weld a bolt-on swivel jack to my trailer frame?
While possible, it’s generally not recommended. Bolt-on jacks are designed to distribute stress differently than weld-on jacks. Welding a bolt-on jack could weaken the frame and potentially compromise the jack’s integrity. If you prefer welding, opt for a jack specifically designed for welding.
FAQ 3: What type of lubricant should I use on my swivel trailer jack?
Use a high-quality lithium grease. Avoid using penetrating oils or WD-40, as they can attract dirt and grime, which can cause the jack to seize up over time.
FAQ 4: How often should I lubricate my swivel trailer jack?
Lubricate your swivel trailer jack at least twice a year, or more frequently if you use your trailer frequently or in harsh conditions. Also, lubricate any time you notice the jack is difficult to crank or swivel.
FAQ 5: What is the difference between a side-wind and a top-wind swivel trailer jack?
The difference lies in the crank handle’s location. A side-wind jack has the handle on the side, while a top-wind jack has it on the top. Top-wind jacks are often easier to use in tight spaces, while side-wind jacks can sometimes provide more leverage.
FAQ 6: Can I install a swivel jack on an A-frame trailer?
Yes, but you’ll need a swivel jack specifically designed for A-frame trailers. These jacks have a different mounting configuration to accommodate the A-frame structure.
FAQ 7: What size drill bit should I use for pilot holes?
Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the mounting bolts. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific bolt size.
FAQ 8: What should I do if a mounting bolt breaks during installation?
Stop immediately. Attempting to force it further is dangerous. Extract the broken bolt using a bolt extractor or consult a professional welder for removal and repair. Replace the broken bolt with a new one of the same size and grade.
FAQ 9: My swivel jack is rusting. How can I prevent this?
Remove the rust with a wire brush and apply a rust-inhibiting primer followed by a durable, weather-resistant paint. Regularly lubricating the jack also helps prevent rust formation. Consider a cover for the jack during storage.
FAQ 10: How much lift height do I need in a swivel trailer jack?
Measure the distance from the bottom of the trailer tongue to the ground when the trailer is level. Add a few inches for uneven terrain and hitching/unhitching. This total distance determines the minimum lift height required.
FAQ 11: What if my trailer frame is too thin for a bolt-on jack?
You may need to reinforce the frame with a backing plate made of steel. This will distribute the load more evenly and prevent the mounting bolts from pulling through the frame. A professional welder can assist with this reinforcement.
FAQ 12: How do I know if my swivel jack is overloaded?
Signs of overloading include difficulty cranking, a bowed or bent jack leg, or a failure of the swivel mechanism. If you suspect your jack is overloaded, reduce the weight on the trailer tongue or upgrade to a jack with a higher weight capacity.