Best Trailer Jacks
Compare manual A-frame, powered tongue and marine swivel jacks—with the capacity, mounting and clearance checks that actually determine fit.
Compare Current OptionsThe most expensive jack is not automatically the right replacement. A 3,500-pound electric A-frame unit and a 1,500-pound wheeled marine swivel can both be excellent purchases—but for different trailers and operating conditions.
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01 Quick picks by trailer type
These five choices span three genuinely different jobs: center-mounted manual lifting, powered travel-trailer lifting, and wheeled side-frame marine support. They should not be treated as interchangeable.
Its published lift and support ratings are distinct, making it a practical replacement when an A-frame coupler and manual operation are appropriate.
A 15-inch manual stroke and heavy-duty A-frame format make it worth checking for frequent uncoupling of heavier trailers.
An 18-inch powered stroke, included manual override and coupler lights address the routine friction of hitching a travel trailer.
Its anodized aluminum construction and wide-track wheel make more sense for boat-trailer use than a fixed A-frame jack.
A bolt-on swivel bracket, included mounting hardware and an 8-inch wheel suit smaller utility and boat trailers with matching frame sections.
02 Compare jack ratings and fit
Use the exact model number. Published capacity can mean lifting capacity, support capacity or both, depending on the jack. These figures come from manufacturer listings, not independent load testing.
| Model | Mount / operation | Published rating | Stroke | Fitment gate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 28250 A-Frame Top-Wind Jack | Manual A-frame | 3,000-lb lift; 5,000-lb support | 14 in. | A-frame mounting plate and crank clearance |
| BULLDOG 155032 A-Frame Top-Wind Jack | Manual A-frame | 5,000-lb manufacturer-listed capacity | 15 in. | A-frame mounting and 2.25-in. outer tube clearance |
| Lippert 285318 Power Tongue Jack | 12V electric A-frame | 3,500-lb lift | 18 in. | A-frame mount, 12V supply and head clearance |
| Fulton F2 1413040134 Marine Jack | Manual swivel, wheeled | 1,600-lb lift | 10 in. | Side-frame bolt-on mount and wheel clearance |
| CURT 28115 Marine Swivel Jack | Manual swivel, 8-in. wheel | 1,500-lb lift and support | 10 in. | 2x2 to 3x5-in. frame range per manufacturer |
03 Five jacks with different jobs
Each recommendation has a specific application and a concrete reason to skip it. Compare installation geometry and lifting demands before brand preferences.
CURT 28250 A-Frame Top-Wind Jack
Its published lift and support ratings are distinct, making it a practical replacement when an A-frame coupler and manual operation are appropriate.
Why it stands out: Simple top-wind operation without wiring; useful when a trailer is stored without a charged battery.
Compatibility gate: A-frame mounting plate and crank clearance.
Before ordering: Confirm mounting-hole pattern, retracted ground clearance and unobstructed handle rotation.
Check PriceBULLDOG 155032 A-Frame Top-Wind Jack
A 15-inch manual stroke and heavy-duty A-frame format make it worth checking for frequent uncoupling of heavier trailers.
Why it stands out: No battery dependency, a straightforward top-wind handle and a listed 10.3-inch retracted dimension.
Compatibility gate: A-frame mounting and 2.25-in. outer tube clearance.
Before ordering: Check handle clearance near propane trays or toolboxes, the foot accessory rating and the precise installation instructions.
Check PriceLippert 285318 Power Tongue Jack
An 18-inch powered stroke, included manual override and coupler lights address the routine friction of hitching a travel trailer.
Why it stands out: Push-button operation, a footpad and a backup hand crank are included in the manufacturer description.
Compatibility gate: A-frame mount, 12V supply and head clearance.
Before ordering: Verify the power feed and circuit protection specified in the installation manual, plus tailgate clearance when the jack is fully mounted.
Check PriceFulton F2 1413040134 Marine Jack
Its anodized aluminum construction and wide-track wheel make more sense for boat-trailer use than a fixed A-frame jack.
Why it stands out: Swivels out of the way for travel and uses a corrosion-resistant finish and enclosed gearing.
Compatibility gate: Side-frame bolt-on mount and wheel clearance.
Before ordering: Verify exact frame dimensions, wheel support surface, stowed clearance and the chosen F2 part number; similar F2 variants differ.
Check PriceCURT 28115 Marine Swivel Jack
A bolt-on swivel bracket, included mounting hardware and an 8-inch wheel suit smaller utility and boat trailers with matching frame sections.
Why it stands out: A practical side-wind jack for moving a detached trailer on suitable firm ground.
Compatibility gate: 2x2 to 3x5-in. frame range per manufacturer.
Before ordering: The frame range is not a guarantee of universal fit: check mounting interference, wheel clearance and hardware instructions.
Check Price04 Seven checks before ordering
Take these measurements from your trailer and compare them with the exact jack installation manual. Never rely on a “universal fit” label alone.
- Match lifting capacity, not trailer GVWR. A jack supports the tongue end, not the entire trailer. Determine the actual supported load during coupling and any lift needed for a weight-distribution setup; use the manufacturer’s lift rating and a suitable margin.
- Identify the mounting style. A-frame center mounts and side-frame swivel brackets are not interchangeable. Confirm coupler hole pattern or side-frame dimensions and whether bolt-on or welded mounting is specified.
- Measure retracted and extended geometry. Compare level coupler height, tow-vehicle ball height, jack stroke and stowed clearance. A long stroke is useless if the foot hits the road when fully retracted.
- Check crank, motor and tailgate interference. Top-wind handles need a rotation envelope. Electric heads can interfere with a truck tailgate, spare tire, battery box or weight-distribution equipment.
- Choose the right foot. Wheels are for suitable firm surfaces and light repositioning; fixed footplates spread the load for parked trailers. Confirm the accessory’s own rating and ground conditions.
- Plan electrical and failure recovery. Powered jacks need compatible wiring, protection and a reliable battery or specified power source. Confirm the manual-override procedure before you need it.
- Stabilize the trailer before operation. Use wheel chocks and firm, level support as specified. Never crawl under or work beneath a trailer supported only by its tongue jack; follow the jack manual.
05 Which design fits your use?
Start with the trailer, not the brand. A camper with a center A-frame plate generally needs an A-frame jack; a small boat trailer with a side frame may be better served by a swivel jack with a wheel. The two mounting systems solve different clearance and storage problems.
Choose by operating situation
- Occasional utility-trailer coupling: a manual A-frame jack avoids battery maintenance if the coupler has a suitable center mount.
- Frequent travel-trailer setup: a powered A-frame jack reduces cranking but requires 12V wiring and head clearance.
- Boat ramp and marine storage: a corrosion-resistant swivel jack can stow horizontally, provided the wheel, bracket and tongue-load ratings fit.
- Weight-distribution hitch use: verify the jack can safely lift the coupled combination as directed by the hitch and jack manufacturers; do not infer this from trailer GVWR alone.
For related safety checks, see the trailer wheel chocks guide and trailer tire guide.
06 Frequently asked questions
Should jack capacity equal the trailer’s gross weight?
No. A tongue jack normally lifts and supports the front of the trailer, not the full trailer GVWR. However, the correct rating depends on actual tongue load and the lifting procedure, including any additional load when coupling a weight-distribution hitch.
What is the difference between lift and support capacity?
Lift capacity is the load a jack is rated to raise; support capacity can be higher for some models. CURT 28250, for example, lists 3,000 pounds lift and 5,000 pounds support. Use the rating appropriate to the task.
Is an electric tongue jack worth it?
It can be useful for frequent travel-trailer hitching, especially when a manual crank is difficult to access. The tradeoffs are wiring, battery dependence, motor-head clearance and the need to know the manual override.
Can I replace an A-frame jack with a swivel jack?
Only after confirming the trailer frame, mounting geometry, needed capacity and ground clearance support the change. A side-mounted swivel bracket is not a direct drop-in replacement for an A-frame plate.
Can I move a loaded trailer on a jack wheel?
Do not assume so. Wheel-equipped jacks are subject to manufacturer instructions, rated loads, surface conditions and stability limits. They are not a substitute for controlled trailer handling or wheel chocks.
What should I measure before ordering?
Measure the existing jack mount and frame, retracted and extended jack heights, required coupler lift, stowed clearance and nearby obstructions. For powered models also check the electrical requirements and manual override.
07 Choose the jack that fits the trailer
Buy for the measured tongue load, actual lifting operation, mounting interface and stowed clearance—not a headline capacity alone. A manual A-frame jack is often sufficient; electric lifting is a convenience upgrade; and a wheeled swivel jack belongs on an appropriate side-mounted trailer setup.