The Best Boat Trailer Jacks

Lifting and lowering a boat trailer requires considerable strength! Luckily, this is not one thing I need to do manually. The best boat trailer jack saves the day! It also provides stationary support, making sure that the trailer remains stable once the jack is locked. Coupling and uncoupling the rig is also effortless.

Choosing a trailer jack is overwhelming. There are plenty of brands and models available, but this isn’t an excuse to decide in haste. From the tongue weight to the overall construction, there are many factors to consider.

Are you looking for the right trailer jack? I am here to help you out! Read on and let’s talk about some of the top products.

Top 12 Boat Trailer Jack Reviews

1. Reese Towpower 74410 Trailer Jack

Reese is one of the most reputable brands in the market for heavy-duty towing equipment.

Unsurprisingly, the Towpower 74410 is a notable pick for best right boat trailer tongue jacks. With a capacity of up to 1,000 pounds, it can support small to medium boats.

This versatile swivel trailer jack has several holes in its bracket. This accommodates different frame sizes. It fits tongues that are 3 to 5 inches. Plus, there is a pull pin that makes it user-friendly. You can quickly access the jack at any time. It also allows for easy storage.

The durability is unmatched, guaranteeing many years of functionality. This jack is made of high-grade steel with zinc finish. The coating acts as an invisible barrier, protecting the core material from corrosion.

Mobility is not a problem with this jack for your boat. Thanks to its 6-inch wheels, it glides smoothly on different surfaces. It reduces friction, allowing me to move the trailer with minimal effort.

Another good thing about this trailer jack is the side-winding mechanism. The handle has a 1:1 gear ratio for quick operation. The knob has a wire grip, which simplifies its use. Even upon reaching the maximum weight capacity of the jack, it is quick to raise and lower.

2. MaxxHaul 70148 Trailer Jack

For people on a budget, the MaxxHaul 70148 is a great alternative for trailer tongue jacks with wheels. Made of 1/8-inch rolled steel, it supports a maximum load of 1,000 pounds. Whether you have a square or rectangular-shaped trailer tongue, this jack works!

With the swivel plate, this jack for your boat offers a variety of mounting configurations. There is a strategically positioned side handle with a large and ergonomic grip, making it effortless to turn. It lifts the trailer to 10 inches. It has a smooth cranking mechanism to ensure ease of use. I don’t need to exert a lot of effort when turning the handle.

This is also a good option when there is limited space. The jack conveniently folds up when it is not used. There is a spring-loaded pin that locks the position of the tube. Once folded, it frees up space under the trailer. The swivel mechanism makes sure that the jack is out of the way when I don’t need it.

Another good thing about this boat trailer tongue jack is the U-bolt lock. This is different from the traditional single pin. Two points connect the pin. It secures the jack in both horizontal and vertical positions.

Despite being affordable, the tube material is notable. The jack is made of rolled steel with zinc-plating. It has been through a thorough salt test to prove its rust and corrosion resistance. The jack’s heavy construction withstands even extreme environments.

3. Fulton XP10 0101 Swivel Trailer Tongue Jack

Made by a company with more than 100 years of experience in selling trailer accessories, this is another option worth considering. One thing I love the most is its extensive weight capacity as it supports up to 1,200 pounds. It fits three to five-inch trailer frames. Meanwhile, it has a travel of 10 inches, retracted length of 12.5 inches, and extended length of 22.5 inches.

This bolt-on swivel jack is made of stable formed steel. With its heavy-gauge construction, I am confident that it is long-lasting. Even better, it has Z-MAX 600, a superior plating that makes it corrosion-resistant. The bushing material is also remarkable, ensuring strong support and minimizing deflection.

The 6-inch poly wheel of this boat tongue jack is another incredible feature. With its easy and smooth gliding action, moving the trailer is effortless. Even on rough surfaces, I have no problem pulling the trailer.

Cranking the jack up and down is a breeze. It is quite slow when the load is heavy, but this isn’t a problem. It is easy to use. The handle spins free on the bolt and there is minimal friction. No friction limits the movements of the handle as I crank it.

Another compelling reason to choose this model is the five-year warranty. This is longer compared to its competitors, most of which are covered only within a year. I have peace of mind knowing that I can rely on support from the manufacturer.

4. Curt 28112 Boat Trailer Jack

Supporting up to 1,200 pounds of trailer tongue weight, this is another dependable jack for your boat. It allows up to 11-inch vertical movement, which I can easily do through the side handle. It is effortless to hold and wind, even when the trailer is loaded.

One feature I love is the swivel design of the bracket. It provides generous clearance when I am towing the trailer. Plus, there is a high-strength pull pin, which locks the bracket. It is easy to keep it out of the way when I do not need it.

I am confident about using this trailer jack in different environments. Even with constant saltwater exposure, rust and corrosion will not be a problem. Thanks to the zinc finish, the core material is protected from external elements that speed up the damage.

Another good thing about this trailer jack is the several hole patterns in the mounting plate. It offers mounting flexibility. The bolt-on mounting hardware included is also notable, which secures the position of the jack. It prevents wobble.

5. Pro Series EJ10000101 Trailer Tongue Jack

Whether on marine or utility trailers, this is a great option. It is economical but has impressive technical specifications. As the third wheel for boat trailers, its maximum weight capacity is 1,000 pounds. Meanwhile, it has a travel of ten inches, retracted length of 13 inches, and extended length of 23 inches.

Like most of the boat trailer tongue jacks on my list, it also comes with a low-friction 6-inch poly wheel. The swiveling wheel allows effortless trailer movement on different surfaces. Even if the wheel is plastic, it seems pretty strong to hold up and does not easily strip.

As it is common in trailer jacks, it comes with a side-winding mechanism. Rotating the handle is a breeze, even with the maximum load. With just a few cranks, the trailer reaches the desired height. However, dirt and dust can be stuck in the moving parts. Lubricate it as needed to maintain the smooth movement.

It is easy to install, even by myself. I did not need a helping hand to assemble this swivel tongue jack. The box comes with the essential mounting hardware. The grease fittings are also already included, making it easy to lubricate the moving parts.

6. MaxxHaul 70149 Swing Back Trailer Jack

The boat trailer hacks above support only 1,000 to 1,200 pounds. If you need something stronger, this model is an excellent alternative. It has a maximum capacity of 1,500 pounds! Even at such weight, the convenient side winding handle makes sure that lifting the trailer is a piece of cake.

One of the reasons why this heavy-duty boat trailer jack supports generous weight is its dual-wheel design. This is against a traditional jack with a single wheel. The thermoplastic wheels are not only durable but also easy to maneuver. This allows movement of the trailer on various surfaces.

Another reason why it supports heavy weight is the 1/8-inch rolled steel frame. It is thick and durable. Even better, it is zinc-plated, which minimizes rust and corrosion. It supports both square and rectangular trailer tongues.

More so, it has a spring-loaded handle. This permits easy swinging of the jack in the desired position. I can stow the handle parallel to the ground for travel. To add, I can position it upright if I need to use the jack. The handle also comes with a comfortable swivel grip. It is large enough so that it is easy to crank.

7. Fulton XPD15L0101 Swivel Trailer Tongue Jack

This heavy-duty steel jack supports weight up to 1,500 pounds. This is possible because of the dual wheel design. It comes with a ½-inch pull-pin to improve the swivel system. With its thermoplastic construction, the wheels are durable. This is unlike others that easily shed, especially when rolling on rough surfaces.

Another good thing about the design of this jack is the grease fitting. It is effortless to add grease to the gears. In turn, it lubricates the internal components, resulting in smoother movements. It also creates low friction, which minimizes wear.

The bolt-thru mount is another notable feature of this swivel jack. It minimizes deflection and maximizes support. It is complemented by a proprietary bushing and 3D formed steel stamping for durability.

For your peace of mind, this Fulton jack has a five-year warranty. However, take note that it covers only the original owner of the jack. Still, this is one of the best warranties I have seen from the options for the right trailer tongue jack in this buying guide.

8. Curt 28115 Boat Trailer Jack

Offering 11-inch of travel, this is another extraordinary choice for a boat trailer front wheel. Like the last two products mentioned above, it supports a maximum weight of 1,500 pounds.

The main difference, however, is that it has a single and larger swiveling 8-inch diameter jack wheel that rolls smoothly. Even if it has only one wheel, it is strong enough to support heavy trailer frames.

The swivel system is another good feature. I can swing the jack up and down easily. I can keep it out of the way when I need to tow the trailer as well. Meanwhile, I can keep it upright when the trailer needs support. The pull pin makes it painless to adjust the jack as I wish.

I have used several boat trailer tongue jacks, and one of the most common issues I experience is corrosion. Thanks to the zinc coating of this trailer jack, the plated finish protects against water and salt, among other things that can result in corrosion.

More so, it comes with a convenient and user-friendly side-winding handle. Despite the weight of the trailer frame, I can rotate it easily. Once fully rotated, the trailer reaches an extended height of 24 inches. Whereas, the retracted height is 13 inches.

9. WEIZE Swivel Trailer Jack

With its impressive technical specifications, I am not surprised that this boat trailer tongue jack is praised by many. It has a maximum lift capacity of 1,500 pounds and allows travel of up to ten inches. It accommodates trailer frames with a distance of four to six inches.

I attribute the durability and weight capacity of this manual jack to its construction. It is made of heavy-duty steel with excellent corrosion resistance. With its hardened two-inch tube, it supports even heavy boats! It is also rust-resistant.

The swing-back style of this boat trailer jack makes way for swivel access. I can raise the jack and tuck it nicely on the trailer if I need it out of its position. It minimizes potential damage to the wheels, especially on rough grounds. Alternatively, I can position it upright if I need the trailer frame to be more stable and support my boat’s weight.

Like most of the options on my list, the side-mounted handle allows convenient adjustments to the trailer height. The handle turns at a six-inch radius. It raises the mount to a maximum height of 22.65 inches. Also, it is large and has an ergonomic grip, so I can crank it easily despite the load of the frame.

10. Jeremywell 4332985455 Swivel Trailer Jack

For a large and heavy boat, the Jeremywell swivel trailer jack is one of the best options. It has a maximum weight capacity of 2,000 pounds. This drop leg trailer jack has a travel of eight inches. It is versatile to accommodate different boats. Plus, it has a height range of 15 to 26 inches for easy customization.

One reason why this boat jack supports a lot of weight is because it has a double-wheel construction. This makes it more stable compared to models with a single poly wheel. The low friction wheels allow easy movements. Regardless of the surface conditions, the jack rolls smoothly.

Like many of the boat trailer jacks on my list, it is also made of zinc-plated steel. Zinc is excellent as it prevents rust and corrosion. Even with exposure to salt water and other external elements, this manual jack remains durable. If there is no zinc coating, steel is easily prone to wear.

My overall experience in using this stainless steel trailer jack is incredible. Cranking is effortless, even with a heavy load. It does not feel like I am lifting a heavy boat as I rotate the handle. It is smooth and has an ergonomic design.

11. Fulton 1413040134 F2 Trailer Tongue Jack

This Fulton boat trailer jack is designed even for demanding applications and harsh environments. With a maximum weight capacity of 1,600 pounds, it is heavy-duty. Even when the maximum weight capacity is reached, the trailer remains stable.

Speaking of stability, I love how it comes with a wide trailer jack wheel. It is made of strong engineered plastic. Plus, it is easy to maneuver, unlike others that are frequently stuck. The wheel also comes with a rubber pad that I can press against the wheel to act as a brake. With this, I can easily stop the trailer from moving. Although, this is difficult with a heavy load.

Unlike most of the trailer tongue jacks in this guide that are made of stainless steel, this model is made of aluminum alloy. It is a lightweight material, but this does not compromise longevity. The corrosion-resistant coating extends its lifespan.

Another good thing about this boat trailer jack is the sealed gearbox. It protects the gear from dirt, dust, and other external elements that can speed up wear. There is also a strategically located ventilation port, which allows me to add grease when the jack is prone to jamming.

Best of all, the manufacturer is offering a limited lifetime warranty. This is one of the reasons that compelled me to choose this over many others. I am a satisfied customer knowing that I can rely on the support of Fulton when the jack has problems.

12. Bulldog 500199 Tongue Trailer Jack

Of all the boat trailer jacks I reviewed in this buying guide, this model has the highest weight capacity. Supporting a load of up to 4,000 pounds, its performance is unmatched. Offering up to 22 inches of total lift, this is one of the most powerful jacks.

This drop leg trailer jack has a spring-loaded pin. The quick-release pin allows quick jack positioning. It has a total travel of up to 22 inches, including an eight-inch drop leg that ensures better weight distribution and stability.

One thing that sets it apart from the other boat trailer tongue jacks is that I do not have to operate it manually. There is no handle that I have to crank to lift or lower the trailer. This electric boat trailer jack has convenient buttons for effortless control. I can hook it directly to a power supply even without a fuse.

In case of a power loss, I love how there is an option to operate it as a manual jack. With the emergency manual override at the top, I can use the included crank. Even with a power interruption, I can raise and lower my boat.

I also like that it has three built-in LED lights. Setting up the jack is easy, even at night. The lights illuminate my work area, so I can carry on as usual. The side-mounted spotlights brighten the coupler area.

What is a Boat Trailer Jack and How Does It Work

When I need to lower and raise a boat trailer, I don’t have to do it with my bare hands. Especially when the boat is heavy, it is almost impossible to lift the frame manually. This is when a boat trailer jack enters the picture and proves its worth.

Also called a hitch jack or tongue jack, a boat trailer jack raises and stabilizes the trailer to connect to a tow vehicle. It attaches to the trailer tongue, which is the long beam in front of the trailer that connects to the hitch. The jack secures the beam to extend vertically, supporting the frame. It can have a wheel or solid plate as the base.

Another function of the trailer jack is to keep the trailer frame level when it is not connected to the hitch. The trailer jack wheel or base provides the needed stability, acting as support for the main wheels of the trailer.

Types of Boat Trailer Jacks

With too many options for the top-rated boat trailer jacks, making the right choice isn’t easy. One of the first things to do is to learn about the different types available. A good way to categorize the available jacks is based on how they operate.

Manual Jack

As the name implies, this is a trailer jack that operates manually. It requires working my muscles since I have to rotate the handle to move the trailer up or down. This is best for a small trailer or a lightweight boat. It is also affordable. The biggest drawback, however, is that it is physically difficult to use, especially with a heavy load.

Electric Jack

For a user-friendly jack, I recommend choosing an electric-powered model. It saves my arms and back from doing manual work. All I need to do is press a button and the jack raises and lowers my trailer in an instant. It also has an exceptional weight capacity, so it effortlessly handles even large vessels. However, it is quite expensive.

Apart from the way it operates, another way to categorize trailer jacks is based on the design of its base. It can have a foot plate, which is a solid base usually made of steel. Foot jacks have a high weight capacity. On the other hand, it can also have a wheel. All of the products I mentioned above have wheels. I prefer this design because it can be maneuvered easily.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Boat Trailer Jacks

The best thing about a trailer jack is that it provides a helping hand when lifting and lowering my trailer and boat. I don’t have to do so with my bare hands. It is also a great way to stabilize the frame when the trailer is not moving. Plus, it keeps my boat in a secure position.

I cannot think of any drawback of a trailer jack. Some of you might think that it is expensive, but I believe that it is a necessity and not a luxury. As a responsible boat owner, it is crucial to invest in the right tools that will make our lives easier.

Buyer’s Guide

With tons of brands claiming to have the top-rated boat trailer jacks, it is crucial to take the time to differentiate the possibilities. To narrow down choices, below are some of the most important considerations.

Material

Start by looking at the overall construction of the boat trailer jack. Consider the material as this is indicative of durability, price, and performance, among other things. Premium materials may cost more, but they are worth the added cost because of their benefits.

Aluminum and steel are the most common materials. Aluminum is lightweight as well as rust and corrosion-resistant. Steel, on the other hand, is a hard metal that supports heavy weight. Steel is often coated with zinc, which protects against corrosion.

The wheel material is another important consideration. It is commonly made of thermoplastic or rubber. Regardless of the material, it must be hard enough to withstand long time use. More so, it should roll smoothly. Maneuvering the wheels must also be effortless.

Weight Capacity

When looking at the technical specifications of the boat trailer jack, one of the most important is the weight capacity. This is the maximum load that the jack supports. Most of the options above have a weight limit of 1,000 to 4,000 pounds. The larger your boat, the higher the weight capacity of the jack. Otherwise, there is too much downward pressure on the jack that compromises structural integrity.

Height

This is another technical specification that should match your tow hitch. Choose a trailer boat jack with an adjustable height depending on how tall the hitch is. This makes it easier to level the frame and connect it once ready for towing. It allows for effortless installation and release. Look at both the retracted and extended length of the jack.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly boat trailer jack is easy to crank. Even if it is manual, rotating the handle must be effortless. It is frustrating if I need to exert a lot of effort just to wind the handle. It must have a smooth swivel mechanism for ease of maneuverability. Care and maintenance should also be a snap.

Most importantly, pick a jack that is painless to install. The manual must indicate how to complete the assembly. It should include the necessary mounting hardware as well.

Handle

There are two types of handles you will find in a boat trailer jack – top and side winding. I prefer it on the side as I find it easier to crank. Pick a handle large enough to fit your hand. It should have a rubber or plastic grip, which makes it more comfortable to rotate, especially when the trailer is fully loaded.

Warranty

This is one factor a lot of people ignore. The longer the warranty, the better. The standard coverage is one year. In the products I listed above, there are some with a limited lifetime warranty, which is good if you want to have peace of mind. Read the conditions to prevent the warranty from being voided.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain the peak performance of boat trailer tongue jacks, below are some of the most important things to do:

• When not using the jack, keep it in a safe place. Put it in a bag and store it in a cool and dry place. This is important to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt, which can speed up wear.
• Check the trailer jack periodically. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks and dents. If it is heavily damaged, stop using it. Check for rusted fasteners and loose bolts. The structural integrity can be compromised, and it might be unable to support the load.
• Keep it properly lubricated. If the trailer jack has a grease zerk, this is where you will add the lubricant. This will ensure a smooth mechanism, which is important even for the swiveling wheel. Lack of lubrication creates too much friction, resulting in damage. It also affects the functionality of the jack.
• Raise the jack when the tow vehicle is moving. Keeping it down is not only a safety issue but can also speed up wear. It is good to use swing away trailer jacks so that you can tuck it neatly and easily on the trailer when you don’t need it.
• Read the instruction manual and follow what the manufacturer recommends. From material to design, jacks are different in many ways, and hence, the care and maintenance requirements may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the top-rated boat trailer jack?

Some of the best brands to check out are Reese Towpower, MaxxHaul, Fulton, Curt, JeremyWell, and Bulldog. They are some of my favorites because of their exceptional construction, easy maneuverability, and advanced features. Some of these brands are quite expensive, but they are worth it!

What size trailer jack do I need for my boat trailer?

When sizing a trailer jack, look at two things – height and weight. To find the right height, measure the length from the ground to the coupler. This should match the extended height of the boat trailer jack. For better accuracy, measure the height when the trailer is on a level surface.

For weight, the jack must support 7 to 10% of the full load of the trailer. This means that when the trailer weighs 5,000 pounds, then the jack must have a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds. Most of the tongue jacks will surpass the weight requirements. If the weight of the frame is more than what the jack supports, there is excessive downward pressure. This can result in breakage and safety issues.

How do you connect a hitch to a trailer?

The installation of a boat trailer jack is quite tricky for beginners, but do not be intimidated. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it.

• Start by parking the tow vehicle and trailer in an open space with a flat surface. Park the truck to align it to the trailer. Engage the brakes. Chock both tires.
• Once the hitch and ball are aligned, lower the trailer. Rotate the handle if it is a manual jack or press the down button if it is electric-powered.
• Make sure that the trailer is secured to the hitch. Close the latch and close the pull pin. Otherwise, the jack can accidentally lower when a bump is hit.
• After securing the connection, raise the boat trailer jack. Do not run the tow vehicle when the jack is in an upright position.

How do you jack up a boat trailer to change tires?

Do not use a boat trailer jack to change tires. Instead, use a bottle or scissor jack.

• Pull over a safe place where you can work. Once you have found a spot, place the jack under the trailer and raise it to the desired height until there is enough clearance to remove the flat tire and replace it.
• For safety, chock the other tire. This will prevent unnecessary movement while working on the other side of the trailer.
• Remove the nuts using a lug wrench. Keep the nuts in a safe place.
• After unscrewing the lugs, remove the tire from the trailer. Place a tire iron beneath the lip of the tire and move it upwards until the tire is off the wheel.
• Put the new tire. Once it is ready, add the lug nuts. Tighten the connections.
• Lower the jack and you are done!

How do you tow a boat trailer safely?

For a safer towing experience, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Secure the pull pin. If the safety pin is not in place, the jack can accidentally pop out.
• Use the right vehicle. It must be large and heavy enough to tow your boat.
• Check that the load is level and stable. If you notice that the trailer is swaying while on the road, pull over immediately. Adjust the load and attach the latch to secure the trailer.
• Maximize the use of side view and rear-view mirrors to monitor the trailer.

Where do you jack a boat on a trailer?

When jacking a boat, it is best to do it on the frame and not the axle of the trailer. Placing the boat trailer jack in the middle of the axle can destroy it. The axle holds the wheel, so it is crucial to protect that part. Using a wood block can help to easily jack up the trailer on its frame.

Where can I buy?

The best place to buy a boat trailer jack is online. Websites like Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart will have a decent selection of available products from top brands. Check out individual websites of the most popular manufacturers for the best deals. Local sellers of boat accessories will also have a variety of boat trailer tongue jacks. Don’t forget to read customer reviews to compare alternatives!

Conclusion

Lift, lower, and pivot boats out of the trailer in a snap! You don’t need to have superhuman strength to do this! Instead, all you need is the best boat trailer jack, including the products listed above. With their rugged construction and high weight capacity, they provide a helping hand in different environments.

Jonathan Larson

I am passionate about water sports and technical fields, so combining both makes me interested in making contents about boat accessories. With my partner, we went on many trips and sports games together, which led us to think about how we can spread our joys and passions to many people.