Looking for an electric tongue jack for your RV and don’t know what size electric tongue jack do you need? Fret not, this article gives you a complete guide for the electric tongue jack you should choose for hitching and unhitching your travel trailer.
Electric tongue jacks are essential tools for RV owners who want to make hitching and unhitching their trailers more convenient and hassle-free. These jacks use electric power to raise and lower the tongue of the trailer, making it much easier to attach and detach it from the hitch of the towing vehicle. However, with a wide range of sizes available on the market, choosing the right one for your RV can be a bit of a challenge.
Without further ado, let’s get straight into the buying guide.
What Size Electric Tongue Jack Do You Need?
You will need to notice the following factors of the jack and cross-check them with your RV to find the right size electric tongue jack. After considering these features, you’ll find a tongue jack with enough bearing capacity that can lift your comper,
Load Capacity
When looking for an electric tongue jack, the most essential factor to consider is the weight of your RV. The size of the jack should be able to support the weight of the tongue of your trailer. This weight is referred to as the tongue weight and can usually be found in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
Bear in mind that the whole weight of the RV should not be considered when matching the jack’s capacity. You’re not lifting it all. Its weight is on the wheels as well. The tongue jack only lifts a portion of the trailer, the tongue, which weighs way less than the trailer’s weight.
The average weight of the tongue of a small RV can range from around 300 to 500 pounds, while larger RVs can weigh up to 800 pounds or more. It is important to choose an electric tongue jack that is rated for a weight that is equal to or greater than your RV’s tongue weight.
Moreover, you can find the right size electric tongue jack when you know about your RV’s weight. Then the tongue will weigh 10 to 15 percent of that weight. Say, your Camper has a 5,000 lb mass as per the manual. It will be resting on two or four wheels depending on the number of axles it has.
The wheels give big support to the load. The tongue will weigh 500 – 800 lb. You will need a tongue jack that can bear the load, which in this case should have at least 1000 lb capacity. Luckily, most electric tongue jacks have more than the required capacity.
Lift Range
In addition to the weight capacity, you will also need to consider the height of the jack. A jack that is too short will not provide enough clearance to reach the hitch on your towing vehicle, while one that is too tall may not fit under the tongue of your RV.
The height of the jack is measured from the ground to the center of the ball socket. Most electric tongue jacks range in height from 12 to 18 inches, with some models offering adjustable height settings. To determine the appropriate height for your electric tongue jack, measure the distance from the ground to the center of the ball socket on your towing vehicle. This measurement, combined with the height of the hitch, will give you a good idea of the height you need.
Power
Regarding power, there are two main types of electric tongue jacks: 12-volt and 24-volt. The 12-volt jacks are designed for use with RVs that have a 12-volt battery system, while the 24-volt jacks are for RVs that have a 24-volt battery system. It is important to choose the right type of tongue jack based on the power system of your RV, as using a jack with the wrong voltage can damage your RV’s battery system.
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Cover
Some brands go beyond lifting the tongue only, and they deliver covers for protecting the head of the jack. The cover helps keep the jack safe during rain, and snow. If the system gets wet, it may malfunction. Therefore, choose a brand that not only ships you the jack but other essentials as well.
Other Features
Finally, consider the electric tongue jack’s ease of use and maintenance. Some jacks are equipped with remote controls, making it easy to raise and lower the tongue from a distance. Other jacks have manual cranks in case of power failure. Also, look for a jack that is made from durable materials and has a weather-resistant design, as this will help ensure that it lasts for many years with minimal maintenance.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the right size electric tongue jack for your RV requires careful consideration of several factors, including weight capacity, height, power type, and ease of use and maintenance. By taking the time to select the right jack, you can ensure that hitching and unhitching your RV is a safe and convenient experience.