Everything YOU Need to Know About Jacks from RV PandA!

What is the Purpose of a Tongue Jack?

Tongue jacks, also referred to as camper jacks or trailer jacks provide a means of lifting and lowering the tongue of a trailer or RV. The tongue of a trailer is the forward-most part that connects to the tow vehicle, and it's typically where the hitch ball is located.

A tongue jack is usually mounted on the front of the trailer's frame and consists of a crank handle, a gear mechanism, and a lifting mechanism. By turning the crank handle, the gear mechanism rotates, which in turn raises or lowers the lifting mechanism, allowing the tongue to be raised or lowered.

The primary purpose of a tongue jack is to make it easier to hitch and unhitch the trailer from the tow vehicle. By raising the tongue of the trailer, the hitch ball can be easily lined up with the coupler on the trailer, and the trailer can be lowered onto the hitch ball. When it's time to unhitch, the tongue jack can be used to lift the trailer off the hitch ball, making it easy to disconnect the two.

In addition to making hitching and unhitching easier, a tongue jack can also be used to level the trailer when it's parked. By adjusting the height of the tongue, the trailer can be leveled on uneven ground, which can make for a more comfortable camping experience.

Why Should I Use a Tongue Jack for My RV?

1. Easy Hitching and Unhitching: A tongue jack makes it easier to hitch and unhitch your RV from your tow vehicle. With a tongue jack, you can easily adjust the height of your RV's tongue to match the height of your hitch ball, which makes it easier to line up and attach the two.
2. Improved Stability: A tongue jack helps to improve the stability of your RV when it's parked. By raising the tongue of your RV off the ground, you can reduce the amount of weight that's on your RV's tires, which can help to prevent your RV from rocking or bouncing.
3. Leveling: Many tongue jacks come with built-in leveling features, which makes it easy to level your RV when you're parked on an uneven surface. This can be particularly useful if you're camping in a remote area without access to level ground.
4. Easy Storage: When you're not using your RV, a tongue jack makes it easier to store your RV in a tight space. By raising the tongue of your RV off the ground, you can reduce the overall length of your RV, which can make it easier to store in a garage or other small space.

Overall, a tongue jack is a useful tool for any RV owner, and can make your camping experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

Should I Choose a Manual or Electric Tongue Jack? 

Whether to choose a manual or electric tongue jack depends on your personal preference and specific needs.

Manual tongue jacks are typically less expensive and more straightforward to operate, requiring the user to manually crank the jack handle to raise or lower the trailer. They are generally suitable for smaller trailers with lower tongue weights, where the manual operation is not overly taxing.

Electric tongue jacks, on the other hand, are more convenient and easier to use, as they use an electric motor to raise and lower the trailer with the push of a button. They are ideal for larger trailers with higher tongue weights, where the manual operation may be too strenuous or time-consuming.

Some electric tongue jacks also offer additional features such as built-in lights, remote control operation, and automatic leveling.

When choosing between a manual or electric tongue jack, consider the size and weight of your trailer, your physical abilities, and how frequently you will be using the tongue jack. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that meets your specific needs and budget.

How to Use a Trailer Tongue Jack?

Here are the basic steps for using a trailer tongue jack:

1. Park the tow vehicle and trailer on a level surface.
2. Lower the trailer hitch onto the tow vehicle's hitch receiver and lock it in place.
3. Release the safety chains and the trailer's electrical connector from the tow vehicle.
4. Crank the trailer tongue jack down until it makes contact with the ground. Make sure the jack wheel is firmly planted on the ground to ensure stability.
5. Continue cranking the jack down to lift the trailer's tongue off the hitch ball. You may need to use a hitch jack extension if the tongue jack isn't long enough to reach the required height.
6. Once the tongue is lifted off the hitch ball, move the tow vehicle forward slightly to clear the hitch. Keep the tow vehicle in park and apply the parking brake.
7. Reverse the process to reconnect the trailer to the tow vehicle. Lower the tongue jack to lower the trailer onto the hitch ball, ensuring that the ball is properly seated in the coupler. Secure the coupler with the latch or pin.
8. Remove the wheel chocks and reattach the safety chains and electrical connector.
9. Crank the jack up and secure it in its stowed position for travel.

It's important to note that the exact steps for using a trailer tongue jack may vary depending on the make and model of the jack and trailer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance on how to use your trailer tongue jack.

How Much Weight Can a Tongue Jack Lift?

The weight capacity of a tongue jack can vary depending on the make and model, as well as the type of trailer it's being used on. However, most tongue jacks have a weight capacity of between 1,000 to 5,000 pounds.

When selecting a tongue jack, it's important to choose one with a weight capacity that's suitable for your trailer. The weight capacity of the tongue jack should be able to support the tongue weight of your trailer, which is typically between 10% to 15% of the total weight of the trailer.

For example, if your trailer weighs 5,000 pounds, the tongue weight would be between 500 to 750 pounds. In this case, you would want to choose a tongue jack with a weight capacity of at least 750 pounds, although it's always a good idea to choose a jack with a slightly higher weight capacity to be on the safe side.

It's also important to note that the weight capacity of the tongue jack should never be exceeded, as this can cause damage to the jack and potentially lead to a dangerous situation while hitching or unhitching the trailer.

What Does 200 lbs Tongue Weight Mean?

A tongue weight of 200 lbs means that the downward force applied by the trailer's tongue on the hitch ball is 200 lbs. This is the weight that the tow vehicle's hitch can safely carry without causing instability or safety issues.

For example, if your trailer weighs 5,000 pounds, the tongue weight would be between 500 to 750 pounds.

It's important to ensure that the tongue weight of your trailer is within the capacity of your hitch and tow vehicle, as a tongue weight that is too high or too low can cause handling issues and affect the safety and stability of the entire rig. A general rule of thumb is to aim for a tongue weight that is between 10-15% of the trailer's total weight, but it's important to consult the owner's manual or a qualified mechanic for the specific towing capacity of your vehicle and hitch.

What Should I Put Under the RV Tongue Jack?

When using an RV tongue jack, it's important to have a stable and level surface to prevent the jack from sinking or shifting. There are several options for what to put under an RV tongue jack, including:

1. A wooden block: A sturdy wooden block can be placed under the tongue jack to provide a stable surface. The block should be large enough to support the weight of the trailer and should be at least 2 inches thick to prevent it from cracking or splitting.
2. Plastic leveling blocks: There are various plastic leveling blocks available in the market that can be stacked to create a stable surface for the tongue jack. These blocks are lightweight and easy to use, making them a popular choice for RV owners.
3. Concrete pavers: Concrete pavers are a durable and stable option for placing under an RV tongue jack. They can be stacked if necessary to create the desired height and are typically available at home improvement stores.
4. Rubber mats: Rubber mats can also be placed under the tongue jack to provide a stable surface. They're durable and can be easily cleaned, making them a good choice for those who frequently travel in muddy or wet conditions.

The most popular option for RVers to have a stable and level surface to prevent the jack from sinking or shifting is Plastic Leveling Blocks or Jack Pads from brands like Camco RV, Ultra-Fab, Fultyme RV, and Valterra.  All of which are brands that RV PandA carries!  No matter which option you choose, make sure that the surface is level and stable before using the tongue jack. This will ensure the safety of the trailer and prevent any damage to the jack or the trailer's frame.

Why do Tongue Jacks have Wheels?

Tongue jacks for RVs often have wheels to make them easier to move around. The wheels on a tongue jack allow you to easily position the jack underneath the tongue of the trailer, as well as move the jack around when the trailer is disconnected from the tow vehicle.

Without wheels, a tongue jack would need to be lifted and moved by hand, which can be difficult and time-consuming. This is especially true for larger RVs that have a heavier tongue weight, as the jack can be quite heavy and difficult to move around without wheels.

The wheels on a tongue jack also make it easier to maneuver the trailer when it's disconnected from the tow vehicle. By using the jack to lift the tongue of the trailer off the ground, the wheels can be used to roll the trailer into position or make minor adjustments to its position.

Overall, the wheels on a tongue jack make it easier to move and position the jack, which can save time and effort when hitching and unhitching the trailer, as well as making minor adjustments to its position when parked.

What Happens with TOO MUCH Tongue Weight?

Having too much tongue weight on an RV or trailer can lead to several negative consequences, including:

1. Poor handling: Excessive tongue weight can cause the trailer to become unstable and difficult to control while driving. This can lead to swaying, bouncing, or even jackknifing, which can be dangerous and potentially cause an accident.  
2. Overloaded tow vehicle: When the tongue weight exceeds the recommended capacity of the tow vehicle, it can cause the vehicle to become overloaded and strain the engine, transmission, and brakes. This can lead to reduced performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential damage to the vehicle.
3. Wear and tear on the trailer: Too much tongue weight can put excess strain on the trailer's suspension, tires, and frame. This can lead to premature wear and tear on these components, reducing their lifespan and potentially leading to costly repairs.
4. Uneven weight distribution: Excessive tongue weight can also lead to an uneven distribution of weight on the trailer. This can cause some parts of the trailer to become overloaded while others are underutilized, which can affect the handling and stability of the trailer.

It's important to ensure that the tongue weight of an RV or trailer is within the recommended range, which is typically between 10% to 15% of the total weight of the trailer. This can be achieved by properly loading and distributing the weight of the cargo in the trailer, as well as choosing a tow vehicle and tongue jack with an appropriate weight capacity.

Should I Put Jacks Under My RV Slide Outs?

It is generally recommended to use slide-out stabilizer jacks or other types of support devices under RV slide-outs to help prevent damage and ensure a stable living environment. Slide-out stabilizer jacks help to distribute the weight of the slide-out and prevent it from sagging or becoming damaged due to excessive weight.

Here are some reasons why using slide-out stabilizer jacks can be beneficial:

1. Prevents sagging: When a slide-out is extended, it can put additional stress on the RV's frame and suspension. This can cause the slide-out to sag or become misaligned, which can lead to problems with the slide-out mechanism and other components.
2. Reduces movement: Slide-out stabilizer jacks can help to reduce movement and sway inside the RV. This can make it more comfortable to live in and help prevent items from falling over or becoming damaged.
3. Protects the RV: Using slide-out stabilizer jacks can help to protect the RV's frame, flooring, and other components from damage caused by excessive weight or movement.

When using slide-out stabilizer jacks, it's important to ensure that they are properly placed and adjusted to provide the right amount of support. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing and using slide-out stabilizer jacks, and be sure to regularly inspect them for wear or damage. Additionally, it's important to remember that slide-out stabilizer jacks are not designed to lift the RV, and should only be used to provide support and stability.

Is it Safe to Jack Up the Trailer on the Axle?

It is generally not safe to jack up a trailer on its axle because the axle is not designed to support the weight of the trailer without the support of the suspension system. Lifting the trailer by the axle can put excessive stress on the axle and suspension components, leading to damage or failure.

If you need to lift the trailer for maintenance or repair, it is recommended to use a floor jack or other jack designed for lifting trailers or RVs. These jacks are designed to support the weight of the trailer and distribute the weight evenly across multiple points, reducing the risk of damage or failure.

When using a floor jack to lift a trailer, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the jack is placed in a secure location. Always use jack stands or other supports to prevent the trailer from falling or shifting, and never work under a trailer that is only supported by a jack.

If you are unsure about the proper lifting technique for your specific trailer, it is recommended to consult the owner's manual or a qualified mechanic for guidance.

What is Tongue Weight and the Meanings of Other Standard Terms Associated with Towing RVs and Campers?

Here is a list of tongue weight terms and their meanings:

1. Tongue weight - The amount of weight that is pressing down on the hitch ball by the trailer's tongue or coupler.
2. Gross trailer weight (GTW) - The total weight of the trailer and its contents.
3. Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) - The maximum weight a vehicle is designed to carry, including the weight of the vehicle itself, its occupants, and its cargo.
4. Payload capacity - The amount of weight a vehicle is rated to carry in addition to its own weight.
5. Weight distribution - The way in which weight is distributed between the trailer and the tow vehicle to ensure safe handling and stability.
6. Hitch weight rating - The maximum amount of weight that a hitch can safely carry.
7. Tongue weight percentage - The percentage of the trailer's total weight that is supported by the tongue weight. A general rule of thumb is to aim for a tongue weight that is between 10-15% of the trailer's total weight.
8. Sway control - A system designed to prevent the trailer from swaying or fishtailing while being towed, typically achieved through the use of a weight distribution hitch or other specialized equipment.

Understanding these tongue weight terms is important for to ensure safe and stable towing. It's important to carefully calculate the tongue weight and weight distribution of your trailer to ensure that it is within safe limits for your vehicle and hitch, and to use appropriate equipment such as weight distribution hitches and sway control systems as needed.

To sum up, if you're considering replacing your trailer's tongue jack, we suggest going for an electric one for convenience, but it's ultimately up to you to decide which type is best suited to your needs. Just be sure to choose a jack that can handle the job.

RV PandA has a large selection of electric and manual Tongue Jacks, Camper Jacks, Trailer Jacks, Jack Pads and Accessories!  Shop now at RVPandA.com and enjoy FREE Shipping on orders over $100*! 

In closing, we hope this article has helped you to expand your knowledge about jacks for your RV! 

*Please note: some exclusions apply for ‘free shipping’.  Products weighing over 70 pounds and/or oversized packages do not qualify for FREE shipping. For a shipping estimate for oversized or overweight items, please contact us at traveling@rvpanda.com and include the product title and part number (as applicable), and the zip code where you'd like it shipped to in the email so we can provide a shipping estimate.

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