How to Remove a Trailer Jack
by Thomas WestTrailers with a heavy tongue weight require some type of device to raise or lower the front of the trailer for the purpose of connecting it to the trailer hitch on a tow vehicle. A small, lightweight trailer can be lifted at the front by one person, but a large, heavy trailer needs a trailer jack to do the job. By turning the jack handle, the jack's caster wheel can be lowered to the ground to support the trailer tongue, or raised so that the hitch coupler clears your tow vehicle's hitch ball.
Step 1
Turn the trailer jack handle in a clockwise direction to raise the front of the trailer until it is level. Secure the trailer from movement by placing wheel chocks under its wheels on both sides.
Step 2
Place large blocks of wood or concrete clocks under the trailer tongue just behind the trailer jack to support the front of the trailer once the jack has been removed.
Step 3
Turn the handle on the trailer jack in a counterclockwise direction until the trailer tongue is resting firmly and solidly on the blocks. Continue to turn the handle so that the caster wheel is off the ground.
Step 4
Locate the bolts that attach the trailer jack to the tongue. Loosen and remove the bolts with a socket and ratchet.
Step 5
Remove the trailer jack from the tongue.
References
Tips
- Install a replacement or repaired trailer jack in the reverse order of the above procedure.
Things You'll Need
- 2 wheel chocks
- Wood or concrete blocks
- Socket set
- Ratchet wrench
Warnings
- Keep bystanders away from the vicinity when performing this procedure, as the tongue of a trailer can weigh several hundred pounds.
- When towing a trailer, always retract the trailer jack fully before getting underway. The jack or caster wheel can drag the ground and cause damage to the jack or trailer tongue.
- Make sure the weight rating of your trailer jack can support the tongue weight of your trailer. Consult your trailer manufacturer if you do not know its tongue weight, or tow it to a commercial scale and have the trailer tongue weighed if necessary. If the jack is not heavy enough for the job, the trailer tongue could come crashing to the ground and cause serious injury or damage.
