Trailer jack mounting location

[Frank O]

I have a mid-1990s Loadmaster two-axle trailer for my 21' center console. At some previous point, someone mounted the trailer jack as shown in this photo:

http://www.inkbox.net/whaler/trailer/trailer-jack.jpg

This location on the tongue is tightly squeezed between the surge brake unit and the side members of the trailer that branch off left and right. As a result, the jack can't be brought to and locked in a fully horizontal position when the trailer is traveling. Instead, I have to hold it as horizontal as possible with a bungee.

I was thinking it might be more convenient to put the jack on one of the side members just aft of the wishbone spot where they come together. It wouldn't be on the center line of the trailer, but I'd be able to lock it while the trailer is in motion. Does this sound like a good idea? Any other factors to consider?

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Trailer jack mounting location

...I was thinking it might be more convenient to put the jack on one of the side members just aft of the wishbone spot where they come together. It wouldn't be on the center line of the trailer, but I'd be able to lock it while the trailer is in motion. Does this sound like a good idea? Any other factors to consider?

That's how I have my jack attached, for a similar reason. Just be sure the stowed jack doesn't block any lights or reflectors.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Trailer jack mounting location

Mount the jack where it fits well when horizontal. Vertical doesn't matter as long as it's between the wheel tracks and you can operate it without skinning your knuckles or throwing your back out.

 

[Guest]

Re: Trailer jack mounting location

Also mount it so when you are backing up you don't hit it when jack knifing your trailer or you will damage the trailer and your tow vehicle.

 

[Treager]

Re: Trailer jack mounting location

I had to mount a jack on this type of trailer before and ran into the same issue.

First thing I would recommend is to replace your trailer jack. Given the amount of corrosion on the lower memeber (attached to the wheel), I have a feeling the rest of the insides are similar and you're probably due for a failure in the next year.

What I did to mount the jack so that it would swing up and clear the I-beams was to go to Home Depot (or was it Lowes?) and purchase 1" square tube (steel). I cut 2 pieces of tube to match the height of the swivel plate of the jack. I then drilled holes for the mounting bolts (matching up to the swivel plate). It is important that the holes are centered on the tube. Debur the cuts, ensure there is no rust on the surface, prime, use a high quality rattle can paint (or get them powder coated if you have a local vendor).

The tubes will mount vertically between the jack and the trailer tongue. The 1" should be enough to push the jack out so that it will lock in place in the horizontal position.

The major stress on the jack is going to be the bolt in the swivel plate, my only concern with this set up is corrosion of the steel tubes. (If you find some other metal that thick, it may work out better, but in the case above, I had to make the jack work that day, so I didn't have a lot of options to explore other than what was readily available).