Ensuring your travel trailer is stable and level is paramount for a comfortable and safe camping experience. One of the most crucial components in achieving this stability is the travel trailer jack. These jacks are not just about convenience; they are essential for preventing trailer sway, reducing stress on tires, and making your RV feel more like home, wherever you park it. Understanding the different types of Travel Trailer Jacks and how to choose the right ones for your needs is key to hassle-free setup and peace of mind on the road.
There are several types of travel trailer jacks available, each designed for specific purposes and RV configurations. Let’s explore some of the most common types to help you determine which will work best for your travel trailer.
Types of Travel Trailer Jacks: Finding Your Perfect Match
Stabilizer Jacks: Primarily used to minimize rocking and movement when you’re parked, stabilizer jacks are not designed to lift or level your trailer. They provide crucial support at the rear and sometimes front corners of your RV. Typically, these are scissor jacks or extendable arm jacks that you crank down to meet the ground after your trailer is roughly leveled.
Leveling Jacks: Unlike stabilizer jacks, leveling jacks are built to lift and level your travel trailer. These can be hydraulic or electric and are often found on larger, more luxurious RVs. For smaller to mid-sized trailers, you might use manual leveling jacks in conjunction with leveling blocks to achieve a perfectly even surface. Leveling jacks significantly enhance comfort, ensuring appliances work correctly and doors don’t swing open or closed on their own.
Tongue Jacks: Located at the front of your travel trailer, tongue jacks serve multiple vital functions. They assist in hitching and unhitching your trailer from your tow vehicle, and they also help in leveling the trailer from front to back. Tongue jacks can be manual, electric, or hydraulic, with electric tongue jacks becoming increasingly popular for their ease of use, especially for larger trailers.
Scissor Jacks: A common type of stabilizer jack, scissor jacks are known for their compact design and ease of use. They operate using a scissor mechanism that extends as you crank them. Scissor jacks are typically manually operated and are a cost-effective solution for basic stabilization.
Electric Jacks: For those seeking convenience and ease, electric jacks are a game-changer. Whether tongue jacks or leveling jacks, electric models eliminate manual cranking, saving time and effort, especially after a long day of travel. Many electric jacks are operated with the push of a button and some even come with remote controls for added convenience.
Hydraulic Jacks: Offering the most robust lifting power and stability, hydraulic jacks are generally found on larger and heavier RVs. They provide smooth and powerful leveling and stabilization, often as part of an automatic leveling system. While more expensive, hydraulic jacks offer unparalleled performance and are ideal for frequent travelers or those with larger rigs.
Choosing the Right Travel Trailer Jacks: Key Considerations
Selecting the appropriate travel trailer jacks depends on several factors specific to your RV and travel style.
- Type and Size of Your Travel Trailer: Smaller, lighter trailers may only require stabilizer jacks and a manual tongue jack, while larger, heavier trailers may benefit from electric or hydraulic leveling and tongue jacks.
- Frequency of Travel: If you’re a weekend warrior, manual jacks might suffice. However, full-time RVers or frequent travelers will appreciate the convenience of electric or hydraulic systems.
- Terrain and Campsite Conditions: If you often camp on uneven terrain, leveling jacks become even more critical. Consider the type of terrain you typically encounter to determine the level of adjustability you need.
- Budget: Travel trailer jacks range in price from very affordable manual stabilizer jacks to more expensive electric and hydraulic systems. Determine your budget and weigh the cost against the benefits of each type.
- Ease of Use: Consider your physical capabilities and preferences. If you prefer minimal physical exertion, electric or hydraulic jacks are worth the investment. Manual jacks require more cranking and physical effort.
Using Travel Trailer Jacks Safely and Effectively
Regardless of the type of travel trailer jacks you choose, using them correctly and safely is crucial.
- Level Your Trailer First: Use leveling blocks under your tires to get your trailer as level as possible side-to-side before deploying leveling jacks. For front-to-back leveling, use your tongue jack.
- Position Jacks Correctly: Place stabilizer jacks on solid ground or use jack pads to distribute weight and prevent sinking, especially on soft surfaces. Ensure they are positioned on the trailer frame as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Crank or Extend Jacks Slowly and Evenly: Avoid over-extending jacks. Extend them until they make firm contact with the ground and provide stability, but don’t try to lift the trailer with stabilizer jacks. Leveling jacks are designed for lifting, but always do so gradually and check for stability.
- Use a Level: Use a bubble level or a smartphone app to ensure your trailer is properly leveled both side-to-side and front-to-back. Adjust jacks as needed to achieve a level surface.
- Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Periodically inspect your jacks for any signs of damage, rust, or wear. Lubricate moving parts as needed to ensure smooth operation and longevity.
Conclusion: Invest in the Right Jacks for Stress-Free RVing
Choosing and using the right travel trailer jacks is a vital part of RV ownership. Whether you opt for basic stabilizer jacks or a full automatic leveling system, investing in quality jacks and understanding how to use them correctly will significantly enhance your camping experiences. Stable and level RV living is more comfortable, safer, and allows you to fully enjoy the freedom of travel. Take the time to assess your needs, explore the options, and equip your travel trailer with the jacks that best suit your adventures.
