Trailer jacks and dollies are mechanical support and maneuvering tools used to lift, stabilize, and move trailers when they are disconnected from a tow vehicle. Jacks hold the trailer at a level height to protect the coupler and cargo, while dollies allow you to reposition a trailer by hand in tight spaces.
Swivel trailer jacks are designed for trailer owners who need a jack that can fold or rotate out of the way when not in use. They are especially practical for boat trailers, utility trailers, and cargo trailers where ground clearance matters during towing and easy deployment is needed during hookup.
Start by positioning the trailer jack on the tongue tube or A-frame rail at a point that keeps the trailer level when uncoupled. Secure the jack using the appropriate bolts through the mounting bracket, tighten all hardware to the torque specification listed in the jack's manual, and test the crank operation before loading the trailer.
Attach the trailer dolly to the trailer coupler or tongue, then use the handle to push, pull, or steer the trailer into position. Trailer dollies work best on flat, hard surfaces like driveways or garage floors, and you should always engage the trailer's wheel chocks before detaching the dolly.
The right trailer jack weight capacity depends on the gross tongue weight of your specific trailer, which is typically around 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer's total weight. Always choose a jack rated at or above your trailer's maximum tongue weight to ensure safe and stable support when the trailer is parked.
A swivel jack rotates or folds up along the trailer tongue when not in use, reducing the risk of ground contact while towing, whereas a straight-mount jack stays fixed in a vertical position and must be manually removed or cranked fully up before travel. Swivel jacks are generally preferred for trailers that are frequently hitched and unhitched.
Yes, a zinc-plated trailer jack offers meaningful corrosion resistance that makes it better suited for outdoor storage and occasional wet conditions than an uncoated steel jack. Zinc plating creates a protective barrier against rust, though for extended marine or coastal environments, additional protective measures like grease on moving parts are recommended.
Yes, the wheel type on a trailer jack significantly affects stability and ease of use depending on the surface. Poly wheels perform well on hard, flat surfaces like concrete and asphalt, while larger pneumatic or foam-filled wheels are better suited for soft ground, gravel, or uneven terrain where a smaller wheel would sink or drag.
Because a wheeled trailer jack allows you to easily crank the trailer tongue up and roll the trailer forward or backward by hand without fully detaching it, making solo hookups much more manageable. A foot pad jack is simpler and lower cost but requires more effort to reposition the trailer once it is uncoupled and parked.
Clean the trailer jack regularly to remove dirt, road grime, and moisture, and apply grease or a dry lubricant to the screw mechanism and any pivot points on swivel models. Inspect the mounting hardware for looseness or corrosion before each use, and store the jack in the raised or folded position to protect the wheel and threads during transport.