Cranking a manual tongue jack after a long drive is the kind of chore that makes you question your whole camping setup. An electric tongue jack does the heavy lifting for you at the press of a button, so coupling and uncoupling your travel trailer goes from a sweaty arm workout to a ten second job. The right one lifts your trailer level, holds steady under load, and keeps working through rain, dust, and years of road grime.
We looked at the electric tongue jacks travel trailer owners actually buy and use, weighing lift capacity, motor speed, weatherproofing, and how painless the install really is. Below are the seven we trust most, ranked best first, with honest notes on where each one shines and where it falls short.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lippert Power Tongue Jack 3500 lb Best Overall 3,500 lb lift capacity, 18 in travel, integrated LED work light, manual override crank |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Husky 82022 Electric Tongue Jack 4000 lb Best Heavy Duty 4,000 lb lift capacity, 22 in travel, dual LED lights, drop leg foot included |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Bulldog 500200 Powered Drive A-Frame Jack Best Build Quality 3,500 lb lift capacity, 9 in travel, steel gear drive, weather resistant housing |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Stromberg Carlson JET-3755 Electric Trailer Jack Best Travel Range 3,500 lb lift capacity, 23 in travel, LED light, weatherproof rubber boot |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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RAM Trailer 3000 lb Electric Power Tongue Jack Best Value 3,000 lb lift capacity, 18 in travel, LED light, two button up and down control |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Quick Products JQ-3500 Power A-Frame Tongue Jack Best Compact Head 3,650 lb lift capacity, 18 in travel, LED light, low profile head design |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Reese Towpower 500201 Electric Tongue Jack Best Brand Trust 3,500 lb lift capacity, 18 in travel, LED light, all weather construction |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Lippert Power Tongue Jack 3500 lb: Best Overall
Lippert is the name you see bolted to the front of more travel trailers than any other, and the 3,500 lb Power Tongue Jack is the reason why. It lifts with real authority, raising a fully loaded tongue smoothly without the motor straining or pausing. The integrated LED light is more useful than it sounds, because most of us end up backing under a coupler in a dim driveway or a dark campsite, and a built in beam beats juggling a flashlight. The manual override crank tucked under a cap is the safety net that matters most, letting you wind the jack up or down by hand if your battery is flat.
The honest weakness is fitment. Because Lippert designs these for its own frames, the mounting bolt pattern does not always match aftermarket or older trailer tongues, and some owners end up drilling a fresh hole or two to seat it square. The head is also on the chunky side, so if your propane tanks or a front mounted toolbox crowd the A frame, measure your clearance before you order. Get past those install quirks and this is the most dependable electric jack you can bolt on.
- 3,500 lb rated lift handles most single and tandem axle travel trailers with margin to spare
- Built-in LED courtesy light makes hitching after dark genuinely easy
- Manual override crank lets you finish the job if the battery dies on you
Pros: Trusted OEM brand fitted on countless factory trailers, so parts and support are everywhere; Fast, confident lift speed even with a loaded tongue; Weather sealed motor housing shrugs off rain and road spray
Cons: Bolt pattern may not line up with every aftermarket frame without minor drilling; Bulkier head than some competitors, so check clearance near your propane tanks
2. Husky 82022 Electric Tongue Jack 4000 lb: Best Heavy Duty
If your travel trailer sits at the heavier end, the Husky 82022 gives you a comfort margin the lighter jacks cannot match. The 4,000 lb rating means a fully loaded tongue still goes up briskly, and the long 22 inch stroke is a quiet superstar when you are parked on a slope and need to reach the coupler ball that sits higher than usual. Two LED lights, one aimed at the coupler and one washing the ground, make late arrivals far less fiddly. The included drop leg foot lets you cover the big gap fast and then power the last few inches, which saves both time and battery.
The trade off for that strength is size and weight. This is a substantial jack, and you will want a second set of hands or at least a steady arm when you bolt it on, because it is not something you balance one handed. The longer body also demands more vertical room under the A frame, so a trailer with a low slung tongue or tight propane mounting can feel cramped. For a big rig owner, those are easy compromises for a jack that lifts without complaint.
- 4,000 lb capacity gives extra headroom for heavier travel trailers and toy haulers
- Long 22 in stroke clears taller hitch setups and uneven ground
- Dual LED lights illuminate both the coupler and the ground around it
Pros: Highest lift rating in this lineup, so it never feels stressed under load; Generous travel range makes leveling on a slope much simpler; Includes a drop leg foot that speeds up the final inches of lift
Cons: Heavier unit that takes two hands to position during install; Longer body means it needs more vertical clearance under the tongue
3. Bulldog 500200 Powered Drive A-Frame Jack: Best Build Quality
Bulldog has a long history in the towing world, and the 500200 powered A frame jack feels like it was built by people who expect their gear to be cursed at and used hard. The body is heavy gauge steel, the internal gear drive is steel rather than nylon, and the whole thing has a planted, no nonsense feel that inspires confidence the first time you load it. Owners routinely report many seasons of service with nothing more than the occasional shot of grease, which is exactly what you want from a part that holds your trailer off the ground.
Where it gives ground is convenience. The 9 inch travel range is on the short side, so if you regularly park on uneven sites or run a tall hitch, you may find yourself reaching for blocks under the foot. There is also no integrated LED light, which feels like a small miss in a category where most rivals now include one. If you value raw durability over bells and whistles, though, this Bulldog earns its keep.
- Heavy gauge steel construction built to take abuse and last
- All steel internal gear drive resists stripping under repeated heavy loads
- Sealed housing keeps water and grit out of the motor and gears
Pros: Among the most ruggedly built jacks you can buy for the money in value terms; Reputation for surviving years of hard use without failure; Solid, reassuring feel with no wobble at full extension
Cons: Shorter travel range than the long stroke competitors; No built in work light, so you will need your own
4. Stromberg Carlson JET-3755 Electric Trailer Jack: Best Travel Range
The Stromberg Carlson JET-3755 wins on reach. With 23 inches of travel, it handles the situations that trip up shorter jacks, like coupling to a lifted truck or leveling on a campsite that drops away under the tongue. The protective rubber boot over the inner tube is a thoughtful touch, sealing out the water and grit that slowly chew up an unprotected shaft, and it should add real years to the jack. The LED light is well placed, throwing its beam right where you are trying to line up the ball and coupler.
That long stroke is a double edged sword. Fully extended, this jack stands tall, and on a trailer with a low front rail or closely mounted battery box you need to confirm nothing fouls it at the top of its travel. The rubber boot, while protective, can also collect sand and grit if you camp in dusty places and never wipe it down, so it benefits from an occasional clean. For owners who battle high hitches and slopes, the extra reach is worth the planning.
- Extra long 23 in travel reaches high couplers and clears deep slopes
- Protective rubber boot shields the inner tube from water and dirt
- Bright LED light positioned to illuminate the coupler directly
Pros: One of the longest strokes available, ideal for tall trucks and uneven ground; Rubber boot meaningfully extends the life of the inner shaft; Smooth, consistent lift speed throughout the range
Cons: Tall extended height can foul low mounted accessories; Boot can trap grit if it is not occasionally cleaned out
5. RAM Trailer 3000 lb Electric Power Tongue Jack: Best Value
The RAM Trailer electric jack is the sensible pick for someone with a lighter travel trailer who does not need 4,000 lb of muscle and would rather not pay for it. Operation could not be simpler, just an up button and a down button, and the 3,000 lb rating is plenty for most single axle and lighter tandem trailers. The compact head is genuinely handy if your A frame is crowded, slipping into spaces where the bigger jacks would crowd a propane tank or battery box. The included LED light covers the basics of hitching after sundown.
The compromises are in line with its position. The 3,000 lb capacity means less overhead if your trailer carries a heavy front, like a loaded toolbox and dual propane tanks, so do an honest tongue weight check before you buy. The plastic head cap also feels a step down from the steel housings on the premium jacks, and while it holds up fine in normal use, it is the part most likely to show wear over many seasons. For a lighter rig, it is a smart, fuss free buy.
- Straightforward two button operation that anyone can use first try
- 3,000 lb capacity suits the majority of small to mid size travel trailers
- Integrated LED light covers basic nighttime hitching
Pros: Strong value for owners of lighter trailers who want simple reliable lift; Easy, quick install with a common bolt pattern; Compact head that fits tight A frames well
Cons: 3,000 lb rating leaves less margin for heavier loaded tongues; Plastic head cap feels less rugged than steel headed rivals
6. Quick Products JQ-3500 Power A-Frame Tongue Jack: Best Compact Head
The Quick Products JQ-3500 earns its spot by solving a problem that frustrates a lot of owners: not enough room on the A frame. Its low profile head is noticeably slimmer than the bulky premium jacks, so it tucks neatly between propane tanks and battery boxes where a fatter unit simply will not fit. Despite the trim shape, it carries a 3,650 lb rating that nudges past many same sized rivals, and it is light enough that one person can bolt it on without wrestling. The LED light and simple rocker switch keep operation easy in the dark.
It is not without rough edges. The motor is audibly busier than the quiet premium jacks, so you will hear it working through every lift, which bothers some owners more than others. The weather sealing is solid for normal conditions but not the very best in this group, so if you store outdoors in a wet climate, a cover over the head is a wise habit. For anyone fighting a packed A frame, the compact design more than makes up for those quibbles.
- Low profile head fits crowded A frames without fouling tanks or boxes
- 3,650 lb capacity edges out many rivals in the same size class
- LED light and simple rocker control for easy night use
Pros: Slim head shape solves clearance problems on tight tongues; Slightly higher capacity than most jacks in its class; Light enough to install solo without a struggle
Cons: Motor is a touch noisier than the premium units; Weather sealing is good but not class leading in heavy rain
7. Reese Towpower 500201 Electric Tongue Jack: Best Brand Trust
Reese Towpower has been making hitches and towing gear for generations, and that pedigree is the main reason to choose the 500201 electric tongue jack. It is a no drama, do the job unit with a 3,500 lb rating that suits most travel trailers, an 18 inch stroke that handles typical hitching heights, and an integrated LED for the after dark coupling that always seems to happen. The big practical upside is support: Reese parts and dealers are easy to find, and the common bolt pattern means it often drops straight into the holes left by an old jack.
Performance is solid rather than spectacular. The lift speed is a notch slower than the quickest jacks in this roundup, so you wait a couple of extra seconds for the tongue to reach height, and the single LED is dimmer than the dual light setups on the heavy duty units. Neither is a dealbreaker, but they keep it out of the top spots. If brand trust and easy serviceability rank high on your list, the Reese is a safe, sensible choice.
- Backed by a long established towing brand with wide parts availability
- 3,500 lb capacity covers the bulk of travel trailers comfortably
- All weather build with an integrated LED for night hitching
Pros: Reese name brings strong dealer and replacement part support; Reliable everyday lift performance with no surprises; Common bolt pattern makes it a clean swap for many existing jacks
Cons: Lift speed is a little slower than the fastest jacks here; Light output is dimmer than the dual LED competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
How much lift capacity do I need for my travel trailer?
The jack rating must comfortably exceed your trailer’s tongue weight, not its total weight. Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight, so a 6,000 lb travel trailer carries roughly 600 to 900 lb on the tongue. A 3,500 lb rated jack handles that with a large safety margin. As a rule, pick a jack rated for more than your actual tongue weight, and if your trailer carries a heavy front end with full propane tanks, a toolbox, and a battery bank, step up to a 4,000 lb unit for extra headroom.
Are electric tongue jacks hard to install?
For most travel trailers it is a straightforward swap that a handy owner can finish in under an hour. The jack bolts to the A frame using the existing mounting holes, and you wire it to the trailer’s 12 volt battery, usually with an inline fuse for protection. The two things that catch people out are the bolt pattern not lining up, which may require drilling a hole or two, and routing clean, properly fused power wire to the battery. Read the included instructions, confirm your bolt spacing before you buy, and the job is well within DIY reach.
What happens if the battery dies while the trailer is jacked up?
Every quality electric tongue jack includes a manual override, usually a crank handle that engages through a port on the head once you pop off a small cap. If your 12 volt battery goes flat, you simply attach the crank and wind the jack up or down by hand, exactly like an old manual jack. This is why we strongly favor jacks with a clearly documented manual override, and why you should store the crank handle somewhere you can find it. Never rely on the motor alone, because a dead battery in a remote campsite is a real possibility.
Do electric tongue jacks hold up in rain and bad weather?
The better units are sealed against water and dust and are designed to live outdoors year round, which is exactly what a travel trailer jack must do. That said, weatherproofing varies, and the inner shaft is the part most vulnerable to corrosion. Jacks with a protective rubber boot over the inner tube tend to last longest because they keep grit and moisture off the shaft. If you store your trailer outside in a wet or coastal climate, a simple cover over the jack head and an occasional shot of grease will add years to its life.
Can I use an electric tongue jack to level my trailer side to side?
No, a tongue jack only raises and lowers the front of the trailer to adjust the front to back tilt and to couple or uncouple from the hitch. Side to side leveling is done with leveling blocks or ramps under the wheels on the low side, and stabilizer jacks at the corners keep the trailer from rocking once parked. Think of the tongue jack as the tool for hitching and for setting your front to rear level, then use blocks and stabilizers for everything else. Trying to lift a corner with the tongue jack will not work and can stress the frame.
Our Verdict
Our top pick is the Lippert Power Tongue Jack 3500 lb, the most dependable all rounder here thanks to its confident lift, built in LED light, manual override, and the unmatched parts and service support that comes from being the brand on so many factory trailers. If you tow at the heavier end or want extra reach for tall hitches and sloped sites, the Husky 82022 4000 lb is the runner up, trading a little extra size and weight for the highest lift rating and longest stroke in this lineup. Match the jack to your real tongue weight and your A frame clearance, and either one will turn hitching into a ten second job for years to come.
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