Trailer Jack

buck12 · Jan 11, 2010

I have an 18' trailer and would like to add a trailer tongue box to store chains, binder, etc. My problem is that the trailer jack is welded to a cross brace and if I mount any of the boxes I have found the jack handle will hit the box when used. There is a center hole with bolt holes closer to the hitch that the jack could be moved to which would create the needed clearance. Before I cut the welds and move the jack I was wondering if there is a reason the trailer manufacturer mounted the jack approximately 12" back from what seems to be the intended jack location of hitch manufacturer. Any thoughts?

Diamondpilot · Jan 11, 2010

I order all my trailers this way. Its called the "Set Back Jack Option". Without it you can not open the rear hatch of a SUV or lower the tail gate of a pickup truck. There is always exceptions to this rule but not many. The jack just gets in the way.

It cause more problems being close to the vehicle than it does where it is at. The are only 2 options which I have done for a few customers. First is to move the jack to the outside of 1 frame rail like on a boat trailer. It will require the fabrication of a bracket. Second is to get a jack with a crank that is not top mounted but side mounted and place the jack so its handle is facing the ball coupler utilizing the cross brace you already have.

This is the type of jack I am talking about. We call them Side Winders.

Chris

buck12 · Jan 12, 2010

Chris, you seem to be knowledgeable about trailers. Do you know of anyone that makes a low profile tongue box (12" or under)?

careyo63 · Jan 12, 2010

I'm not sure how far N.W Miss. you are but these folks are in Memphis and have both the side mount jack and tool boxes.They are real reasonable, I have used them for Yrs. here in Ga. The gears in my jack on my boat trailer broke and replaced it with thier side mount. Worked so good went ahead and cut the orginal off so I could drop my tail gate. Portable Generators, Heaters + Stoves, Pressure Washers, Power Tools | Northern Tool + Equipment

Carey

Diamondpilot · Jan 12, 2010

buck12 said:
Chris, you seem to be knowledgeable about trailers. Do you know of anyone that makes a low profile tongue box (12" or under)?

Not sure. I mounted quite a few Rubber Made boxes on trailers. I get them at WalMart in the Auto dept. It is pretty low and about 24"x16" in size plus the price is right at under $20 and water tight.

Chris

buck12 · Jan 12, 2010

I found that Better Built sells a 12" high trailer tongue box that should allow clearance for the jack handle. It's $40.00 more than the box I intended to buy but will be cheaper than replacing the jack. This box should provide adequate room to store binders and chains.