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having a problem finding a trailer jack that will fit my truck/trailer. what i need is an a-frame jack with at least a 3,000lb capacity. the problem i have now is that when i let the tailgate down it hits the top of the jack. i only have 7 inches of clearance below the tailgate and the shortest jack i have found is 9 inches from the flange to the top of the jack. ive checked fulton, reese, bullydog, northern tool, and tractor supply and havent found anything i can use. anyone know if they even make a jack with that short of a top or where i can find one? thanks in advance.
You can modify the trailer jack your self if you are mechanically inclined and have some tools or send it out to be done by cutting shorter the male stud and the housing (housing would have to wielded) Making it shorter you might have to use a wooden block to lift your trailler up, make sure you use a wide block instead of a short one
You can get a frame tow hech instead of using your bumper? Some tow frame hech's does extend farther out
Can't recommend any sources for a shorter jack. But you might consider using a hitch with a longer shank. That is, the drawbar part of the hitch that slides inside the receiver. I found a drawbar that is a little longer. If it weren't for that, my tailgate would hit the jack too.
-Move the trailer's jack back farther
cant do that unless i want to weld another steel bar in the a-frame and then cut a hole in it for the jack. too much trouble when i can just not open the tailgate instead. would like to have the tailgate to where it would open, but not a necesity. tried using a swing away jack, it lasted about two times before it broke, but it only had a 1,500 pound weight capacity. if i could find a swing away jack that would hold more weight then that would work too, but i cant find one over 1,500lbs.
I used an implement jack that turns 90 degrees for storage, it just clears the old Aframe mount, the cross pan at the back, and the mounting bolts for the weight dist. hitch.If you like, i can snap a pic. BTW, it was an old Winnebago frame, but will not clear the propane tank pan. I removed that, sas the frame is now a flatbed.You can also get another style that pins on and can be removed for towing.
-I used an implement jack that turns 90 degrees for storage
i would prefer a shorter a-frame jack if they make them, but if they make a swing away jack that mounts to the frame and will hold a decent amount of weight then that would be fine too.
-But you might consider using a hitch with a longer shank.
that would work too, but im needing a jack for sure, since mine just broke. so id like to not have to buy a jack and a hitch if i can find a jack that will work. might can talk the wife into thinking my only option is a 4 inch lift and bigger tires, then buy a hitch with a 4 inch drop. i think her reply will be to just not open the tailgate then lol.
You might wish to check with an RV supply store. While the prices seem to be rather steep, they have a great many "diffferent" and specialized parts, accessories, and supplies.
I hope this is of some help to you!
Here's one idea to solve the problem:
The A-frame jack mounts to a plate welded on top of the frame channels. If you u were to weld a plate on the bottom of the frame channels and mount the jack to that plate instead, you would be dropping the jack down by however many inches deep your frame channel is. If that's too much, you could weld the plate halfway between the top and bottom, or wherever you like it. Might have to cut some off the bottom of the jack leg and re-weld the foot back on so it doesn't drag when you go through dips in the road.
SoCalDesertRider has a great suggestion there! A friend of mine who has an ag equipment and truck shop here did that same thing. (He also welded two square tubing stock pieces on top and on bottom for added strength.) He has used his new jack set-up for several years now and it works really well!
Sorry I didnt answer sooner, I read the post on Monday night and did come to work until this morning (Wed)
Atwood makes an A frame jack, 5000lb, 14" of lift, overall height 21.75". It is sold with the mounting plate not attached. You can make it what ever height you wish.
Part numbers
Atwood
80380 for the jack
20969 for the A frame flange
hey guys. i think ill check into that one jack that comes with a seperate flange on it. ive got a spare jack at home, but its 15 inches from the flange to the top of the handle, so i couldnt mount it low enough to give me the needed clearance. with the jack being that short though, it might end up being easier to not open the tailgate than to lug around a stack of boards to help it jack it up enough to get it off of the ball. thanks for the replies.