You’ve just pulled into the site after a long haul. Maybe it’s your go-to campground, a trailhead tucked into the woods, or the parking lot of a jobsite—whatever the case, the truck’s in park and it’s time to disconnect and level the trailer. Unfortunately, your back is already protesting the many hours of driving.
So, what’s waiting at the tongue of your trailer? A good old-fashioned manual crank jack, or a modern electric version with a switch and less sweat? It might seem like a small detail, but the right trailer jack can have a big impact on your day.
Choosing between a manual and electric trailer jack isn’t just about cost or convenience; it’s about how you actually use your trailer. In this guide, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of each style so you can pick the one that works best for your setup.
Manual vs. Electric Trailer Jacks: What’s the Difference?
At a basic level, all trailer jacks do the same thing: raise and lower the front end of your trailer so you can hitch up, level out, stabilize, or disconnect. The big difference is how much effort is required to get the job done.
- Manual trailer jacks require physical effort. You crank the handle and, through a geared mechanism, the jack raises or lowers the trailer tongue. They typically mount either to the trailer frame (swivel style) or the coupler area (A-frame style), with the right choice depending on your trailer’s design. Manual jacks are simple, budget-friendly, and don’t require any external power source. Brands like Bulldog, CURT, and Reese offer solid manual options that are dependable and easy to mount.
- Electric trailer jacks, on the other hand, use a motor to do the heavy lifting. Just push a button, and the jack manages itself. Many are powered through your trailer’s 12V system or a dedicated battery. Some even come with LED lighting, weather-sealed switches, and remote-control functionality. Popular choices include models from Lippert Components, Barker Manufacturing, and Husky Towing.
Ultimately, electric trailer jacks cost more upfront and require a power source to operate. But they can save your back, time, and patience in the long run—especially if you’re lifting a heavy trailer frequently.
Pick the Right Jack for Your Towing Style
Not every trailer jack is built for the same kind of hauler, and not every hauler needs the same kind of jack. In this section, we’ll match common user types with jack styles that make the most sense based on how, where, and how often you tow. By focusing on real-world use, we’ll help you choose a jack that fits both your trailer and your routine.
Weekend Warrior: Keep It Simple, Keep It Light
If you’re towing a small camper, utility trailer, or single-axle cargo hauler a few times a year, whether it’s for work or play, you probably don’t need a powered jack. For casual users, a manual trailer jack may be all you need.
Manual jacks tend to be lighter, take up less space, and are less likely to need maintenance. There’s no wiring, no fuses, and nothing to troubleshoot when you’re just trying to get the fire started or unload some gear. They’re also a lot easier to replace or upgrade later if your needs change.
Pros:
- Lower cost of entry
- Doesn’t draw power from your trailer battery
- Easy to maintain, install, or replace
- More than enough lifting capacity for smaller, lighter trailers
Cons:
- Requires physical effort every time
- Can be slow and tiring in poor weather
- Not ideal for people with back or shoulder limitations
- Crank handles and other wear items will get beaten up
- Fold-up mechanisms, springs, and pins may wear out over time or require maintenance
Bottom Line: If your trailer lifestyle is casual and lightweight, there’s no shame in staying analog. A simple crank gets the job done without complicating your setup. But keep an eye on your physical tolerance—what’s easy on your body at 35 may not feel the same at 55.
Parts Via Pick: Bulldog A-Frame Manual Jack With Side Handle - A long-trusted name in trailering, Bulldog delivers smooth operation and field-proven strength in this dependable A-frame jack. It bolts or welds directly to the trailer frame, and while it doesn’t swing away like a swivel jack, it retracts fully for safe travel clearance. A solid, budget-friendly pick for weekend hauling and light-duty use.
Heavy Hauler: Time to Go Electric
If your trailer tips the scales into the 5,000-pound range or more, or you’re frequently hitching and unhitching, it might be time to make your life easier: An electric trailer jack doesn’t just save time; it saves wear and tear on your body.
These jacks are especially useful for folks who haul car trailers, horse trailers, large toy haulers, or heavy-duty work rigs. The electric motor makes quick work of tongue weight and repeated hookups, especially on uneven or sloped ground.
Pros:
- Consistent lift without fatigue
- Faster operation, especially helpful in bad weather
- Often includes extra features like lighting or auto-leveling
- Ideal for use with weight distribution hitches that require repeated lifts
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Requires power from a battery or trailer system
- More moving parts could mean potential maintenance or failure points
Bottom Line: If you’re a contractor hauling gear day after day, or an overlander pulling a 30-foot travel trailer into remote campsites, the time and effort saved with an electric jack is hard to beat. Consider it part of your overall equipment system, just like a weight distribution hitch or brake controller.
Parts Via Picks: Lippert Smart Jack™ Power Tongue Jack - Ideal for frequent haulers, this 3,500-lb. capacity electric jack combines raw lifting power with smart tech. Features like Auto-Hitch Memory, built-in LED lighting, and a backlit control panel take the strain—and guesswork—out of hooking up, making it a great match for work rigs, car trailers, or full-size RVs. If you need more muscle, check out the Stromberg Carlson 5,000-lb Electric Jack. With a powerful 12V motor and 23 inches of total lift, it’s a solid choice for large trailers, toy haulers, and cargo rigs with heavy tongue weights.
Off-Grid Adventurer: Consider the Terrain
Hauling into backcountry sites comes with unique challenges. You may be leveling on soft sand, rocky soil, or an uneven forest floor. The type of jack you choose can really affect how fast (or how frustrated) you get set up.
Here’s the rub: manual trailer jacks tend to be more dependable in rugged conditions. There’s no battery to fail, no circuit to short, and no risk of electronic components getting gummed up by mud or trail dust. If something does fail, a classic mechanical unit might be easily repaired or “MacGyvered” in a pinch. For remote trips, this type of dependability sometimes outweighs convenience.
If, however, you still want the ease of an electric unit, look for one that offers manual override capability. This feature lets you operate the jack with a crank if the power system fails. That kind of backup system can be a lifesaver when you’re miles from the nearest service station.
Parts Via Pick: Husky Towing Brute Electric Tongue Jack - True to its name, the Brute blends electric convenience with rugged dependability. The included crank handle offers manual override when power isn’t an option, while Smart Stop™ tech prevents hard stops and reduces motor wear. With triple LED lights and a weather-resistant cover, it’s a solid choice for serious trailering.
When to Upgrade: Signs It’s Time to Switch
Sometimes you don’t know you’ve outgrown your gear until it fails or wears you out. If your current trailer jack is slowing down the process, struggling to lift your load, or just making you dread setup, it may be time to rethink your system.
Ask yourself:
- Has your trailer changed (e.g., new model, more weight)?
- Are you towing more frequently than before?
- Have physical limitations made cranking more difficult?
- Do you find yourself needing help just to get hitched?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then consider investing in a jack that matches your current reality—not just what worked five years ago. A higher-quality jack offers more robust or premium features, and there’s nothing wrong with upgrading now to avoid future headaches (or backaches).
That could mean choosing a hybrid model that blends electric convenience with a manual backup—or stepping up to a fully electric jack with built-in safeguards, weatherproofing, and overload protection. Several brands available here on Parts Via offer models with these kinds of features, and if you’re already upgrading your trailer’s stabilizers or leveling system, now’s a smart time to rethink your tongue jack as well.
Faster Setup Without a Full Upgrade
Whether or not your trailer has an electric tongue jack, chances are your stabilizer or leveling jacks still need a manual crank. Power drill adapters let you skip the hand-cranking and raise or lower your jacks in seconds—giving you the best of both worlds: manual simplicity with electric convenience. Just note: these bits are made for stabilizers, not for lifting the trailer tongue.
Here are a few popular options:
- Camco Leveling Scissor Jack Drill Socket: Designed for scissor jacks with a 3/4-inch hex drive, this budget-friendly adapter helps speed up raising and lowering your trailer. Simple, durable, and compatible with most brands.
- Rieco-Titan Camper Jack Drill Bit Adapter: Built for RTP tripod and 4-corner mechanical jacks, this adapter reduces cranking fatigue with a no-slip shank and smooth drill operation. Great for solo setup and fine alignment, zinc-plated for durability.
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Lippert HappiJac® Drill Adapter: A direct-fit replacement for HappiJac® truck camper jack systems, this adapter adds electric-like convenience without a full motorized upgrade—perfect for easing the workload without overhauling your setup.
Not all jacks will be compatible with these accessories, so be sure to double-check your setup. But if the fit is right, you’ll save both money and muscle.
Find the Right Jack at Parts Via
The best trailer jack is the one that fits your setup, your towing style, and your tolerance for cranking at the end of a long day. Whether you’re upgrading to electric or sticking with manual, Parts Via carries a wide range of jacks and accessories from trusted brands—plus a convenient and FREE ship-to-store option to make pickup easy and affordable.