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How to replace a worn-out trailer tongue jack with a fast, strong, economical electric model
When it comes time to put an end to wasted manpower cranking slow tongue jacks every time you need to move a trailer, modern technology has some nice options.
One of the best tongue jacks around tight now is the Brute Power Jack from Husky Towing Products: It sells for less than $200 and takes less than a 1/2-hour to install on most equipment trailers.
It’s speedy, has an 18-inch stroke with an adjustable leg, and has the power to easily lift as much as 4,500 pounds.
Husky offers the Brute in three models:
- Model HB4500, with a 4,500 lb. capacity, 2-1/4″ dia. (#87247)
- Model HB3000, with a 3,000 lb. capacity, 2-1/4″ dia. (#87248)
- Model HB3000/2, with a 3,000 lb. capacity, 2″ dia. (#87489)
The jack also features Smart Stop, which uses a planetary gear timing system that shuts down the power to the motor before the nut reaches the hard stop point. This eliminates a hard mechanical stop, lessens stress on the jack and reduces current draw.
The 2-1/4″ jack’s diameter tube fits all 2″ and 2-5/16″ A-frame couplers.
Other features include an adjustable drop-down leg with a 5-1/2″ foot pad, three LED work lights, and a built-in connector storage bracket with protective hood.
The Brute Power Jack has hardened steel gears and stainless steel fasteners; weather resistant motor and gear housings; a 30A inline circuit breaker; and a manual, emergency crank.
We installed a well-used HB3000 on a Big Tex 12LX hydraulic dump trailer, on which the electric jack it came with had seen better days. The swap took less than 20 minutes.
The Brute Power Jack took just 15 seconds to lift the 800-pound tongue weight off the pickup’s ball while the original jack took nearly 35 seconds.
Time saved is money earned.
