Leveling jacks are one of those key pieces of RV equipment that you can’t skimp on, especially if you’re a full-time RVer.
We’ve kept safety and weight ratings in mind here, backed by reliable sources and thorough research, to give you peace of mind while you’re using these trailer leveling products.
We know how important having a level travel trailer is, and we’re here to help you strike the perfect balance between jacks and blocks.
Here’s Our Top Pick
Lippert 285318 Leveling Jack
- EASY INSTALLATION — Complete with all necessary hardware and pins,...
- TIME-SAVING — Say goodbye to cranking your manual jack. With the...
- INTEGRATED LIGHTING — Four integrated LED lights illuminate the ball...
Why is it the best?
- Simple installation process
- 4 LED lights for nighttime
- 3,500-pound lift capacit
Best RV Leveling Jacks
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each leveling jack individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models or you can read along and go through all the information.
Lippert 285318 Leveling Jack
- EASY INSTALLATION — Complete with all necessary hardware and pins,...
- TIME-SAVING — Say goodbye to cranking your manual jack. With the...
- INTEGRATED LIGHTING — Four integrated LED lights illuminate the ball...
We’re familiar with Lippert’s products and their fantastic customer service.
The 285318 trailer tongue jack holds the top spot on this list because of the unbelievably simple installation process.
Hooking up this 30-amp unit to your motorhome is one of the fastest RV additions you’ll make this year.
The seller includes a mounting hardware set with this purchase, as well as one of our favorite features on any RV jack: LED lighting. You get four lights to illuminate what you’re doing, resting on the back of this unit.
This feature can save the day (or the night) when you arrive at an RV parkway later than expected (we’ve all been there) and don’t want to go through the hassle of a long setup.
Although it’s a simple process, it lasts a considerable amount of time. This electric RV jack takes a few minutes to work, and while it’s not noisy, it does have you rocking back and forth on your heels wondering when it’s going to complete its job.
Apart from that, the only other downside is the price. Lippert’s systems are designed to last for five or more years, and although they’ve had some trouble in the past with previous models in this series, they’ve been quick to fix them.
This RV leveling jack features an excellent extension range of 18” as well as a heavy-duty steel construction that stays properly in place.
Pros
- Four LED lights for flawless nighttime operation
- Extremely simple installation process
- Fantastic customer support from Lippert
Cons
- Heavy price tag
- The jack operates extremely slowly
Product Information
- Dimensions: 10.75” retracted, 28.75” extended
- Weight Capacity: 3,500 lbs
- Materials: Steel construction and plastic casing
- Plug Adapters: N/A
- Included Items: Cotter pin, footpad, crank handle, clevis pin, and 3 mounting bolts
- Warranty: Must be requested from the customer service team; not public information
Husky HB4500 Leveling Jack
- Powered trailer jack with 4,500 pound rating, 12-volt operation,...
- 18-inch full stroke with 6-inch adjustable drop-down leg reduces time...
- 3-sided LED light system to illuminate hitch and spring bar area
Husky brought a lot of power to the table with this jack.
First and foremost, this powered trailer jack can handle up to 4,500 pounds and make your standard operation a lot easier. You get a three-sided LED lighting system on the back of this unit.
While it could use a bit more concentrated light on the rear, it’s bright enough to save you the bother of fiddling with the flashlight mode on your phone.It does fall short on one major accord, though: there’s no backup crank.
While you won’t find a lot of models including a backup crank, they at least have an open area to use your own as an option. Husky’s model rides and dies by its 12-volt DC power source.
While we were happy with the weather-resistant coating on this unit, we were a bit perplexed at why it wasn’t applied to the 6” drop-down as well.
If you’re looking for a great range, you’ll be glad to learn that this unit provides 18” of extension space. Husky throws in a one-year limited warranty with your purchase and makes this towing accessory very simple to install.
If we were solely considering the installation process, it would definitely be a tie between Husky and Lippert. The fast raise (10 inches per 38 seconds) and the sturdy construction make this unit a solid choice for your RV.
Pros
- Reinforced steel gears for a long-lasting motor
- LED lighting system for proper nighttime operation
- Friction-reducing ball screw that reduces motor damage with time
Cons
- No weather-resistant coating on the 6” drop/jack pad at the bottom
- Doesn’t include a backup crank or a slot
Product Information
- Dimensions: 18” full stroke, 6” drop-down
- Lift Capacity: 4,500 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Plug Adapters: N/A
- Warranty: One-year limited
RAM Trailer Products EJ-3520-BBX Leveling Jack
- Bright LED light for easy night time hookup
- Include a drop leg for 7-1/2" of additional adjustment
- Durable hardened steel gears for year and years of normal use
The EJ-3520-BBX gives you a fair amount of power for a low cost compared to the other jacks we’ve looked at so far.
As one of the least expensive electric options on our list, you’ll be able to fortify your short 5th-wheel trailer with the EJ-3520-BBX without running into the hassle of dealing with a hand crank.
This unit holds up to 3,500 pounds, operates on 12-volt batteries, and gets the job done without emptying your wallet.
Like most RV jacks, the BBX is covered with a one-year limited warranty, which gives you plenty of time to put it through its paces. One of the best things you could ever ask for in an RV trailer jack is sufficient LED lighting.
While these lights aren’t as powerful as the ones on the other models we’ve talked about so far, they still provide an excellent low circle of light around your unit (three-sided setup) to aid you during nighttime operation.
If you ever get to an RV site late, this is a godsend. Most of this unit fires on all cylinders, but the drop leg and its lack of refinement are a bit troublesome.
Unfortunately, it’s not weatherproof and is built very roughly, so you’ll deal with a lot of scraping and warping as time goes on. The installation takes a little while, but once it’s put into place you’ll be glad you put the time and effort in.
Pros
- Drop-leg length of 7.5” for additional adjustment
- Includes a manual override crank in case of power loss
- Very affordable price with a solid warranty
Cons
- The drop leg is roughly built; will scratch and weather from use
- Slightly longer installation process
Product Information
- Dimensions: 9” retracted height, 28.5” extended height
- Weight Capacity: 3,500 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Plug Adapters: N/A
- Warranty: One-year limited
Camco Eaz-Lift Leveling Jack
- Effortlessly Stabilizes RVs: Scissor jacks have a certified 7500 lb....
- Easy to Install: Allows either bolt-on or weld-on installation
- Adjustable Height: Can be adjusted from 4 3/8-inches to 23 ¾-inches...
Manual jacks have their advantages, and if you’re not keen on relying on 12-volt energy to handle your RV, you’ll fall head over heels for the Eaz-Lift 48830.
It not only comes with a fantastic 7,500 lb capacity but also features an anti-rust treatment on all the steel, meaning you’ll keep this unit in out-of-the-box condition with little to no upkeep.
You’ll run into other problems, though; there’s no thrust bearing, which directly affects how you level your RV. These units are used primarily for stabilization, so you’ll need to pay attention to what area you’re dropping anchor in.
That being said, the soft roll pins are of good quality, but they get worn out and may need to be replaced after six months of use. It’s all tied together when you look at the insanely low cost.
Two jacks in a pack, plenty of saved money, and a decent warranty from the manufacturer to help you sleep a little tighter at night.
We tested eight different top-rated manual jacks and this one blew its competition out of the water.
Pros
- Includes two jacks at a very low price
- Total of 7,500 lbs of support exceeds standard electric jacks
- Anti-rust treatment; these jacks stay in impeccable condition for years
Cons
- No thrust bearing; leveling is a chore
- Soft roll pins will need to be replaced
Product Information
- Dimensions: 4-⅜” collapsed height, 23-¾” extended height
- Load Capacity: 7,500 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Plug Adapters: N/A
- Warranty: One-year limited, straight from the manufacturer
Bulldog 1700100317 Leveling Jack
- Made In China
- Product Type: Auto Accessory
- Package Weight : 13.51 Pounds
Last but not least, Bulldog’s simple manual jack system comes with plenty of benefits for anyone who enjoys RVing.
This manual jack is designed with reinforced steel and boasts an impressive extension range of 15” from top to bottom.
The beauty of manual jacks is the cost, but Bulldog wanted to give you a bit more bang for your buck; this jack can raise up to 5,000 pounds.
Since this unit is manual, you’re going to experience some resistance that requires great force when you’re pushing it to the limits.
Apart from that, the only major gripe with this jack and the reason it didn’t beat the Eaz-Lift in this race is that the system doesn’t come well-greased.
In fact, you’ll need to grease the joints once every three months just to maintain full function. Failing to do so could result in damages. This is where Bulldog’s impressive five-year limited warranty comes into play.
Bulldog’s products feature an easy installation process and are accompanied by fantastic customer support, which is what helped tow them over the line and prove that Bulldog is a valuable brand in this space.
Even though Bulldog didn’t rank near the top of our list, it didn’t make its way into this article by chance: this is a quality, cost-effective RV jack that’s reliable above all else.
Pros
- Narrow tube diameter for simple installation and flush mount
- Extends to over 15” from its original length
- Features Bulldog’s unique system
Cons
- Requires great force to lift max capacity
- Requires quarterly maintenance (greasing joints)
Product Information
- Dimensions: 8.6” retracted height, 23.6” extended height
- Lift Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Plug Adapters: N/A
- Warranty: Five-year limited
What You Need To Know About RV Leveling Jacks
The very best time to buy an RV jack is when you purchase your RV.
If this is an option for you, bundling it into the initial cost can save you some cash.
Lucky for you, if you weren’t able to do that or you bought your RV pre-owned, we’ve located the best RV stabilizers on the market to help you make the right pick.
We’ll help you whittle down your options, from electric to manual, and explain the main things you need to be on the lookout for to get the most out of your new purchase.
Situations That Require An RV Jack
If you’re a fifth-wheel owner, you can’t afford to have a quality jack.
If you want to plan on using your truck to explore the local camping sites without having to tow the entire thing with you, you’re going to need something reliable.
But it isn’t that obvious; we wanted to lay out some of the situations where you’d need your jack and what it comes in handy for.
Stabilization And Leveling On Rough Surfaces
Even if your RV has a built-in system to maintain its level, it might not offer the same stabilization that the jacks on this list do.
You never know where you’re going to park your camper, but you can make one safe assumption: whether it’s on asphalt, concrete, or the good ole earth, it’s likely not going to be perfectly level.
Stabilizers and leveling blocks go a long way with the right jack.
Preventing Damages
We talked about putting your 5th wheel on asphalt or concrete. This is common when you drop anchor at a convention when you’re tailgating before a big game, or there are designated patches of asphalt at certain RV parks for parking.
Your jack can cause major harm to the asphalt, leaving depressions, cracks, or crevices, and possibly causing you to pay a fee. Sometimes it can take a few days of constant use for this to happen.
The best thing you can do is get a jack with a pad, also known as jack foot protection. These accessories not only help you relieve pressure from the asphalt but also keep the end of your jack safe.
No scraping, rusting, or other common issues; you get to use it confidently without running into problems.
Maintaining A Level Interior
Nothing is going to throw you off balance like walking up and down in an unlevel recreational vehicle.
Not having your RV level can cause problems inside with your toilet (it won’t flush properly) and your fridge (it won’t function normally), and you’ll find that you bump into things much more often.
You need a good jack so you can enjoy every aspect of your RV.
The Different Types Of RV Stabilizing Jacks
Some RVs require the use of certain types of jacks (primarily due to weight restrictions), while others offer a bit more flexibility.
We’re going to break down the most popular types of jacks used by most manufacturers, so you can narrow down your options.
RV Landing Gear
These items are mounted directly to the sides of the trailer.
This task requires a bit of know-how to ensure you’re not drilling into a bad spot and takes about thirty minutes to install.
These can be electrical or manually operated and typically boast impressive maximum weight capacities upwards of 12,000 pounds.
Tripod Stabilization Jacks
Emulating a photographer’s camera tripod, these jacks are used to stabilize RVs in a widespread fashion, allowing for immense weight and pressure to rest on them.
Typically, you’re going to see these hold up to about 6,000 pounds, rarely more than that, and you’ll have many inexpensive options to choose from. Tripod jacks usually come with jack pads to prevent digging into the ground and work to keep everything level.
Pipe Mount Trailer Jacks
These can get a bit invasive because you have to weld them onto the frame of your trailer.
You’ll need a bit of DIY magic to accomplish this, but it does have its benefits.
For example, a pipe mount trailer jack roughly supports up to 8,000 pounds and is fairly simple to operate once it’s installed. You’ll find side and top crank varieties, and a median price range.
Leveling System
These can come as a set of four jacks and activate based on pressure.
Equipping the four corners of your RV with these allows you to adopt a “set and forget” mentality.
There’s very little work to do when you actually place your RV somewhere because these all act on the current weight of the trailer and adjust appropriately to keep everything level.
You can expect 20,000 pounds of lift capacity since each jack will roughly take a quarter of that weight.
Electric Stabilizers
These bolt underneath the frame and provide between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds of load capacity.
The reason power stabilizer jacks are so popular is the short adjustment period.
If you’re full-timing with your 5th wheel across the country, you’ve probably counted how many minutes you’ve wasted setting up in different areas.
These units will save you a lot of time after the involved installation process.
Electric Vs Manual
So, what’s the better option? There are pros and cons to going with electric jacks and the same goes for manual ones.
Part of this will come down to preference, but the size of your RV will also dictate your options. Manual camper jacks are known to withstand more weight.
If you get an electric RV leveling jack, you’re going to save time setting up each time you drop anchor. However, if your electric component malfunctions, it’s going to be very difficult to adjust.
Most electric RV jacks don’t have a backup manual method, so you’ll have to repair yours or buy a manual one from a local Walmart and install it to get yourself out of a rut.
On the other hand, manual RV jacks put a bit more human error on the table. It’s fully up to you, without the help of a machine, to mount your RV properly and prop it up.
If you side with an electric RV jack, it reduces the risk of mistakes and takes a lot of problems out of the equation. Last but not least, when it comes to installation, electric and manual jacks are basically the same.
It depends more on the type of jack you decide to go with, as we’ve described above.
Many of those different types can be either manual or electric, and while a bit of wiring is included in mounting an electric RV jack, it doesn’t take much time once you know what you’re doing.
Can You Use A Car Jack To Lift Your RV?
Standard car jacks aren’t meant to hold the weight of an RV, especially the way it’s laid out.
There’s nothing simple or linear about your RV; different weight rests in different areas of your mobile home.
Standard jacks are designed to handle compact cars and SUVs because their weight is fairly evenly distributed (because there’s no fridge, toilet, propane tank, etc).
These jacks’ weight ranges are low and they’re not intended for extended use.
How To Use An RV Jack Properly
Your RV is designed to be a traveling home away from home, and with that, you’re going to experience plenty of structural hurdles along the way.
One of them is ensuring that you use your jack properly to maintain a safe and level position. For starters, you’re going to want to find the most level ground possible to park on.
If you’re going to an RV park, don’t be afraid to bring your own leveler along and check out the spot before you pay and park your vehicle.
If you’re using stabilizer jacks, you need to understand that they’re designed to do exactly what their name suggests: stabilize, not level. You’ll have to use a bit of ingenuity to set everything right.
Depending on how high you want your RV to be, you’ll also find yourself bringing leveling blocks and wheel chocks along. These come in handy when you find the right area that you want to settle down in, but it’s not particularly level.
It’s smart to bring along multiple blocks with different heights. There are many different jack types and you’ll need an individual tutorial for every single one.
We just want to get one point across: use extreme caution, even if it’s not your first rodeo. Assess the give and pull of your RV and the jack when in use, and take things slow.
What To Look For In An RV Jack
Your RV Size
The length, extended slide-out dimensions, and overall weight all factor in.
Many RV owners (especially first-timers) often make the mistake of only comparing the lift capacity of the jack to the overall weight of their RV. However, it also comes down to pressure and how it’s distributed.
If you have a party of six and together you add 700 – 900 pounds to the total weight, plus all your belongings, you have to take that into account as well. Systems with four stabilizers/levels work extremely well when you have a long list of passengers.
LED Assistance Lights
These little wonders can help you out immensely if you’re leaving early in the morning or getting to the campsite late.
They typically shine bright enough to assist you, without being too distracting or potentially bothersome to neighboring campers.
Frequency Of Use
How long do your RV trips last and how often do you hit the road?
You can do a quick search and find a hundred tailgating nightmare stories where trailers parked for three or four days put a dent in the ground or depressed the asphalt all the way down to the dirt beneath.
You want to avoid that.
Your frequency of use determines how much stress you’re going to put on your RV and how much power you need in your jack.
Ease Of Adjustments
The last thing you need is a product that’s going to make using your RV more difficult for you.
We’ve done our best to steer clear of products that require immense pressure or additional helping hands to operate, so you can operate them confidently and as easily as possible.
Even if your trailer jack works wonders on supporting your RV, you don’t want to have an aggravating time getting everything started.
Compatibility/Electrical System
We found some RV trailer jacks that were a chore and a half to install, all because of the electrical system.
The ease of installation (and for that matter, future repairs) should affect your final decision.
The very best electrical systems for RV jacks are 12-volt DC.
FAQs
How Much Does An Average RV Weigh?
Since we’re looking at jacks for your fifth wheel, we’re going to go off of the average: 12,000 pounds. That means that getting a tripod isn’t going to work. You’re going to have to get into a DIY mood and install a better system.
These averages also run off the standard 40’ length of a fifth wheel. However, when you get into one- or two-person fifth wheels, somewhere between 21’ and 25’ in total length, you’re looking at about 4,000 – 6,000 pounds in total.
Do Electric RV Jacks Use 12V Power?
Yes, they almost always run on 12-volt DC power. DC stands for direct current, which utilizes less energy than an AC system (on average). Electric jacks are wired directly into your RV’s electrical system as if you were installing a tow package on a van to pull a storage trailer.
Before committing to purchasing your preferred jack, take a walk outside and check out your current setup. Some newer models have short 12-volt wires and may require you to either add an extension or replace them entirely.
Be sure to inspect your manual and give a thorough check to your RV to ensure the jack you opt for will be compatible with it.
Should I Get A Jack Pad?
Absolutely. If the jack you want to buy doesn’t include a jack pad, you’re going to need one. Jack pads help prevent damage to asphalt and concrete, but the real reason to own one is to prevent structural damage to your vehicle.
Jack pads work both ways, so you won’t have to pay for structural damages to your personal property or private/public asphalt. Jack pads are inexpensive to grab (usually twenty dollars or less) and generally come separately.
Depending on what jack system you’re going with, you may need to purchase multiple units to fully protect your RV. When it comes to the bottom of the pad, reinforced rubber or high-grade TPE prevent scratches, damages, and rust on your unit, while providing lower ground pressure.
Where Will Your Road Take You?
Since there will be nothing in your way when you have the perfect jack, every road in America will be waiting for you to conquer it.
With the right jack, every campsite becomes a viable option.
You have the know-how and the best products to choose from, and now there’s just one question remaining: how soon can you get back on the road?
I want to install a set of stabilizers on my Argosy Airstream trailer. From the bottom of the frame to the ground it has a 17″ ground clearance. Do you happen to know what type of sicsors jack has the lowest collapsed height. I was also thinking of the Bal type stabilizer that collapses to 3″ from what I have read. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Eaz-Lift bought these to replace a leveling jack that got twisted while parking my travel trailer (2014 Forest River V-Cross Vibe (6504)). These (despite what some others state) are much heftier feelings, came with all hardware to mount them (if you need any hardware), and were an exact fit for my trailer. I have attached a couple of pictures of one of the OEM jacks next to one of these new jacks.
I bought Camco to help stabilize our camper. We were still having some pretty wild rocking forward and back even after blocking the wheels, so I bought these jacks. One each on the front corners of the frame (there were already stabilizer jacks at the back) made our camper rock solid, and I didn’t have to install any hardware. When done, the support comes out of the base, and the bases stack neatly so they hardly take up any space. When I got them I wasn’t even convinced there were four in the box until I opened it. Absolutely worth the money.