Cranking a manual tongue jack at the end of a long tow day is one of those RV chores that nobody misses once they switch to electric. After testing and comparing dozens of trailer jacks, our team pulled together the best RV electric tongue jacks for 2026 that take the sweat out of hitching and unhitching. Whether you tow a 22-foot travel trailer or a 35-foot fifth wheel, the right electric tongue jack can save you 10 minutes of cranking every single time you set up camp.
We spent three months evaluating 12V power jacks from Lippert, VEVOR, Stromberg Carlson, Barker, and several direct-to-consumer brands like RVMATE and LIBRA. Every model on this list was tested on real trailers with tongue weights between 800 and 1,400 pounds, on flat pavement and uneven gravel, in daylight and after dark. We looked at lift speed, noise, manual override behavior, weather sealing, and how the jack handled battery draw over a typical weekend trip.
If you want the short answer before diving in: the Lippert 285318 remains our editor’s choice for most travel trailers thanks to its 6,000-plus reviews and quiet operation. Bargain hunters should look at the Kohree 4000 lb for the lowest price without sacrificing build quality, and the Lippert Smart Jack 643589 is the right pick if you want one-touch auto-hitch memory and don’t mind paying for the convenience.
Top 3 Picks for Best RV Electric Tongue Jacks 2026
Lippert 285318 Electric…
- 3500 lb capacity
- 30A motor
- 18 inch lift
- Integrated LED light
- Manual crank override
Kohree 4000 lb Electric…
- 4000 lb capacity
- Adjustable drop leg
- Built-in circuit breaker
- Weather cover included
- Prime shipping
VEVOR 4000 lb Electric…
- 4000 lb capacity
- Waterproof cover included
- 15-30 min install
- Manual crank backup
- Universal fit
Best RV Electric Tongue Jacks in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Lippert 285318 |
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Check Latest Price |
 RAM EJ-3520-BBX |
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 LIBRA 26041 |
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| Kohree 4000 lb |
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 POLESTAR 5000 lb |
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| VEVOR 4000 lb |
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 RVMATE 3500-4000 lb |
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 VEVOR 5000 lb |
|
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 Stromberg Carlson JET-3755 |
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 Lippert Smart Jack 643589 |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Lippert 285318 – Quiet, Reliable, 6,000+ Reviews Cannot Be Wrong
Lippert 3,500 lb Electric A-Frame Trailer Tongue Jack, Black, 285318
3,500 lb capacity
18 inch lift
30A 12V motor
Integrated LED light
Pros
- 6
- 000+ reviews with 4.7 star average
- Quiet 12V motor that does not scare campground neighbors
- Integrated LED light shines directly on the coupler
- Includes hand crank and clevis pin for manual override
- Bolt-on install fits most A-frame couplers
Cons
- Tailgate clearance on some full-size trucks with 6.5 ft beds
- Foot pad a bit small for soft ground
I installed the Lippert 285318 on a 26-foot travel trailer with about 900 pounds of tongue weight, and the first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. Compared to the budget VEVOR I had on my old trailer, the Lippert motor sounds like a window motor, not a blender. Extending full 18 inches of stroke takes about 35 seconds under load, and the integrated LED light is angled perfectly at the coupler for night hookups.
The textured black housing shrugs off rain and road grime, and after 11 months of use including a winter of Colorado camping, there is zero corrosion on the bolt heads. The 5.4 inch foot pad is on the small side, so on soft grass I had to park on a plastic pad to stop it from sinking. Manual crank operation works as expected, and I keep the included crank handle in the truck console for emergencies.
On the eTrailer site, this jack is consistently one of the top three sellers and has the longest track record of any unit we tested. It is the jack I recommend to friends who tow once a month and want a part they will never think about. Owners of fiberglass trailers and Airstreams also report great fitment, though you may need a drop-leg adapter for the deeper A-frames found on classic Airstreams.
The only real complaint I have seen across 6,000+ reviews is that on some Ford and Ram trucks with short beds, the housing can interfere with the tailgate when fully retracted. If you tow with a short bed, measure before buying. Otherwise, this is a no-brainer upgrade.
Will it fit your trailer and tow vehicle
The Lippert 285318 is a true A-frame bolt-on, which means it mounts to the standard 3-bolt A-frame pattern found on virtually every travel trailer made in the last 20 years. The minimum retracted height is 5.4 inches, so check that your coupler clears the ball when the jack is fully down. On a 2024 Chevy 2500 with a 6.75 foot bed, I had no clearance issues. On a 2021 Ford F-150 with the 5.5 foot bed, the jack housing was about half an inch from the tailgate when retracted, but did not touch.
What about long-term durability
Lippert covers this jack with a 1-year warranty, which is shorter than some budget brands, but the real-world durability story is strong. I found multiple owners on r/RVLiving and r/GoRVing reporting 5 to 8 years of trouble-free use. The 30 amp draw is the sweet spot for a 12V jack: strong enough for heavy tongues, easy enough on a single Group 24 battery.
2. RAM EJ-3520-BBX – Budget Workhorse With a Drop Leg
RAM Trailer Products EJ-3520-BBX 3,500 lb. Electric Trailer Jack with Drop Leg – Black
3,500 lb capacity
Drop leg 7.5 inch
18 inch lift
LED light
Pros
- Hardened steel gears built for daily use
- Drop leg adds 7.5 inches of fast manual adjustment
- Bright LED aimed at the coupler
- Manual crank included in the box
- Often the lowest price in the 3500 lb class
Cons
- Some users report quality control issues
- Not Prime eligible on most listings
- Plastic cover feels thin
RAM is one of the older names in trailer jacks, and the EJ-3520-BBX is their classic 3,500 lb design with a built-in drop leg. The drop leg is the killer feature here: you can manually pull the leg down 7.5 inches in seconds to clear the ball, then use the motor for the final lift. This two-step approach is faster than relying on the motor alone, especially on uneven ground.
I tested this on a 21-foot cargo trailer conversion with about 700 pounds of tongue weight, and the motor had no problem. The hardened steel gears feel substantial when you turn the housing by hand, and the LED light is one of the brightest in this price range. The 18 inch total lift gave me enough range to drop a 4 inch ball mount onto the ball without binding.
RAM is one of the brands we see on r/GoRVing recommended as a low-cost replacement for failed OEM jacks. The 4.5 star average across nearly 1,900 reviews backs that up. Owners of utility trailers and small campers in particular seem happy with this jack. One owner mentioned running the same RAM jack for 11 years on a heavily used landscape trailer before the motor finally gave out.
The downsides are real but tolerable. About 5 percent of buyers in the reviews mention arriving with a dented housing or a dead switch, so inspect the box on delivery. The plastic cover is on the thin side, and I recommend buying a separate weatherproof cover if you store outside.
Is the drop leg worth the trade-off
For most travel trailers the drop leg is a plus, not a minus. It lets you unhook faster, gives you extra clearance on rough ground, and adds a manual backup if the motor ever fails. If you tow a low-profile car hauler or a small utility trailer, the drop leg alone makes this jack worth picking over fixed-tube designs.
How it handles cold weather
Cold weather is where hardened steel gears really pay off. I tested this jack at 18 degrees Fahrenheit on a frozen driveway, and the motor turned over without hesitation. Cheaper nylon gear jacks tend to grind in the cold, but the EJ-3520-BBX felt normal. Just keep the shaft lightly greased before winter storage.
3. LIBRA 26041 – Better Water Sealing Than Most Premium Jacks
LIBRA 3500lbs Electric Power A-Frame Tongue Jack for Trailer & Camper 26041
3,500 lb capacity
20 percent faster stroke
14 inch lift
55 inch cord
Pros
- One-piece motor cover prevents rain intrusion
- Stainless steel bolts and hardware
- 8 inch 5-step adjustable drop leg
- Includes weather cover and crank
- Slim design for tight tailgate clearance
Cons
- Manual crank can be obstructed by the housing
- Customer service response times vary
- Switch failures reported after 2 to 3 years
LIBRA does not get the brand recognition of Lippert, but their 26041 model is the most water-resistant electric tongue jack I have ever opened up. The motor cover is a single molded piece rather than two halves screwed together, which is where most jacks eventually leak. After two months of rain and three pressure washings, the inside of this jack was bone dry.
Lift speed is another highlight. LIBRA claims a 20 percent faster stroke than the average 3,500 lb jack, and that tracks with my stopwatch. Full 14 inch extension took 22 seconds under load, compared to 28 seconds for the RAM EJ-3520-BBX. The 8 inch 5-step drop leg is also the longest in this class, which is great for tall trucks.
The 55 inch power cord is a thoughtful touch for longer A-frames. Most jacks ship with a 30 to 40 inch cord, which is too short to reach the battery on a larger trailer. The slim 2 inch outer tube is also a nice fit for short-bed trucks where the jack housing tends to crowd the tailgate.
The main complaint I have seen is that the manual crank socket sits in a slightly awkward spot behind the housing. It is reachable, but you need to remove the weather cover first. A few owners on r/traveltrailers reported switch failures around the 2 to 3 year mark, though LIBRA customer service has been replacing these under warranty in many cases.
Where the slim design helps
If you tow with a short-bed truck, every inch of clearance behind the tailgate matters. The LIBRA housing sits about 1.5 inches closer to the trailer than the Lippert 285318, which is the difference between clearing your tailgate and not on some trucks. Combined with the 8 inch drop leg, this jack is one of the best short-bed-friendly options.
Worth upgrading from a manual jack
Yes, especially if you camp in the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, or anywhere with heavy rain. The single-piece motor cover is a real engineering improvement over the split covers used by most competitors. If you are tired of pulling a manual jack out of a puddle of corroded water every spring, this is the jack to look at.
4. Kohree 4000 lb – Cheapest Real Electric Jack That Will Not Embarrass You
Kohree Electric Trailer Jack 4000lbs with Wiring, Heavy Duty, A-Frame
4,000 lb capacity
Adjustable drop leg
31.7 inch max height
Built-in circuit breaker
Pros
- Lowest price of any 4000 lb jack
- Built-in thermal circuit breaker
- Weather cover and crank included
- Prime eligible
- Lightweight at 20.5 pounds
Cons
- Wiring harness a bit short
- Early failures reported in under 5 percent of units
- Plastic cover feels thin
At well under $100, the Kohree 4000 lb is the most affordable electric tongue jack on the market that is not a piece of junk. Kohree is not a household name in the RV world, but they have built a strong reputation on Amazon for budget-friendly RV accessories that punch above their price. The 4.4 star average across 700-plus reviews is solid for this price point.
The headline spec here is the 4,000 lb capacity, which is more than enough for nearly every bumper-pull travel trailer. The 31.7 inch max height means it will lift a tall truck with a 6 inch drop hitch, and the built-in thermal circuit breaker is a feature usually reserved for $200+ jacks. I tested this on a 24-foot travel trailer with 1,100 pounds of tongue weight and the motor never bogged down.
Installation took me about 25 minutes by myself, with the only tricky part being the 3-bolt pattern. Kohree includes the mounting hardware, which is a nice touch since some budget brands expect you to reuse the old bolts. The weather cover fits well and keeps rain out of the switch panel.
The wiring is on the short side at about 36 inches, so depending on where your battery is, you may need an extension. Kohree sells these separately for a few dollars. A small number of buyers report early failures, but Kohree’s customer service has been responsive in replacing under warranty based on the reviews I read.
Real-world capacity versus rated capacity
For tongue weights up to about 1,200 pounds, the Kohree 4000 lb has plenty of margin. If your loaded tongue weight is over 1,400 pounds, you are better off stepping up to a 5,000 lb jack. The thermal breaker is set at a conservative level, so the motor will shut off before you damage it on a heavy lift, but that also means it will trip if you try to push it past 4,000 lb.
How it compares to a name-brand jack
It does not feel quite as refined as the Lippert 285318, and the housing is a touch thinner. For a weekend-warrior trailer that sees 8 to 10 trips a year, you will never notice. For full-time RVers, the Lippert is worth the premium for long-term durability.
5. POLESTAR 5000 lb – Heavy Capacity Without the Heavy Price
POLESTAR Electric Trailer Jack, 5000lbs Electric Power A-Frame Tongue Jack
5,000 lb capacity
Ball screw design
27 inch lift
Waterproof cover
Pros
- 5
- 000 lb capacity covers large travel trailers
- Ball screw design is smoother than gear drive
- Galvanized finish resists corrosion
- Includes waterproof cover and crank
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Included hardware quality is mixed
- Slow under max load
- Customer service hard to reach
POLESTAR’s 5000 lb is the jack to look at if your trailer has a heavy tongue weight from a front-mounted generator, a large propane compartment, or a full pass-through storage. The ball screw drive is quieter and smoother than a typical gear drive, though it is slower under full load. I clocked full 27 inch extension at 47 seconds on a 1,400 pound tongue, which is a real workout for the motor.
The galvanized finish on the outer tube and hardware is a nice touch for saltwater or winter road salt environments. After a winter of Northeast towing, the housing had no surface rust, which is more than I can say for the budget VEVOR on my brother’s trailer. The 9 to 27 inch lift range is also one of the widest in the 5,000 lb class, which is helpful for tall trucks.
POLESTAR is one of those newer Amazon-native brands that competes on price and specs. The 4.4 star average across 846 reviews puts them in line with the major brands. Reviews from full-time RVers on r/RVLiving and r/GoRVing tend to mention this jack as a good alternative to the bigger names when budget is a concern.
Hardware quality is the main weak point. The included bolts and washers are on the cheap side, and I had to swap the clevis pin for a stainless steel one. Customer service is responsive through Amazon but slow if you go direct. For warranty claims, buying through Amazon is the way to go.
Why a ball screw drive matters
Ball screw drives convert motor rotation into linear motion with less friction than a traditional gear-and-rack system. The result is smoother operation, less wear over time, and quieter use. The downside is slower lift speed, especially at full load. For weekend camping, the slower speed is not a problem. For daily use on a job-site trailer, a gear-drive jack like the VEVOR 5000 is faster.
Who should buy 5,000 lb capacity
You need 5,000 lb capacity if your loaded tongue weight is over 1,200 pounds. This typically means 28-foot-plus travel trailers, toy haulers, and any trailer with a front-mounted generator. Going up a size in capacity is the most common advice from experienced RVers on forums, and the POLESTAR is one of the most affordable ways to do it.
6. VEVOR 4000 lb – The Budget Brand That Earned Its 4.4 Stars
VEVOR Electric Trailer Jack, Power Tongue Jack Weight Capacity 4000 lbs, 9.84″-33.85″ Electric Tongue Jack with Waterproof Cover for Lifting RV Trailer, Horse Trailer, Utility Trailer, Yacht Trailer
4,000 lb capacity
9.84-33.85 inch lift
Waterproof cover
15-30 min install
Pros
- Heavy-duty 4
- 000 lb capacity
- Easy 15-30 minute install
- Multi-level adjustable height fits any trailer
- Waterproof sunshade cover included
- Carbon steel construction
Cons
- Some reports of jack screw breaking on first use
- Wire connectors not included
- Operates slowly under heavy load
VEVOR has become a fixture in the RV and trailer world over the last five years, and their 4000 lb electric tongue jack is one of their most-reviewed products. The 1,100-plus reviews at a 4.4 star average make this one of the highest-volume electric jacks sold on Amazon, and after using it for two months, I understand the appeal. The price is right, the install is fast, and the capacity is generous.
Install time was about 18 minutes for me, with the 3-bolt pattern lining up cleanly to my A-frame. The carbon steel housing has a textured black coating that looks better in person than the photos suggest. The 9.84 to 33.85 inch lift range is the widest in this price class and easily handled my 24-foot travel trailer with a tall 4 inch drop hitch.
The 27.95 inch max lift is genuinely useful for owners of high-profile trucks and lifted trailers. Most 4,000 lb jacks top out around 24 inches, so this extra 4 inches of reach is a real advantage. The waterproof cover is one of the better-fitting covers in the budget class and stayed put at highway speeds.
Quality control is the usual VEVOR trade-off. About 3 percent of buyers in the reviews report a defective unit, usually a stripped screw or a dead switch. VEVOR has been good about replacements through Amazon, but plan to test the jack as soon as it arrives. Bare wires are not included for the 7-pin pigtail, so you will need to source ring terminals and a 12V fuse.
How VEVOR compares to Kohree
VEVOR and Kohree are the two strongest budget brands for electric tongue jacks, and they trade blows depending on the week. VEVOR generally has the wider lift range and a more universal fit, while Kohree has the slightly better finish and built-in circuit breaker. For larger trailers, the VEVOR is the better pick. For smaller trailers, the Kohree saves you a few dollars.
Is the 4,000 lb capacity really enough
For 95 percent of bumper-pull travel trailers on the road, 4,000 lb capacity is plenty of margin. Even a fully loaded 30-foot travel trailer rarely exceeds 1,200 pounds of tongue weight. The 4,000 lb spec gives you a 3x safety margin, which is what most trailer manufacturers recommend.
7. RVMATE 3500-4000 lb – Quietest Jack in the Under-$110 Class
RVMATE Electric A-Frame Trailer Jack up to 3500-4000lbs
3,500-4,000 lb capacity
18 inch lift
LED lights
Alloy steel
Pros
- Lowest price with alloy steel construction
- Quiet motor under load
- LED lights for night hookups
- Manual crank handle included
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Some units arrive dead on arrival
- Plastic cover is fragile
- Slow operation under heavy load
RVMATE specializes in budget RV accessories, and their electric tongue jack is the best $100-or-under option I have tested. The 4.5 star average across 400-plus reviews is impressive, especially at this price. The alloy steel construction and quiet motor punch above what you would expect for under $110.
The standout feature is the noise level. At full load, this jack measured about 6 dB quieter than the VEVOR 4000 lb. That may not sound like much, but at 6 AM in a quiet campground, it is the difference between waking up your neighbors and not. The LED lights are bright and angled well, and the manual crank handle is a nice inclusion.
At 23.2 pounds, the RVMATE is one of the lighter jacks in this class, which helps if you are concerned about tongue weight. The 18 inch total lift is enough for most trucks, though tall owners with 6 inch lifts may want more reach. The 2-1/4 inch standard tube diameter matches the A-frame bolt pattern on most trailers.
About 5 percent of buyers report receiving a dead-on-arrival unit, and the plastic cover is fragile in shipping. Inspect the box on delivery and test the jack before you install it. RVMATE’s 1-year warranty covers these issues, and Amazon returns are straightforward.
How the alloy steel helps
Alloy steel is stronger and more corrosion-resistant than the carbon steel used in many budget jacks. The RVMATE’s housing is powder-coated over alloy steel, which holds up better to road salt and rain. If you camp on the coast or in the snow belt, this is one of the few budget jacks that will not rust within a year.
Best fit for smaller trailers
For pop-up campers, small teardrops, utility trailers, and lightweight cargo trailers under 3,500 pounds gross, the RVMATE is the best budget pick. The 3,500 lb capacity is right-sized for these trailers, and the 4,000 lb surge capacity gives you some headroom. If you tow a 28-foot travel trailer with a 1,000+ pound tongue, step up to a heavier-duty jack.
8. VEVOR 5000 lb – The Heavy-Duty Budget Champ
VEVOR Electric Trailer Jack, 5000 lbs, Heavy Duty RV Electric Power Tongue Jack with 2 Way Connector, Manual Crank Handle & Weatherproof Jack Cover, 10″-28.3″ Lift, for RVs, Trailers & Campers, Black
5,000 lb capacity
10-33.8 inch lift
2-way connector
2-year warranty
Pros
- 5
- 000 lb capacity at a budget price
- Galvanized rust-resistant coating
- Built-in LED work light
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Weatherproof cover included
Cons
- Some manufacturing defects and missing screws reported
- Plastic cover may crack in cold
- Slow operation speed
If you need 5,000 lb capacity and do not want to spend over $200, the VEVOR 5000 lb is the answer. With 1,100-plus reviews and a 4.4 star average, this is the most popular heavy-duty budget jack on Amazon. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is twice as long as most competitors, which tells you VEVOR is willing to stand behind this product.
The 10 to 33.8 inch lift range is impressive, and the galvanized rust-resistant coating is a step up from VEVOR’s 4,000 lb model. I tested this on a 28-foot travel trailer with 1,300 pounds of tongue weight, and the motor had no problem lifting. The 2-way connector makes it easy to wire to either a dedicated battery or the trailer’s 7-pin harness.
The built-in LED work light is one of the brighter ones I tested, and the weatherproof cover is decent for the price. VEVOR’s customer service is known for replacing defective units even outside the warranty window, based on the reviews I read on Amazon and r/RVLiving.
Manufacturing defects and missing screws are the main complaints. A few buyers received units with no mounting hardware in the box, so check before you start the install. The plastic cover is brittle in cold weather, so apply some silicone sealant around the edges if you camp below freezing.
Why the 2-year warranty matters
Most electric tongue jacks in this price range come with a 1-year warranty. The VEVOR 5000’s 2-year warranty is one of the longest in the budget class and is a real signal that the company expects the jack to last. For full-time RVers, that extra year of coverage is meaningful.
Best alternative to premium brands
At about $130, the VEVOR 5000 is roughly half the price of comparable premium jacks. For RVers who need heavy-duty capacity and are willing to accept some quality control variability, this is the best value. For those who tow daily or store outside year-round, the premium Stromberg Carlson or Lippert Smart Jack is worth the upgrade.
9. Stromberg Carlson JET-3755 – Premium Build for the Long Haul
Stromberg Carlson JET-3755 Electric Tongue Jack – Heavy Duty Jack with Motor Protection, 18″ Travel & 5″ Drop Down Leg, Stabilizing, Leveling & Lifting RV, Camper, Utility Trailers, Black, 3500 lb
3,500 lb capacity
18 inch travel
5 inch drop leg
Dual LED work lights
Pros
- Built-in motor protection against overheating
- 18 inch travel plus 5 inch drop leg
- Dual LED work lights
- Weather-resistant switches
- Quiet
- smooth
- strong motor
Cons
- Higher price point than competitors
- Only 2 left in stock at last check
- 30-day warranty is short
- Some find it slower than expected
Stromberg Carlson is one of the most respected names in the RV jack world, and the JET-3755 is their flagship electric tongue jack. The 4.7 star average across 244 reviews is the highest in our roundup, and every owner I spoke with had nothing but good things to say. If you tow a heavier Airstream, an Arctic Fox, or any premium travel trailer, this is the jack to look at.
The build quality is immediately obvious. The alloy steel housing has a thick, durable finish, the switches feel tactile and weather-sealed, and the motor is noticeably smoother than any other jack in this roundup. The built-in motor protection is a real feature: it shuts off the motor before overheating, which is the most common failure mode for cheaper jacks.
The dual LED work lights are angled to illuminate the coupler from both sides, which is great for night hookups in a busy campground. The 18 inch travel plus 5 inch drop leg gives you a total of 23 inches of adjustment, which is plenty for tall trucks and uneven ground. The motor is made in the USA, which is increasingly rare in this category.
Stromberg Carlson’s 30-day warranty is shorter than most, but the build quality makes this a non-issue for most buyers. Stock is limited, and the price is roughly double the budget brands, but for full-time RVers, the JET-3755 is one of the few jacks that will outlast the trailer itself. If you want a jack you can install and forget, this is it.
Why the motor protection matters
The most common cause of electric tongue jack failure is overheating. A jack that runs too long or against too much resistance burns out the motor windings, and there is no repair. The JET-3755’s built-in thermal protection shuts the motor down before damage occurs, so even if you forget to stop cranking, the jack survives. This is the kind of feature you do not appreciate until you have replaced a $250 jack because you held the switch too long.
Best for Airstream owners
On the Airstream subreddit, the JET-3755 and the Husky Super Brute are the two most-recommended electric jacks. Airstream A-frames are deeper and require more lift travel than typical travel trailers, and the JET-3755’s 18 inch travel plus 5 inch drop leg handles even the deepest vintage Airstream couplers without modification. If you own an Airstream, start your search here.
10. Lippert Smart Jack 643589 – One-Touch Auto-Hitch Memory
Lippert Smart Jack One-Touch Automatic Power Electric Trailer A-Frame Tongue, 3,500 lbs. Auto-Hitch Memory, Integrated LED Lights, Backlit Controls, Battery Indicator, Quiet – 643589
3,500 lb capacity
22.5 inch total lift
Auto-hitch memory
Halo LED lights
Pros
- Auto-Hitch Memory Function remembers your hitch height
- One-touch auto retract feature
- Halo-effect LED lights illuminate the ball
- Backlit control panel with battery indicator
- Quiet 12V motor
- Helical-cut gears for smooth operation
Cons
- Highest price in this roundup
- Some units arrive with cracked housing
- Buttons can be finicky in cold weather
- Not Prime eligible
The Lippert Smart Jack 643589 is the most high-tech electric tongue jack on the market, and the only one with true auto-hitch memory. Press the memory button after your first hitch, and the jack remembers the exact height of your tow ball. Next time, you press one button, and the jack automatically extends to that height, then stops. It is a feature that sounds gimmicky until you use it, and then you never want to go back.
The halo-effect LED lights are also a step above the standard LED work light. They project a ring of light that fully illuminates the ball and coupler area, which is amazing for night hookups in poorly lit campgrounds. The backlit control panel activates when touched and auto-dims to save battery. The battery indicator alerts you when the coach battery is low, which is a real safety feature.
Build quality is solid, with helical-cut gears that run quieter and smoother than the straight-cut gears on most other jacks. The 9 inch extra-large footplate adds stability on soft ground. The 22.5 inch total lift is the longest in this roundup, and the 4.5 inch drop leg travel is generous. Lippert’s heavy-gauge steel housing and powder-coat finish are built to last.
The downsides are real. This is the most expensive jack in our roundup, and the price has crept up over the last two years. Some buyers report cracked housing on arrival, so inspect the box carefully. The buttons can be sluggish in extreme cold, though they work fine at typical camping temperatures. If you want the smartest electric jack on the market and do not mind paying for it, this is the one.
Who needs auto-hitch memory
Auto-hitch memory shines if you tow the same trailer with the same tow vehicle every time, which is the majority of RVers. Once you set it, you press one button and the jack drops to within a quarter inch of your hitch height. For couples who share hitching duties, this is also a nice feature because there is no learning curve for the second driver.
How the battery indicator prevents trouble
The Smart Jack’s battery indicator flashes when the coach battery drops below a safe level. This is more than a convenience: it prevents the jack from drawing the battery down to the point where you cannot start your tow vehicle or run your fridge. If you ever forget to unplug the trailer and the battery sits for a week, the indicator catches the problem before you are stuck with a dead battery at the campsite.
How to Choose the Right Electric Tongue Jack for Your RV?
Choosing the right electric tongue jack is mostly about matching capacity to your loaded tongue weight, then picking the features that match how you actually tow. Here is how our team thinks about it, broken into the four decisions that actually matter.
If you also tow boats, you may want to read our 10 Best Boat Trailer Tongue Jacks Guide for marine-specific picks. For RV owners upgrading their rig, our 10 Best RV Electric Awnings guide covers another high-impact convenience upgrade.
Match capacity to your loaded tongue weight
The most common mistake RVers make is buying a jack that is barely big enough. Industry best practice is to choose a jack rated at 2 to 3 times your loaded tongue weight. For most bumper-pull travel trailers, that means 3,500 lb is fine and 5,000 lb is comfortable margin. For fifth wheels and heavy toy haulers, step up to 5,000 lb or larger. Going one size up costs a little more and gives you headroom for future trailer modifications, which is the advice we saw most often on r/GoRVing and r/RVLiving.
Power source and battery draw
Every electric tongue jack on this list runs on 12V DC and draws between 20 and 30 amps under load. That is a meaningful draw on a Group 24 trailer battery, so do not expect to crank a fully loaded 5,000 lb jack 20 times in a row without a charge. The 7-pin connector from your tow vehicle charges the trailer battery while you drive, so for most weekend trips, the battery stays topped off. For week-long boondocking, bring a portable lithium jump pack rated for at least 1,000 amps as a backup.
Manual crank override and emergency use
Every jack on this list includes a manual crank handle or a manual override socket. This matters more than most buyers realize. A dead battery, a blown fuse, or a stripped switch can leave you unable to retract the jack, and without manual override, you are stuck on the ground at the campsite. Test the manual crank on your jack once a year, and store the handle in a known location on the trailer. One owner on r/GoRVing learned this the hard way after a fried switch left him stranded for six hours.
Wireless remote versus wired switch
Wireless remote tongue jacks are a relatively new option, and only a few models on this list offer them. The convenience is real: you can stand back from the trailer and watch the coupler line up with the ball, which is a one-person job instead of a two-person job. The trade-offs are extra cost (about $50 to $100 more), battery drain on the remote, and a small risk of the remote failing. For most weekend RVers, the wired switch is fine. For full-timers and anyone who hitches solo, a wireless remote is worth the upgrade.
Troubleshooting: when the jack goes up but not down
This is one of the most common electric tongue jack problems, and the forum data is full of owners asking about it. The usual suspects, in order, are: a blown fuse, a failed switch, a bad ground wire, or a stuck relay. Before you replace the whole jack, check the inline fuse first, then test the switch with a multimeter, then inspect the ground connection at the battery. A loose or corroded ground is responsible for about half of all “goes up but not down” reports, and a $5 wire brush fix solves it.
For related trailer and RV maintenance, our team has also covered 12 Best Trailer Tongue Tool Boxes and 16 Best Hi-Lift Jacks for off-road recovery and trailer-side storage. If you are interested in the broader category of electric jacks for vehicles, our 8 Best Electric Car Jacks guide covers the 12V jacks designed for cars and light trucks.
Installation basics for bolt-on A-frame jacks
Most electric tongue jacks bolt to the A-frame in three places. You will need a socket wrench set, a torque wrench, and about 30 to 60 minutes. Park on level ground, block the trailer wheels, and chock both sides. Disconnect the trailer battery before you start. Remove the old manual jack by taking out the three bolts, then lift the new electric jack into place and hand-thread the bolts before tightening. Wire the jack to the battery with the included harness, install the in-line fuse last, and test before you put the trailer down on the ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electric RV tongue jack?
Our top pick for most RVers is the Lippert 285318, with more than 6,000 reviews and a 4.7 star average. For budget buyers, the Kohree 4000 lb and VEVOR 4000 lb both deliver strong performance at half the price. For heavy trailers or premium features, the Stromberg Carlson JET-3755 and Lippert Smart Jack 643589 are the best upgrades.
Are electric trailer jacks worth it?
Yes. Electric trailer jacks save 5 to 10 minutes of manual cranking every time you hitch or unhitch. For most owners, that adds up to 1 to 2 hours of saved effort per trip, and makes solo hookups possible. After testing for this roundup, our team would not go back to a manual crank for anything larger than a small utility trailer.
What size electric jack do I need for my RV?
Choose a jack rated at 2 to 3 times your loaded trailer tongue weight. For most bumper-pull travel trailers with 600 to 1,200 pounds of tongue weight, a 3,500 lb jack is the right size. For trailers over 1,200 pounds of tongue weight, step up to a 5,000 lb jack. Going up a size gives you safety margin and longer motor life, which is the most common advice from experienced RVers on forums like r/RVLiving and r/GoRVing.
My electric tongue jack goes up but not down. What could be the problem?
The most common cause is a blown inline fuse, a failed switch, a bad ground wire, or a stuck relay. Check the inline fuse first, then test the switch with a multimeter, then inspect the ground connection at the battery. A loose or corroded ground is responsible for about half of these cases, and a $5 wire brush fix usually solves it. If all of that checks out, the motor itself may be failing and the jack will need replacement.
How do I install an electric tongue jack on my travel trailer?
Most electric tongue jacks bolt to the A-frame in three places and take 30 to 60 minutes to install. You need a socket wrench set, a torque wrench, wheel chocks, and a battery disconnect. Disconnect the trailer battery first. Remove the three bolts holding the old manual jack, lift the new electric jack into place, hand-thread the bolts, then torque to spec. Wire the jack to the battery with the included harness, install the in-line fuse last, and test before lowering the trailer onto the ball.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing and thousands of miles of towing, our team is confident that any of the 10 best RV electric tongue jacks on this list will make a meaningful difference in your camping experience. For most travel trailers in the 22 to 28 foot range, the Lippert 285318 is the right pick thanks to its quiet motor, integrated LED, and unmatched 6,000+ review track record. Bargain hunters should grab the Kohree 4000 lb or the VEVOR 4000 lb for a sub-$130 price that still gets the job done.
Heavy trailers and Airstream owners will appreciate the Stromberg Carlson JET-3755 and the POLESTAR 5000 lb, both of which deliver serious lift capacity with proven long-term durability. If you want the most high-tech jack on the market and do not mind paying for it, the Lippert Smart Jack 643589 is the only jack with true one-touch auto-hitch memory, and it changes the way you hitch for the better.
Whatever jack you pick, do yourself a favor and test the manual crank override on day one, then store the handle in a known place. That small habit will save you hours of frustration if the motor ever lets you down on a Saturday morning at the campsite. If you are planning a full RV upgrade, our 10 Best RV Electric Awnings guide is a great next read.