If you've ever towed a trailer, you know that having an electric trailer jack makes the process a lot easier. However, installing and wiring a trailer jack can seem daunting if you're unfamiliar with the process.
But this job is fairly straightforward with proper guidance. And there are some less obvious steps that people often overlook.
Here, we'll show you how to wire electric trailer jack in detail so you can nail it on the first try. So, stick with us till the end!
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Identify The Parts of The Electric Trailer Jack
Before attempting to wire an electric trailer jack, it is important to familiarize oneself with the parts. The electric trailer jack has three main components: the motor, the switches, and the circuit breaker.
The motor is responsible for lifting and lowering the trailer tongue. The switches are used to control the direction of the motor. The circuit breaker protects the electrical system from overload.
In addition to the three main parts, a few other items will be needed for installation. These include wire strippers, electrical tape, and a drill. With these tools, and a thorough understanding of the parts involved, wiring an electric trailer jack should be a relatively easy task.
Tools Needed to Wire Electric Trailer Jack
You will need to gather a few tools before you can wire an electric trailer jack. First, you will need a drill and a 1/2-inch drill bit. You will also need a screwdriver, a wire stripper, and a hammer.
Plus, you will need a pair of pliers and a roll of electrical tape. If you do not have all of these tools on hand, don't worry - most hardware stores will have everything you need. Once you have gathered everything, you are ready to begin wiring the jack.
Wiring An Electric Trailer Jack: Step by Step
Below we’ll detail the process you need to follow to wire an electric trailer jack.
Step 1: Get An Electric Trailer Jack of The Right Size
Electric trailer jacks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is essential to choose the right size for your needs. The first thing to consider is the standard tube diameter. This is the outer diameter of the jack's Tube, and it should be compatible with the coupler on your trailer.
Next, you need to consider the gross trailer weight. This is the weight of the trailer and its contents, and it includes both the tongue weight and the cargo. The electric trailer jack must be able to support this total load.
Finally, you must decide on the features you need, such as a swivel base or remote control.
Step 2: Remove The Previous Tongue
In order to remove the tongue from a trailer, there are just a few steps one must follow.
First, remove the three bolts that are holding the tongue in place. Next, disconnect any wiring that may be attached to the tongue.
Finally, remove it from the trailer.
Step 3: Install The New Electric Trailer Jack
Installing a new electric trailer jack is not as difficult as it may seem. Here is how you do it:
Firstly, clean up against any rust or dirt from the area where the new jack will be installed. This will help ensure that the new jack will have a good grip on the trailer.
Attaching the new electric trailer jack is simply a matter of bolting it into place. Be sure to use the same hardware that was used to remove the old jack.
Once the new jack is in place, test it out before being hitched up to a car or truck. This will ensure that it is functioning properly and that there are no issues with its installation.
Step 4: Get The Wiring Right
To learn wiring up a electric trailer jack correctly, you should go through this carefully, as this step confuses a lot of users.
Any wiring for a new electric trailer jack should conform to the standards set by the National Electrical Code.
The 7-way plug should be wired to the battery eyelet terminal, and 10-12 gauge wire must be used for the wiring.
The wiring for the electric trailer jack should be done in a way that prevents shorts and reduces resistance. Any wiring that is not up to code could result in electrical fires or other damage.
Should You Wire Electric Trailer Jack Directly to The Battery?
One should not wire the electric trailer jack directly to the battery as it will lead to overcharging. That will shorten the battery's lifespan and may even cause it to burst. Instead, one should use a wiring kit that includes a regulator to prevent overcharging.
Final Verdict
So, there you have it, an easy-to-follow guide on how to wire electric trailer jack. It's okay to feel uncertain at first.
However, we guarantee you'll get the hang of it once you start working. So, get right to work, and share this with your friends and family so they may benefit too!
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