Looking for homemade electric gooseneck trailer jack ideas? Or wants to know how to convert manual jack to electric?
I’ve got two very cool and different ideas for DIY electric jacks for you.
One Learned from a trailer expert, and it is so creative!
So, let’s dive right in!
CHECK: Expensive Horse Trailers
How To DIY An Electric Gooseneck Trailer Jack (Step By Step)
If you like projects or repurposing, a homemade electric gooseneck trailer jack is fairly easy if you have the right tools and skills. Of course, make sure you use tire chocks whenever you are working on your trailer.
I have two ideas for your horse trailer jack here. Both will turn your manual jack into an electric one. And both will make it easier for your to connect your tow vehicle.
Let’s take a look at how to make a DIY electric trailer jack step-by-step.
Option A. Homemade Electric Trailer Jack
This option is more creative and definitely more DIY. Let’s take a look at the steps. It is also a good idea if you have a battery failure and need to lift your trailer tongue.
Step 1 - Remove The Crank Handle
Undo the bolts securing the crank handle and slip it off.
Step 2 Make A Pipe
Find a strong piece of pipe that will fit over the bar that you just removed the crank handle from. Once you have the right size, find another pipe that will fit inside the first one.
The second pipe is shorter and only goes in the first half of the large pipe. It is then secured with an elongated nut.
Step 3 Drill Holes
Once you have your new pipe together, you need to drill two holes. One hole is small, and it is the location of your pin.
The second hold is larger and for the bolt.
Step 4 - Put The New Pipe On
Slide the new pipe over the jack bar and line up the holes. Then insert and secure the bolt.
Step 5 - Use A Hand Drill
Now, this is the pretty cool part. You can now operate your trailer jack with a powerful hand drill. Using an attachment that fits over the elongate nut, slip it on and turn the drill on.
You should now be able to lift your trailer tongue! Reserved the drill spin to lower the frame.
Check it out in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dWXg85nd58
For another way to use a drill that is even easier, if you have a suitable jack, check out this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goHQu_gVt-E
RELATED: Guide to Installing a Frame Trailer Jack
Option B. Electric Trailer Jack DIY
Step 1 - Electric Trailer Jack Converter
One of the easiest ways to convert a manual crank jack to an electric one is to purchase an electric trailer jack converter.
These converters come with all the parts you need, including the motor, wiring, brackets, and even a shaft that you can insert a manual crank in case the power fails.
You can get these converters for single speed gooseneck trailers and two speed jacks.
Goose neck trailers have different landing gears, so choose a converter that will fit what yours has. This method is for a heavy duty jack and a gooseneck horse trailer. Though, you will find the process similar for all converter installations.
For the rest of the steps, I will focus on the Bulldog Powered-Drive Kit. But it will be similar to others.
Step 2 Remove the Crank Handle And Connecting Shaft
Loosen and remove the existing bolts and store them in a safe place, such as a plastic container. Slip the handle off and place it out of the way.
Step 3 Open The Gearbox
To open the gearbox, simply take out the screws holding the cover in place. Then take off the cover.
Step 4 Move The Compression Spring
Using a flathead screwdriver, push the compression spring over, exposing the pin. Rotate the shaft so you can grab the pin with pliers and remove it.
Step 5 Remove the Croft Shaft
Once the pin is removed, the croft shaft can be removed. Take it out and put it aside. But leave the compression spring in place.
Step 6 Insert The Power Motor
Slide the power motor into the hole that held the croft shaft. Then take a marker and draw a circle around the tube and take the motor back out.
Step 7 Torque Stop Tube
Next, install the torque stop tube in the hole. You will need to weld this in place. So make sure you have the correct tools and safety gear. When welding is complete, put the rubber bumper back into the torque stope tube.
When that is ready, insert the power motor again.
Step 8 Push The Compression Spring
Now, you need to put the pin you took out earlier by moving the compression spring. Using your screwdriver, push the spring back and align the shaft hole with the gear hold, and put the pin back in.
Step 9 Put The Gearbox Cover Back On
Next, put the cover of the gearbox back on. Screw in the screws you removed in an earlier step.
Step 10 Disconnect Battery
For safety, the next step is to disconnect the ground cable from the battery box. To be extra safe, disconnect all battery cabling.
Step 11 Mount The Terminal Box
Place the terminal box in an easy-to-access location where the power leads can reach it.
Step 12 Mount The Switch Box
Now mount the switch box and wiring harness. Then feed the power drive leads and wiring harness less to the terminal box and connect them. Make sure to follow the converter kit instructions precisely when doing this.
Once everything is connected, reconnect your battery and test your new power drive.
Check out this video of the above installation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0R0K1u5pFE
CHECK:
FAQs
#1 What is the best electric trailer jack?
There are several great electric trailer jacks, including RAM Electric Trailer Jack and Quick Products Power A-Frame Electric Tongue Jack.
Check our review of the best electric trailer jack gooseneck.
Conclusion
I hope you found these homemade electric gooseneck trailer jack ideas helpful. One if more DIY and homemade than the other. But both are projects you can do yourself.
I was pretty impressed by the creative drill idea myself! And it’s so easy!
Resources
- How to disconnect a car battery | National . National Tyres and Autocare. . Available from: https://www.national.co.uk/blog/how-to-disconnect-a-car-battery
- TOWING A TRAILER Being Equipped for Safety Hitch Systems, Towing Packages, & Driving Permits . Available from: https://dmna.ny.gov/nynm/training/NHTSA_TowingSafety.pdf