POLESTAR 5000 lb Electric Trailer Jack: features, specs and who it suits

The POLESTAR 5000 lb Electric Trailer Jack is a 12V DC tongue jack that raises and lowers the front of a trailer, camper or RV at the push of a switch. It replaces the hand crank that many trailers still use, which can be slow and hard on the shoulders when the tongue is heavy. Here is what its specs mean and what to confirm before fitting one.

What the load figures tell you

POLESTAR lists a static load capacity of 5,000 lb and a dynamic lifting capacity of 7,500 lb. Static means the weight the jack can hold while it is standing still. The lifting figure describes the force the mechanism can produce while moving. The number that matters for most owners is the tongue weight of their own trailer, which is only a fraction of its total weight. Check it against the jack's capacity with some margin to spare.

POLESTAR says the jack suits travel trailers, campers, RVs, boats and off-road trailers within that range.

Ball screw drive and brake motor

The jack uses a ball screw. In general, a ball screw carries the load on rows of small steel balls instead of sliding threads, which cuts friction and wear and usually gives smoother, faster movement than a plain screw thread. POLESTAR pairs it with a brake motor, which holds the position when the power is off so the trailer doesn't creep down.

The listing also mentions a built-in circuit breaker that trips and resets itself if the current draw gets too high, which is a common protection on 12V motors.

Lift range and drop leg

The jack retracts to 9 inches and extends to 27 inches, and a 4.5 inch drop leg takes the reach up to 31.5 inches. That range decides whether it will lift a given coupler off a hitch ball and still leave room to clear the tow vehicle. Measure your coupler height with the trailer level, both when hitched and when parked.

LED light and weather protection

An LED light shines down on the ball and coupler, which helps when hitching up at dusk or in a poorly lit yard. POLESTAR says the jack uses weather-resistant materials meant to cope with rain, snow and sun, and it ships with a waterproof protective cover for when it's not in use.

Wiring and installation

This is a 12V DC jack that is hard-wired. POLESTAR calls installation easy, but wiring should be done with the right gauge of cable, a suitable fuse and a secure connection to the trailer's battery or power source. Follow the manual, and if you're unsure about the electrical side, ask a qualified installer. The jack weighs about 23.1 lb and measures about 7.3 x 9.8 x 32.3 inches in its retracted form, per the listing.

Who it suits

It suits owners of travel trailers and campers who hitch and unhitch often, people who find the hand crank tiring, and anyone who wants a light to help at the coupler. It's sold with a one-year warranty.

What to check before you buy

• Tongue weight: confirm your trailer's loaded tongue weight is well within the 5,000 lb static capacity.
• Mounting: check that the A-frame mounting style and bolt pattern match your trailer's tongue.
• Lift range: make sure the 9 to 27 inch range, plus the drop leg, covers your hitch height.
• Power: confirm you have a 12V source and a way to wire it with the correct cable and fuse.
• Manual backup: check how to raise or lower the jack by hand if the battery goes flat.
• Upkeep: look at the manual for lubrication and cleaning advice, and use the cover when parked.

The short version

• A 12V DC electric A-frame tongue jack with a 5,000 lb static capacity.
• Ball screw drive with a brake motor and a built-in resetting circuit breaker.
• 9 to 27 inch lift, plus a 4.5 inch drop leg.
• LED light over the ball and coupler, and a waterproof protective cover.
• Weighs about 23.1 lb; hard-wired, with a one-year warranty.

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