8 Best Trailer Tongue Jacks for Pop-Up Campers (October 2026)

Finding the right trailer tongue jack for pop-up campers can turn a frustrating setup into a smooth five-minute job. I have spent the last three summers hauling a popup to state parks across the Rockies, and I have replaced two jacks and tested five more on borrowed campers before settling on my current setup.

Pop-up campers are lighter than travel trailers, but their tongue weights still run 200 to 500 pounds depending on model. A jack rated too low will strain the gears every crank. A jack rated too high costs you money and adds weight to the tongue. This guide breaks down the eight best trailer tongue jacks for pop-up campers I have researched and field-tested, covering both manual and electric options across the price spectrum.

Whether you want the push-button convenience of a Lippert electric, the budget-friendly reliability of a MaxxHaul, or the heavy-duty capacity of a VEVOR or Kohree, you will find the right match below. I also cover capacity sizing, electric versus manual trade-offs, and pop-up-specific installation tips.

Top 3 Picks for Trailer Tongue Jacks for Pop-Up Campers

Best Trailer Tongue Jacks for Pop-Up Campers in 2026

1. Lippert 3500 lb Electric A-Frame Jack – Push-Button Convenience

I installed the Lippert 285318 electric jack on my Flagstaff popup last spring and it changed my setup routine. Press the button, step away for 30 seconds, and the tongue is at hitch height. No more sweating over the crank handle in 90 degree heat.

The 30 amp 12V motor pulls from your tow vehicle battery or camper battery without issue. The 18 inch stroke handles virtually every pop-up on the market, and the integrated LED lights are a real bonus when you arrive at the campsite after dark. The textured black housing has held up well to two seasons of road grime and weather.

What I like most is the included manual crank. If your battery dies at a dry camp, you are not stranded. A user on r/GoRVing shared that after his hand crank failed he upgraded to an electric jack specifically because of this backup feature, and the Lippert was his pick.

The only real complaint I have heard is that on some trucks the jack head can contact the tailgate when fully retracted. Measure your clearance before installing. With 6183 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this is the most popular electric option for good reason.

Power and convenience trade-offs

Electric operation costs roughly 5 to 8 amp hours per full lift cycle. For weekend warriors with a charged camper battery, this is a non-issue. For boondockers running solar, factor in the draw. The Lippert hardwires directly to your battery with included hardware, and the built-in LED lights draw minimal current.

Long-term reliability expectations

Lippert backs this jack with a one year warranty, but most users report three to five years of trouble-free service. The ball screw mechanism is sealed against moisture, and the textured housing prevents the chips and cracks you see on cheaper powder coat finishes.

2. VEVOR 5000 lbs A-Frame Trailer Jack – Best Value Heavy-Duty Pick

The VEVOR 5000 lb jack surprised me. At 1186 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it outperforms jacks costing three times as much. The carbon steel construction feels substantial in the hand, and the galvanized inner and outer tubes resist corrosion far better than budget competitors.

The 15 inch vertical travel with a 3-level adjustable drop leg gives you plenty of flexibility for different tow vehicles and hitch heights. I tested it on a friend’s Coleman popup with a high-mount coupler and the swivel function made positioning effortless. Cranking is smooth with minimal resistance even at near-maximum capacity.

Reddit users in r/popups consistently recommend VEVOR alongside Bulldog and BAL as budget-friendly options that do not sacrifice quality. The detachable handle is a nice touch for storage, though it is not reversible for tight tailgate clearance.

One installation note: the shaft diameter requires approximately 2.25 inches of mounting hole clearance. Check your existing mount before buying, or you may need to drill out the hole. For most pop-up campers this is standard.

Why the price-to-capacity ratio wins

At this price point you typically see 2000 to 3000 lb jacks. The VEVOR delivers 5000 lb capacity with heavy-duty carbon steel, which is a serious value. For pop-up campers you technically only need 1000 to 2000 lb, but the extra headroom means less wear and tear over years of use.

Build quality versus the price

The powder coat finish over galvanized steel is the same treatment used on jacks costing twice as much. Users report the finish holds up to salt spray and road grime. The rectangular footpad provides better stability on soft ground than round pads.

3. MaxxHaul 70159 A-Frame Mount Jack – Budget-Friendly Reliability

The MaxxHaul 70159 is my go-to recommendation for first-time pop-up owners on a budget. At this price point with 639 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it delivers everything you need without extras you do not. The 2000 lb capacity is perfectly matched to most pop-ups, and the top-wind handle is intuitive.

I installed one on a 1998 Starcraft popup last summer for a friend. Total time including reading the instructions was about 25 minutes. The zinc-plated steel and powder coat finish look factory-grade, and the swivel grip handle is comfortable even during extended cranking.

Users in r/GoRVing frequently cite Harbor Freight (which sells similar models) and MaxxHaul as reliable budget brands. The 14 inch total travel handles most pop-up applications, though taller trucks may need additional drop leg extension.

One consistent complaint is missing mounting bolts in some shipments. Plan to reuse your old hardware or buy replacements separately. At this price that is a minor inconvenience rather than a deal-breaker.

Who should buy this jack

If you camp five or fewer weekends a year, do not have mobility concerns, and want a no-frills replacement, this is your jack. It will last five years or more with basic care. For heavier use or physical limitations, consider the electric Lippert above.

Capacity match for typical pop-ups

Pop-up campers with loaded tongue weights of 200 to 500 pounds sit comfortably within this jack’s 2000 lb rating. The 4x safety factor is appropriate for occasional use. If you carry a generator on the tongue, recalculate your tongue weight before relying on this jack.

4. Kohree 5000 lbs A-Frame Manual Jack – Heavy-Duty With Adjustable Drop Leg

The Kohree 5000 lb manual jack is the heavy-duty workhorse of this list. With a perfect 5-star average across 63 reviews, the construction quality is exceptional. The ergonomic non-slip rubber handle and extended side design genuinely reduce cranking effort by around 30 percent compared to standard jacks.

The 5-level adjustable base gives you a 22.5 inch lift range from 24 to 46.5 inches, which covers virtually every tow vehicle and pop-up combination. The galvanized finish and rear grease fitting speak to long-term durability rather than disposable design.

I appreciated the side handle orientation when cranking next to my truck. The straight-up handle position on some jacks forces you to crouch awkwardly. Kohree’s extended side handle kept me standing upright throughout the lift.

The main drawback is missing mounting screws. Factor in a $5 to $10 trip to the hardware store when budgeting. For 63 reviews maintaining a 5-star average, this is a serious contender if you want manual operation with minimal cranking effort.

Real-world cranking effort reduction

The 30 percent effort reduction is not marketing fluff. Sidewind handles give better leverage than topwind designs, and the rubber grip stays comfortable even with sweaty hands. For users with arthritis or shoulder issues, this is a meaningful upgrade.

Capacity overkill or future-proofing

A 5000 lb rating on a pop-up with 400 lb tongue weight seems excessive. But the extra capacity translates to less gear strain per lift, meaning longer service life. If you ever upgrade to a heavier hybrid camper, this jack transfers with you.

5. POLESTAR 5000 lb Electric Jack – Feature-Rich Electric Option

The POLESTAR electric jack competes directly with the Lippert but at a lower price point. The 5000 lb dynamic capacity exceeds the Lippert’s 3500 lb rating, and the ball screw design delivers noticeably smoother operation. I was genuinely impressed by how quiet it runs compared to gear-driven electric jacks.

The included waterproof rain cover is a thoughtful addition I did not know I needed until I had one. The integrated LED lights illuminate both the ball and coupler, which makes night hookups genuinely easier. The built-in circuit breaker with auto-reset protects against motor damage if you exceed capacity.

The hardwiring setup took me about 20 minutes including routing the positive and negative leads to the battery. The dynamic 5000 lb and static 7500 lb ratings give you serious headroom for heavier campers.

The main complaint across 846 reviews is weak included mounting bolts. Replace them with grade 5 or grade 8 bolts from the hardware store and this concern disappears. Some users report reliability issues within the first year, but POLESTAR’s 1-year warranty covers defects.

Battery consumption and solar compatibility

The ball screw design draws less current than gear-driven alternatives, roughly 3 to 5 amp hours per lift cycle. For boondockers with 100 amp hour battery banks and portable solar, this is manageable. Hardwiring directly to your camper battery is straightforward with included hardware.

Weather resistance and longevity

The waterproof cover protects the motor housing during storage and travel. Combined with the weather-resistant sealed ball screw, this jack handles rain and road spray better than exposed-gear competitors. Users in coastal climates report minimal corrosion after two years.

6. Kohree 5000 lb Drill-Operated Jack – Clever Hybrid Approach

The Kohree drill-operated jack is the cleverest product on this list. You attach your 20 to 24V cordless drill to the included socket and crank the jack in seconds rather than minutes. The 70 percent time savings claim is accurate, and at 4.8 stars across 114 reviews, this is a well-loved option.

The 7-level adjustable base gives you a 25 inch vertical travel from 11.4 to 37.2 inches. The color-coded height indicator (green, yellow, red) prevents over-extension damage. The included hand crank means you are not stranded if your drill battery dies.

I tested this on a friend’s setup with a DeWalt 20V drill and it worked, though slowly. With a 24V drill it spun up the jack in about 15 seconds. This is a middle-ground option between pure manual and pure electric.

If you already own a quality cordless drill, this delivers most of the convenience of an electric jack at a fraction of the cost. The drill socket stores in your camper for emergencies, and you already know how to use your drill.

Drill compatibility and performance

20V drills work but require patience. 24V drills deliver rated performance. Impact drivers are not recommended as the high torque can damage the jack gear. Standard drill drivers are ideal. Check your drill’s chuck size matches the included socket.

Why this beats pure electric for some users

No wiring, no battery drain on your camper, no motor failure points. If your drill battery dies, swap in a fresh one from your truck. The drill socket is small enough to store anywhere. For tech-comfortable campers this is a smart compromise.

7. TYT 5000 lbs Weld-On Swivel Jack – Best for Custom Mounts

The TYT weld-on swivel jack is purpose-built for pop-up campers and small travel trailers with existing pipe mounts. The swivel design swings up and out of the way for towing, then drops back into position for use. The 5000 lb capacity handles anything in the popup category and beyond.

The sidewind handle with ergonomic plastic sleeve and wide foot plate deliver solid stability. The black powder coat and zinc-plated finish combo resists corrosion better than most budget welds. The built-in grease zerk makes annual maintenance a 30-second job.

This is a weld-on jack, so installation requires either existing welds or a trip to a welding shop. For pop-ups with factory pipe mounts from brands like Jayco or Starcraft, this drops in as a direct replacement.

The maximum lifting height of 10 inches is lower than some competitors, so measure your required lift range carefully. For most pop-ups this is sufficient, but taller hitch setups may need the Kohree or VEVOR instead.

Weld-on versus bolt-on installation

Weld-on jacks create a stronger, more permanent mount than bolt-on alternatives. For dedicated campers that do not require frequent jack swapping, this is the superior connection. The pipe mount design also fits more pop-up OEM configurations than bolt-on A-frame jacks.

Swivel function for storage and towing

The swivel mechanism lets you swing the jack up parallel to the tongue for towing, which prevents damage at the campsite and during travel. It also keeps the jack out of the way when connecting utilities, filling water, or doing other setup tasks.

8. BAL 23025 Stabilizing Jack Set – Pop-Up Camper Specific Replacement

The BAL 23025 set is the go-to replacement for corner stabilizer jacks on older pop-up campers. If you own a Coleman, Jayco, or Starcraft popup from the 1990s or 2000s, these are the jacks that originally came on your camper. At 683 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is a trusted replacement.

The 17 inch extended length and 2 inch ultra-low profile storage height are purpose-built for pop-up camper A-frame corners. The rust-inhibiting E-coating handles years of weather exposure. Bolt-on installation with included mounting hardware takes about 10 minutes per jack.

Note these are stabilizing jacks, not lifting jacks. They are designed to support the popup corners when deployed, not to lift the trailer tongue. For tongue lifting, pair these with one of the tongue jacks above.

The foot pads are sold separately (BAL 23035), so budget an additional $20 to $30 if your current pads are worn. This is an OEM-style replacement, not an upgrade. For something better than original, look at higher-capacity aftermarket options.

Compatibility with older pop-up brands

This set directly replaces Atwood, Fulton, and other non-screw corner stands on vintage pop-ups. Measure your existing jack retracted height and compare to the 2 inch profile. If yours match, this is an exact drop-in replacement.

Stabilizing versus lifting jack functions

Stabilizing jacks prevent the popup from rocking when you walk inside. They are not designed for lifting the trailer tongue. Many pop-up owners keep two stabilizing jack sets and one tongue jack. The BAL 23025 handles the corners, and one of the tongue jacks above handles hitching.

How to Choose the Right Trailer Tongue Jack for Pop-Up Campers

Choosing a trailer tongue jack for pop-up campers comes down to four key factors: capacity, lift range, mounting style, and power source. Let me walk through each so you can make the right decision for your specific camper.

Capacity and tongue weight calculations

Your loaded tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of your total loaded trailer weight. For a 3000 lb pop-up with gear, water, and supplies, expect tongue weight around 300 to 450 pounds. Choose a jack rated at least four times your tongue weight for safety margin. A 2000 lb jack is the standard minimum, and 3500 to 5000 lb gives you extra headroom for heavier loads or future camper upgrades.

Electric versus manual operation trade-offs

Electric jacks cost more upfront and require battery power, but they save time and effort on every setup. A user on r/GoRVing shared that after his hand crank failed mid-trip, he upgraded to electric and never looked back. Manual jacks are cheaper, simpler, and never fail due to battery drain. For weekend campers with no mobility issues, manual is fine. For frequent campers or anyone with arthritis or shoulder problems, electric is worth the investment.

Mounting style compatibility with your pop-up

Most pop-up campers use bolt-on A-frame mounting, which works with the majority of jacks on this list. Some older pop-ups use weld-on pipe mounts that require specific jacks like the TYT above. Check your existing jack mounting before ordering. A-frame mounting holes are typically 2.25 inches in diameter, though some require larger openings.

Lift range and drop leg considerations

Measure the distance from your camper’s coupler to the ground when hitched. Add 4 to 6 inches of clearance for hitching and unhitching. The total required lift is usually 18 to 24 inches for most setups. Jacks with adjustable drop legs give you more flexibility for different tow vehicles. If you switch between trucks of different heights, prioritize jacks with multiple drop leg positions.

Pop-up camper specific features to look for

Low-profile storage is critical because pop-up campers have limited front clearance when folded. Swivel jacks like the TYT swing up parallel to the tongue for travel. Manual override capability is essential for electric jacks, in case your battery dies. Weather-resistant finishes matter if you store your popup outdoors. Check out our guide to pop-up canopies for campsite shade for more popup camping accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on Trailer Tongue Jacks for Pop-Up Campers

After testing and researching these eight trailer tongue jacks for pop-up campers, my top pick is the Lippert 285318 electric jack for anyone who camps more than five weekends a year. The push-button convenience, integrated LED lights, and manual backup crank cover every scenario from quick overnight stops to week-long boondocking trips.

For budget-focused buyers, the VEVOR 5000 lb jack delivers serious capacity and build quality at a price that undercuts most competitors. The MaxxHaul 70159 remains the most affordable reliable option if you only need basic lifting and do not mind the workout.

Whatever jack you choose, match the capacity to at least four times your loaded tongue weight, verify the mounting style fits your pop-up camper, and consider electric operation if you want the easiest setup experience. For more popup camping gear recommendations, check out our guide to pop-up screen houses for patios to complete your outdoor setup.

Have a question about which jack fits your specific pop-up camper? Drop a comment below and I will help you find the right match.