Let’s Dive into Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb.
The Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. is designed for marine and utility trailers, offering a reliable and convenient solution for raising and lowering the trailer tongue. This jack boasts a 1500 lb. capacity and a swivel design, making it easy to maneuver and store when not in use. It comes standard with a heavy-duty 1/2″ pull pin and is protected with a 100hr salt spray clear, zinc finish for enhanced durability.
My search for a robust and corrosion-resistant tongue jack for my boat trailer led me to the Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. The constant exposure to saltwater was taking a toll on my previous jack, so I needed something that could withstand harsh marine environments. Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the solid construction and the heavy-duty finish. It felt noticeably more substantial than my previous jack.
I considered the Fulton F2 and the Pro Series Elite jacks. I opted for the Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. because of Ram Mounts’ reputation for durability and the inclusion of the 8″ caster wheel, which I felt would make maneuvering my trailer much easier. My initial impression was one of excitement. I was eager to see if it lived up to its promise of being a long-lasting and reliable solution for my trailer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. at the boat ramp. This area is notorious for being crowded and requiring precise trailer movements. The jack performed admirably, even on the slightly uneven concrete surface.
The 8″ caster wheel allowed for smooth and effortless maneuvering of the trailer. This was a significant improvement compared to my old jack, which struggled on anything other than perfectly flat ground. The jack was simple to use and I didn’t need any time to familiarize myself with its operation. It was a straight-forward installation, bolting directly onto my trailer frame. The first-time use was a pleasant surprise, exceeding my expectations for ease of use and maneuverability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. continues to perform flawlessly. The zinc finish shows no signs of corrosion, even after repeated exposure to saltwater. The durability is impressive.
There are no visible signs of wear and tear, and the jack operates as smoothly as it did on day one. Maintenance has been minimal. I simply rinse it with fresh water after each use to remove any salt residue. The Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. has significantly outperformed my previous jack. It provides a level of reliability and durability that gives me peace of mind when towing my boat.
Breaking Down the Features of Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1500 lbs. This provides ample lifting power for most small to medium-sized marine and utility trailers.
- Swivel Design: Allows the jack to be easily rotated and stored parallel to the trailer frame when not in use. This feature is particularly useful for tight storage spaces.
- 8″ Caster Wheel: Provides smooth and easy maneuvering on various surfaces. A larger wheel significantly improves mobility compared to jacks with smaller wheels or without wheels at all.
- Retracted Height: 25-1/4″. This measurement determines the minimum height of the jack when fully retracted.
- Travel Height: 10″. Indicates the maximum vertical travel distance the jack can achieve, enabling adjustments to various trailer heights.
- Bracket Height: 12.7″. The height of the mounting bracket itself.
- Pull Pin: Heavy-duty 1/2″ pull pin ensures secure locking of the swivel mechanism.
- Finish: 100hr salt spray clear, zinc finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. This is crucial for marine environments.
- Bolt-on Installation: Fits up to a 3″ x 5″ trailer frame. A versatile mounting option for many standard trailer frames.
Performance & Functionality
The Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. performs its job with ease and reliability. The jack raises and lowers the trailer tongue smoothly and efficiently. It handles the specified weight capacity without any signs of strain.
Its strengths lie in its robust construction, smooth operation, and excellent corrosion resistance. An area that could potentially be improved is the handle design. A slightly longer or ergonomically shaped handle might provide even greater leverage. The Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. meets and exceeds my expectations. It provides a level of performance and durability that is well worth the investment.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. boasts a solid and well-built design. The materials used are clearly of high quality. The zinc finish looks professional and provides excellent protection.
The jack is relatively lightweight considering its robust construction, making it easy to handle during installation and use. The design is user-friendly with no significant learning curve. The swivel mechanism operates smoothly and the caster wheel provides excellent maneuverability.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. is built to last. The heavy-duty construction and corrosion-resistant finish suggest a long lifespan, even in harsh marine environments. The jack is easy to maintain. Rinsing with fresh water after each use is typically sufficient to keep it in good working condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. comes ready to install. It does not require any additional accessories for basic functionality. The bolt-on design makes it compatible with a wide range of trailer frames. While there are no specific customization options offered by Ram Mounts for this particular jack, users could potentially replace the caster wheel with a different type or size if desired. However, the included 8″ caster wheel is well-suited for most applications.
Pros and Cons of Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb.
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The 100hr salt spray clear, zinc finish offers superior corrosion resistance, ideal for marine environments.
- Smooth Maneuverability: The 8″ caster wheel allows for effortless movement on various surfaces, making trailer positioning much easier.
- Easy Installation: The bolt-on design makes it compatible with a wide range of trailer frames, simplifying the installation process.
- High Weight Capacity: The 1500 lb. capacity provides ample lifting power for most small to medium-sized trailers.
- Convenient Swivel Design: The swivel function allows for easy storage and prevents the jack from dragging during travel.
Cons
- Handle could be more ergonomic.
- No included mounting hardware (nuts, bolts).
Who Should Buy Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb.?
This Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. is perfect for boat owners, utility trailer users, and anyone who needs a reliable and durable jack for frequent use in demanding conditions. It’s also ideal for those who value ease of maneuverability and corrosion resistance.
Anyone with a trailer tongue weight exceeding 1500 lbs should skip this product and opt for a higher-capacity jack. Users who require a weld-on installation might also need to consider alternative options. Additional mounting hardware may be desired, depending on the users specific installation.
Conclusion on Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb.
The Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. is a well-built, reliable, and durable solution for raising and lowering trailer tongues. Its excellent corrosion resistance, smooth maneuverability, and ease of use make it a standout product in its category.
The price is justified by its superior performance and long-lasting construction. I would personally recommend the Ram Mounts Swivel Tongue Jack – 1500 Lb. to anyone seeking a high-quality jack for their marine or utility trailer. Upgrade your trailer today and experience the difference a quality tongue jack can make!