I’m getting a used Jayco 264BH soon, and I’m considering upgrading to an electric tongue jack. I’ve found a few reasonably priced options online, but I’m not sure about labor costs. A salesman threw out a price that seemed pretty high. I’m tempted to try installing it myself since I’ve seen a few tutorials, but it’d be nice to pick up the trailer with everything ready to go.
Anyone know a fair price for labor to install an electric tongue jack? Appreciate any advice.
Is it the standard 3-bolt style? You can get a good Lippert one for under $150 online. Just hook up your trailer to the truck to take the weight off, pull out 3 bolts, put the new one in, and connect a wire to the battery. I swapped mine in about 20 minutes, and I’m not even a mechanic.
Just 3 bolts and one wire to the battery. Pretty simple.
Aki said: @Luca
I’m in IT too, and I found it super easy to replace myself. No need to pay for an install unless you really don’t want to do it.
Same here, also in IT. I did it myself with jack stands for support, swapped the old jack, and was done in 20 minutes. Definitely worth doing yourself if you’re comfortable.
Honestly, if I can do it that quick, a shop shouldn’t charge more than $50-$80 for labor. You’re probably looking at around $200-$220 all in with the new jack included.
Spend the money you’d pay on labor and get a better jack. Same easy install: 3 bolts and a wire to the battery with a circuit breaker inline.
This one is stronger, faster, and has a better reach. I upgraded from my OEM Lippert to the Husky and loved it. Plus, you can always take it with you if you get a new trailer.
And definitely go for grade 8 bolts, heavy flat washers, and grade 8 lock washers. You can find them at a hardware store.
Pro tip: If you need anything done on the trailer itself, go to a commercial or utility trailer shop. They’re usually cheaper than RV centers and specialize in the mechanical side of things.
I usually negotiate to have things like this included when I make a purchase. Try saying, ‘Throw in a jack and the labor, and we have a deal.’ I’ve scored dual batteries on each camper this way.
If it’s too late, you can buy one online and put it in yourself. It’s not hard to do at all.