The Trailer Valet JX Series is an advanced trailer jack designed to simplify the hitching and adjusting process for trailers. It offers versatility by allowing both manual hand-crank operation and power operation using a standard 18-24V drill with a Trailer Valet Drill Attachment. This dual-mode functionality makes it a convenient tool for consumers, providing a quicker and easier alternative to traditional hand-crank jacks.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Trailer Valet JX Series is to lift and lower a trailer's tongue, facilitating the connection to a tow vehicle or adjusting its height for leveling. It achieves this through an internal screw mechanism that extends or retracts the jack's inner tube. The jack is designed for vertical loading, ensuring stable and secure operation when supporting the trailer's weight.
Usage Features:
The JX Series offers several features that enhance its usability and adaptability:
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Dual Operation Modes:
- Manual Operation: The jack comes standard with a hand crank. To operate manually, the drive handle is attached to the driveshaft at the top of the unit. Turning the handle clockwise extends the jack, while turning it counter-clockwise retracts it. This mode is useful when a power drill is not available or for fine adjustments.
- Drill Adapter Operation: For faster and less strenuous operation, the jack can be powered by any standard 18 to 24 volt, ½ inch chuck consumer drill using the included Drill Adapter. Corded drills and impact drills are not recommended for this purpose. To use, the Drill Adapter is slotted into the drill chuck and secured tightly to prevent slipping. It is then aligned and inserted into the driveshaft of the jack. When using a power drill, it's crucial to ensure the battery pack is fully charged. The operator should hold the drill firmly and gradually squeeze the trigger to avoid high initial torque, slowly increasing power to an appropriate speed.
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Mounting Options: The JX Series offers both side-mount and center-mount configurations to suit various trailer designs.
- Side Jack Installation: For side-mount models (JX2-S, JX5-S), a mounting bracket is placed onto an 8-inch clearing on the trailer frame, allowing the jack to freely rotate from a vertical operating position to a horizontal stow position. The bracket is secured with four included bolts at the desired height. The JX5K-S mount bracket includes an optional security bolt that threads into the jack's attachment point for added security. It's important to note that the mount bracket is only compatible with rectangular trailer frames, not cylindrical ones. While the bracket can be flipped, it is recommended to install it with the attachment point in the low position for stability. Once the connection point of the jack tube is placed into the mount bracket, it is fastened with a Stow/Clevis pin, secured by a cotter pin. These pins are removed when detaching or stowing the jack.
- Center Jack Installation: For center-mount models (JX2-C, JX5-C), the jack is dropped into the hole located in the trailer's coupler after detaching the footplate. The support plate on the jack has a flattened corner that should face forward, towards the front of the coupler. The jack can then be bolted to the coupler (bolt sizes are specific to the coupler and not included with the JX purchase) or welded for a more permanent attachment.
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Stowing the Device: The JX Series is designed for convenient storage while remaining attached to the trailer during towing.
- Stowing JX5K-S: After use, the jack is lowered until the trailer frame is level, and the drill/drive handle is removed. To stow, the cotter and clevis/stow pin are removed, the unit is rotated 90 degrees, and then the clevis and stow pins are restored, locking the unit in its horizontal position.
- Stowing JX2K-S: For this model, the set pin is pulled by the ring away from the trailer frame, and the unit is rotated 90 degrees. Releasing the pin locks the jack into its stowed position.
- Safety during Stowing: A crucial warning emphasizes that failure to lock in the pins and bolt prior to trailering with the unit in the stowed position may result in the unit becoming dislodged during movement, highlighting the importance of proper securing.
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Footplate: Each product comes standard with a static footplate, providing a stable base for the jack when in use.
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Accessories: The JX Series is compatible with separately sold accessories such as a Drop Leg Attachment and a Castor Wheel Attachment, which can enhance its functionality for specific needs.
Maintenance Features:
While the manual does not detail extensive maintenance procedures, it provides crucial guidelines for ensuring the longevity and safe operation of the device:
- Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, it is imperative to check for damaged parts. Operators should carefully inspect the device for any signs of damage to determine if it will operate properly. This includes checking for alignment and secure mounting of all moving parts. If the device is not aligned, secured, or shows any damage, it must not be used.
- Replacement Parts: When servicing the jack, only factory replacement parts should be used to ensure proper function and maintain safety standards.
- Environmental Protection: The jack should not be submerged in water (salt or fresh) or left in water for prolonged periods, as this can damage the gears and erode lubricants, affecting its performance and lifespan.
- Weight Limits: Operators must never exceed the maximum rated capacity of the jack. The specifications section of the manual or decals on the product provide the rated capacity. If uncertain, customer support should be contacted.
- Proper Installation and Use: The product must be installed and used in strict accordance with the provided instructions. Any modifications to the device or use for applications other than its intended purpose are not recommended and may void the warranty.
- Vertical Loading: The Trailer Valet Jack is designed for vertical loading. Excessive side forces must be avoided as they can cause failure.
- General Care: The manual advises against wearing excessively loose clothing when operating the device due to moving parts, and recommends tying back and securing long hair to prevent entanglement and injury. The use of gloves is also recommended while attaching the device to the trailer.
- Wheel Chocks: It is critical to always have wheel chocks in place before and after use, and ready in case of emergency, to prevent the trailer from moving unexpectedly. The trailer should never be left free-standing without wheel chocks.
The Trailer Valet JX Series is designed to be a reliable and user-friendly solution for trailer handling, emphasizing safety and ease of operation through its thoughtful design and clear operational guidelines.
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