What you need to know - Heavy Duty Support Legs on Trailers.

G’day, mates, Brent here! Today I’m going to give you the lowdown on a feature that often flies under the radar—heavy-duty support legs on trailers. Now, don’t get these confused with jacks. Support legs are a whole different beast, and they’re designed to do some serious heavy lifting when it comes to stabilising your trailer. Let’s take a closer look at why these bad boys matter and when you should be using them.

What Are Heavy Duty Support Legs on Trailers?

First things first—what exactly are heavy-duty support legs? Simply put, they’re stabilisers built onto some trailers to keep them steady and level when they’re parked and being loaded or unloaded. Unlike jacks, which are mainly used for lifting and lowering trailers, support legs are all about providing extra support to ensure your trailer stays rock solid on the ground.

Support legs are particularly handy if you’re working with heavy loads or need to park your trailer on uneven ground. They’re built tough, just like the trailers themselves, and can handle a fair bit of weight to prevent tipping or unwanted movement.

Why You Should Use Support Legs

Now, you might be thinking, “Do I really need these?” The short answer is: yes, if you’re dealing with heavy equipment or cargo, support legs can be a real game-changer. Here’s why:

1. Safety First

When you’re loading or unloading a trailer, the last thing you want is for it to tilt or shift. This is where the heavy-duty support legs come into play. They help distribute the weight evenly across the trailer, preventing any dangerous movement that could lead to accidents or damage to your gear.

2. Improved Stability on Uneven Ground

If you’re out on a worksite or parking on uneven terrain, support legs can give you that extra bit of stability. While jacks can lift and lower your trailer, they’re not designed to keep it level once parked. Support legs, on the other hand, provide extra contact points with the ground, ensuring the trailer stays level even on tricky surfaces.

3. Easy Setup for Stationary Use

Support legs are a great option if you’re planning to keep your trailer parked for an extended period. Whether you’re using it as a storage unit or workstation, these legs give you peace of mind knowing that your trailer is firmly planted and won’t wobble or shift around as you move about.

Key Differences Between Support Legs and Jacks

Now, let’s clear up any confusion between jacks and support legs. While both are useful, they serve different purposes:

• Jacks are designed to lift and lower your trailer, primarily when hitching or unhitching from your vehicle. They’re great for elevating the trailer but aren’t meant to stabilise it over the long term.

• Support Legs, on the other hand, don’t lift. Instead, they keep the trailer stable and level while it’s parked or being loaded. They’re like the anchor that keeps everything in place once your trailer is on the ground.

So, if you’ve got a trailer that comes with support legs, make sure to use them whenever you’re parked up. They’ll provide that extra stability, especially when handling heavy loads.

When to Use Heavy Duty Support Legs

Wondering when you should use support legs? Here are a few situations where they’ll come in handy:

• Loading and Unloading Heavy Equipment: If you’re using a trailer for construction, landscaping, or moving machinery, support legs give you the confidence that your trailer won’t budge while you’re working.

• Long-Term Parking: If your trailer is going to stay in one spot for a while—say, on a worksite or in storage—support legs are perfect for ensuring it remains steady and secure.

• Uneven Ground: When parking on uneven or sloped terrain, using support legs helps keep everything level, making your trailer safer to work with.

How to Use Support Legs Safely

Using support legs is pretty straightforward, but here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting it right:

1. Deploy the Legs Fully: Always make sure the legs are fully extended and locked into place. Halfway isn’t good enough—get them all the way down so they can do their job.

2. Check the Ground: Make sure the ground underneath the support legs is stable. If you’re on soft ground or gravel, you might want to use a wooden plank or a support block to distribute the weight and prevent sinking.

3. Don’t Rely on Legs Alone: Support legs are great for stabilising, but don’t forget to chock the wheels and use the handbrake for extra security when parked.

The Bottom Line

Heavy-duty support legs might not get as much attention as jacks or brakes, but they’re an essential feature for anyone who deals with heavy loads or works on uneven ground. They’ll keep your trailer stable, safe, and secure, so don’t forget to give them some love next time you’re setting up.

We’re all about making sure you’ve got the right trailer for the job. Whether you’re renting or buying, feel free to give us a shout if you need a hand finding a trailer with heavy-duty support legs or any other feature. We’ve got you covered, mates!

Have a good one!

Brent