Landing gear
Landing gear, fifth wheel landing gear, fifth wheel jacks, front trailer jacks, electric landing gear, manual landing gear, gooseneck stabiliser legs
Landing gear are the front extending legs (usually two, one per side) of a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer that support the front of the trailer once it is uncoupled from the tow vehicle. They raise and lower by an electric motor or a manual crank through a gearbox. Per-pair capacity is 6,000–10,000 lb (2,700–4,500 kg).
Travel is typically 18–24″ (45–60 cm), enough to raise or lower the kingpin onto pickups of different heights. Electric systems (Lippert, BAL Accu-Slide) include auto-leveling and an emergency manual override. Place plywood pads under the feet before uncoupling — otherwise either the asphalt sags or the legs themselves are damaged. Motor failures are common and should be tested in manual mode.
