If you’re like me, dealing with a flat tire on a trailer or RV is one of those dreaded situations you hope never happens. The thought of wrestling with a standard jack, trying to find a safe jacking point, or fumbling with blocks always filled me with anxiety. It’s a problem that requires a quick, safe solution, because being stranded on the side of the road, especially with a large rig, is not only a massive inconvenience but potentially dangerous. Having the right RV accessories could make all the difference in those stressful moments.
Dealing with a flat tire on a tandem axle trailer or a large camper presents unique challenges compared to a standard vehicle. These situations require specific tools designed for the weight and structure of such vehicles. Someone looking to buy a product in this category is typically an RV owner or someone who frequently tows heavy trailers. They need a reliable, safe, and relatively easy way to lift the axle to change a tire without risking damage to the frame or suspension. The ideal customer values convenience and safety during roadside emergencies. This type of product might not be for someone with a small, single-axle utility trailer that can be easily lifted with a standard car jack, or perhaps someone who *never* travels far from home. Before purchasing a trailer jack, you should consider the weight capacity required for your specific rig, the type of suspension you have (as some designs might not work with certain lift methods), how much lift you actually need to clear the tire, the ease of use, and the storage size of the tool.
- Quick and Easy Tire Changes: The Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack (part # 3620) allows for rapid and hassle-free tire changes on trailers, saving time and effort during roadside emergencies.
- Versatile Design: This innovative jack can be used as a jack, a wheel chock, or a jack post block, providing multiple functionalities in one compact tool.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-strength materials and rated for up to 30,000 lbs, the Rapid Jack is built to withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Introducing the Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack 3620
Let me tell you about the Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack (part # 3620). This innovative tool is essentially a wedge designed to lift one axle of a tandem (or even triple) axle trailer by driving the good tire of the same axle onto it. The promise is incredibly simple: rapid, hassle-free tire changes without needing a traditional jack under the frame. It’s marketed as being versatile, serving as a jack, a wheel chock, or a jack post block. It’s designed for the RV and trailer owner who wants a quick, simple, and lightweight solution for tire emergencies. It’s likely not the best fit for trailers with single axles or independent suspension systems, as it relies on compressing the suspension between two wheels on the same side of a multi-axle setup.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience and general feedback:
Pros:
* Extremely quick and easy to deploy compared to traditional jacks.
* Lightweight and compact for storage.
* Versatile functionality (jack, chock, block).
* Avoids jacking directly on the frame, which can be less stable or damage-prone.
* Rated for very heavy loads (up to 30,000 lbs).
* Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
* May not provide sufficient lift for all tire/trailer setups, especially if the flat tire is significantly deflated or you have very low clearance.
* Requires a relatively flat, stable surface to drive onto.
* Might not be compatible with all suspension types (e.g., some independent suspensions).
* Driving onto a wedge might feel unnerving to some users.
- Pair of 3 Ton (2.7 metric Ton) jack stands with 6,000-pound capacity
- Lightweight jack stands are used to support your vehicle after lifting with a jack; Wide pyramid foot base provides added strength and stable support
- Specifications:2 ton (4,000 lb) capacity for single jack stand; Lifting range from min 9.8 " to max 15"; Net weight: 10.5 lb, which suitable for most 2 Ton Low profile autos, not recommendable for...
Features and Real-World Performance
Let’s dive into what makes the Andersen Rapid Jack stand out and how these features translate into practical benefits (and sometimes limitations) when you’re out on the road.
Quick and Easy Tire Changes
This is the primary selling point, and honestly, it’s where this jack truly shines. The concept is genius in its simplicity: instead of finding a jacking point, setting up a jack, and cranking it up while praying for stability, you simply place the Rapid Jack in front of or behind the good tire on the axle with the flat, and slowly pull or push the trailer until that good tire drives up onto the wedge. As the good tire goes up, the flat tire on the same side goes down, lifting it clear of the ground. The speed and ease of this process are incredible. In a real emergency situation, on the side of a busy road, speed and simplicity are paramount. I’ve experienced flats where the ground wasn’t perfectly level or firm, making a traditional jack feel incredibly precarious. With the Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack, you’re relying on the stability of your tires and the trailer’s weight distribution across multiple axles, which often feels much more secure than balancing the entire side of a heavy trailer on a single jack point. You can literally go from discovering a flat to having the wheel off the ground in minutes, assuming you can safely move the trailer slightly. This saves a significant amount of time and effort compared to traditional methods. The stress reduction alone is worth considering.
However, this method isn’t without its nuances, as some users have pointed out. The maximum lifting height is about 7 inches, which is often sufficient, but not always. If your flat tire is completely shredded, or you have exceptionally low-profile tires or a very high fender well clearance requirement, 7 inches might be cutting it close. A few times, I’ve found that even with the good tire fully on the wedge, the flat tire was still slightly dragging on the ground or barely touching the studs, making removal tricky. This sometimes necessitates adding a small block (like a 2×4, as one user mentioned) under the jack for a bit more height, which adds an extra step and diminishes the “rapid” aspect slightly. You also need enough space to safely move the trailer forward or backward onto the wedge, which might be tight in some locations.
Versatile Design: Jack, Chock, or Block
The multi-functionality of this tool is a significant bonus. While its primary use is lifting for tire changes, the fact that it can also serve as a wheel chock or a jack post block makes it even more valuable for RVers. As a wheel chock, its robust design and gripping surface provide excellent stability, especially on uneven terrain. Placing it under the good tire opposite the one you’re changing, or under tires on the other side of the trailer, adds an extra layer of safety to prevent any unintended movement while you’re working. Using it as a jack post block for your tongue jack or stabilizer jacks can help distribute weight and prevent sinking into soft ground, protecting your jack points and the ground itself. This means you can potentially carry one less item in your limited storage space, as the Andersen Rapid Jack pulls triple duty. While I haven’t used it extensively as just a block, its solid construction certainly gives confidence in its ability to support weight.
Durable Construction
Built from what feels like incredibly strong composite or high-density plastic materials, the Andersen Rapid Jack is rated for a massive 30,000 pounds. This high load capacity provides significant peace of mind, knowing it can handle the weight of almost any non-commercial RV or trailer. It’s designed to withstand heavy use and the elements. While the material is strong, it’s also surprisingly lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and store. You don’t have to heave a heavy metal jack in and out of your storage bay. In my years of using mine, it’s held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear despite being tossed around in a storage compartment. There have been rare reports of breakage under extreme stress or specific circumstances, but the vast majority of users report it holding up exactly as expected under heavy loads. The confidence that comes from using a tool built this tough is invaluable when you’re relying on it in a critical situation.
Proudly Made in the USA
Knowing that the Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack is manufactured in the USA is a point of pride for many buyers. Supporting local jobs and industries is important, and it often translates to a higher standard of quality control. Andersen Hitches is a reputable brand known for durable towing products, and the fact that this tool is made domestically reinforces that image. While “Made in the USA” doesn’t automatically guarantee performance, in this case, combined with the high load rating and reported durability, it feels like an assurance of quality craftsmanship.
User-Friendly with Lifetime Warranty
Operating the Rapid Jack is incredibly simple. The process of positioning it and slowly moving the trailer onto it is straightforward. Even someone with minimal mechanical experience can typically figure it out quickly. The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver into position. There are no complex parts to assemble or operate, unlike some traditional jacks. This user-friendliness is a major advantage when you’re stressed and possibly in less-than-ideal conditions. The lifetime warranty offered by Andersen Hitches further underscores their confidence in the product’s durability and provides significant peace of mind for the buyer. Knowing that if the tool fails under normal use, the company stands behind it, adds considerable value. However, as mentioned earlier, success does often depend on having a reasonably flat surface and the correct suspension type. Users with independent suspension have sometimes reported it not working as intended because the system doesn’t transfer weight/lift in the same way as standard leaf spring or torsion beam axles common on many tandem trailers.
What Other Users Are Saying
After combing through various online forums and reviews, it’s clear that many users have had positive experiences with the Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack. Many echo my feelings about its ease of use and portability, highlighting how much lighter it is than a floor jack. Multiple reviewers shared stories of successfully changing flats on their campers and trailers, sometimes in under 30 minutes, finding it provided just the right amount of clearance. Several considered it an absolute necessity for tandem axle trailers, a crucial piece of RV accessories that eliminates the need for less stable methods like stacking blocks. While some noted the potential issue of needing extra height or a flat surface, the overall sentiment is that it’s a reliable and convenient tool that performs as advertised for its intended purpose.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a flat tire on a trailer or RV is a problem that absolutely needs a reliable solution before it happens. Being prepared can turn a potentially dangerous and time-consuming ordeal into a manageable task. The Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack (3620) is a great fit to solve this problem for several key reasons. Its primary benefit is the speed and simplicity of use, significantly reducing the time and effort required for a tire change compared to traditional jacks. Secondly, its versatility as a jack, chock, and block means you’re carrying one lightweight tool that serves multiple essential functions. Finally, its robust, high-capacity construction provides confidence in its ability to handle heavy loads safely. Despite minor drawbacks like potentially needing extra height in some situations or requiring a flat surface, the Andersen Rapid Jack is a solid investment for any multi-axle trailer owner. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and durable way to handle tire emergencies on your RV or trailer, you should definitely consider it. To check out the Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack and see if it’s right for you, click here!
Last update on 2025-08-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API