Hitch jack won't raise under load

A hitch jack that struggles or won't raise the trailer tongue under load usually means the internal gears are worn or stripped, especially on jacks that have seen years of use without grease. Before assuming it's toast, check it moves freely with no load at all — if it's smooth unloaded but binds under weight, that confirms internal wear rather than an external jam. Electric jacks add a failure point at the motor itself, which is a separate diagnostic path. Manual or electric jack?