Landing legs are a pair of heavy-duty, height-adjustable support legs fitted just behind the bed plate at the front of an articulated trailer. Their primary purpose is to support the front end of the trailer when it is uncoupled from the tractor unit.
They are typically extended or retracted manually using a crank handle, but powered (electric) versions are also available, especially for high-frequency coupling operations or to reduce manual strain.
Landing legs are essential for safe trailer operation, helping to stabilise the trailer during loading or parking, and are typically rated to support significant static loads when fully deployed. When the trailer is coupled to a tractor, the legs are wound up to clear the ground during transit.
