What is the right Jack?

[TJWilly]

IF one is not comfortable with a hi-lift jack, then get with a local club or someone with experience and learn... however I will say that AEV makes a scissor/bottle jack stand that brings those jacks up off the ground a few inches. Still not as a good a hi-lift in so many scenarios but better than nothing.

Sponsored

 

[SwampNut]

Hi-lifts are over-rated Jeep rice.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

Would the HiJack platform work with a bottle jack to enhance stability, or is the bottle's foot smaller and would punch a hole through the platform because it exerts more pressure per sq inch?

Anyone used these? Jack + stand in one, good platform. Can reach to 21" lift if you adjust it

https://www.amazon.com/Alltrade-640912-Black-All-Bottle/dp/B003ULZGFU/?tag=cb-global-20

 

[Commodus]

Wondering what everyone thinks about High-lift vs bottle jacks or is there another good option when off road?

I had the same problem deciding which trail jack until my garage floor jack died and then decided on the Pro Eagle even though I kept having buyers remorse due to the cost until it came. This is definitely a high quality jack and I can see why it cost so much. Now my only problem is how to store it in the truck since I do not want to drill holes in the bed for the optional mount and it is to long to mount on a molly panel and keep under the bed cover. Hoping Pelican will release the overlander cases soon and one of them will be large enough to store the jack.

 

[rickrogan]

@Commodus what size Pro Eagle did you get?

What do folks think about the difference between 1.5 vs 2 ton? I'm looking at the two Pro Eagle models, with the obvious trade-off between the capacity and the size/weight. (They end up being pretty close to the same price.)

 

[Commodus]

@Commodus what size Pro Eagle did you get?

What do folks think about the difference between 1.5 vs 2 ton? I'm looking at the two Pro Eagle models, with the obvious trade-off between the capacity and the size/weight. (They end up being pretty close to the same price.)

I decided on the 3 ton just because I wanted something I could use on the trail with a loaded truck or be able to assist someone in need that is heavier than me. The only disadvantage is of course the cost, but also the weight difference between the 2 and 3 ton, but I love the jack

 

[Blade1668]

Another thing to have if you are going to have and use a Hi-Lift jack is a few good short ratchet straps that you can "lock in suspension" from drooping. Then you don't have to jack up as high. I will agree that a Hi-Lift is not for a lot of people. Nor is common sense. I actually have the OEM jack and a hydraulic bottle jack in my Jeeps, my LJ has a Hi-Lift too. After I add solid points (rock rails) on my Gladiator I will probably put my other Hi-Lift in it too. Hi-Lift's can be used with a mounted shackle for a secure mounting point if it is a secure one. I have and do use them on LJ with that it's never slipped off. It can roll forward or back though, with one you can really F### S### up and damage (or kill) you and vehicle. I have cracked a tail light housing on my XJ with it, I had to slide Jeep sideways. A critical thing is any and all jacks can and will fail. I've had bottle jacks, a floor jack and my first Hi-Lift jack had a bad cast part broke on first use. I don't want to think about how many scissor jacks I have seen fail. One other detail on a Hi-Lift jack that has not been mentioned breaking a tire bead, I have done so many I don't remember. I have even broke down (M35) 2 1/2 ton truck tires with mine. now days I'd take them to a shop I'm to damn old for that now. Another use is it's handle as a "cheater pipe" and as sleeve been there done that and drove a few hours home with it. Not going to work with the JT's steering though. One of my Hi-Lift handle's is "modded" for a Crescent wrench extension. Wait till you need to take off a axle hub nut..... with out having a impact gun after a few years of use.

 

[hjdca]

Great Thread, thanks guys. I decided to go with the www.safejack.com, "The General". Pretty expensive, but, I like well made stuff that does not leak, and it will easily attach to my molle panels in the rear. There is a 3 week wait time, but, "DELTA10" will get you 10% off anything on the site. The "Private" and "Sergeant" also seem like good solutions. Good Luck with your choices.

Update: I just received "The General" in an ammo box. Super high quality kit. Here you can see it rachet strapped to my molle panel..

 

[PyrPatriot]

Wondering what everyone thinks about High-lift vs bottle jacks or is there another good option when off road?

Having wheeled a bit and seen a few situations, I will say I have seen 3 Hi-Lift jacks fail, and one bottle jack used to recover a 4Runner that was hanging off a ledge (vandals took 2 tires that they could reach)

 

[Pat2Alaska]

Having wheeled a bit and seen a few situations, I will say I have seen 3 Hi-Lift jacks fail, and one bottle jack used to recover a 4Runner that was hanging off a ledge (vandals took 2 tires that they could reach)

Thanks for the reply. I ended up buying a bag jack and will be also carrying a bottle jack. Used the bag when I was wheeling in Colorado last summer when the JK behind me rolled and we had to air a tire back up when the bead broke. Worked great.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

So many variables.

I try to carry a bottle jack and a high lift any time We are off road.

There have been times that between flex, rocks, and angles we have exceeded the height of a 48” high lift.

There have been times a bottle jack would be awesome but terrain says no…..

Having the flexibility of both is great.

The wheel strap for the high lift has been useful quite a bit. - so if you carry a high lift this maybe useful to you as well:
Hi-Lift Jack LM-100 Lift-Mate

Sponsored