High lift?

[knoll0351]

I've used mine for shop stuff and it has let go when lowering it, that's why I'm concerned about the safety. When it was holding up my trailer, or heaving up some steel sheet getting out of the way wasn't as much of an issue. But if my rig was on it, particularly with a wheel off. Has anyone else had this problem? Is my jack defective or is it opperator error?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

They are made to release if the load comes off, so if the trailer bounced while loading, I could see the jack releasing. Also, if you have a load on the jack, make sure the handle is in the up position, and the cam is still set to raise the jack. Then it basically can't release.

 

[lcruzrlvr]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-gear-recovery/177676-silencing-noisy-hi-lift-jack.html

For a quick cross-post on quieting the noisy hi-lift.
Note: i have not attempted such measures but did put a rubber stop (purchased from Lowe's) on the handle to stop the handle banging noise.

 

[Tools R Us]

I've said this before, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record (remember those RustyTLC?) The factory jack is an underrated jewel and perfectly adequate for changing a 35 inch tire. It is also far safer than a hilift under any circumstances. If your tires are bigger than 35, a short piece of 2x6 makes a base with enough extra height to change tires with the factory jack. That orange plastic "off-road base" sold by hilift is also perfect to get a little height under a factory jack to make tire changing easier.

For those of you who don't like the factory bottle jack, I will pay shipping to have it shipped to me. I think they are outstanding.

Changing tires with a hilift is dangerous.

...

I agree. The factory jack is a great tool, have used it to straighten tie rods, push body damage away from tires etc, as a trail repair press, etc. I think of it as a mechanical port-a-power. Have changed tires up to 37" with them and a couple of boards or a flat rock.

I'm pretty sure there is a couple of hi-lifts in the garage some where, but haven't carried one in years. I mainly wheel with a group, so in the rare case when one is needed, there has always been plenty of new ones to use without dealing with my 30 yr old rusty ones. The best part of a hi-lift is the handle, they make a great sleeve to reinforce bent tie rods.

 

[Fly Rod]

It may sound a bit Nancy of me but the main reason I've been considering ditching it is the rattle that it produces that resonates thru my ARB roof rack...once I resolve the rattle I don't think it will pose a problem any longer. Any suggestions on that?

I just picked up the jack handle isolator that hi lift sells. @ $12 and it also keeps the handle from whacking you. I also bought the lift buddy wheel kit and a storage bag to keep the oil and grime in check.

See you Saturday!

 

[e9999]

I just bungee the handle tight onto the body. Not a peep...

 

[knoll0351]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-gear-recovery/177676-silencing-noisy-hi-lift-jack.html

For a quick cross-post on quieting the noisy hi-lift.
Note: i have not attempted such measures but did put a rubber stop (purchased from Lowe's) on the handle to stop the handle banging noise.

Sweet, thank you all in one fix it link!

 

[pappy]

A factory jack will do you no good in a situation like this.

 

[INDEEP]

Your Hi-Lift can also be used as a winch. With a few D-rings and chain you can pull your truck a few inches at a time. It may you take longer than those with other gear..but if your stuck you have nothing but time.

 

[knoll0351]

but if your stuck you have nothing but time.

How true that statement is

 

[pappy]

It may you take longer than those with other gear..but if your stuck you have nothing but time.

My extraction above took 4 and a half hours. The sun was setting when I finally made camp a half mile away.