Suggestions on best jack possible?

[bikemaniac]

Hi,
I read that the hi-lift is a great recovery tool. However it can be very dangerous. I have one myself and agree on that matter. I have only tested the hi lift in non emergency situations and do see how dangerous it can be.

Has anyone made some thoughts on what would be the ideal recovery jack where safety is similar to a standard bottle jack? I sort of feel that a telescopic bottle jack which is able to extend approx the same length as a hi lift would be nice. You will not be able to jack up as quickly, it will take a few more minutes, but who cares? . Here is a pic:

http://www.wehrmachtsgespann.de/news/merkbl/WAGENH0.JPG

The hi lift is sold as a multi tool also acting as jaws of life etc - but who needs that when off roading? Wouldn't it be better to have a jack which is tailormade for jacking only?

Next, all 4x4 Toyotas sold nowadays do not have any ideal recovery points for the hi lift unless you use the lift mate and don't have any solid/closed rims. The front and rear bumpers do not accept the hi lift and you would have to make great investments in buying special steel front and rear bumpers.

So whats your opinion on that matter
Lucas

 

[1911]

Many tools are dangerous if you don't pay close attention when using them (or worse yet, don't know how to use them safely), the Hi-lift jack and bottle jacks included.

Put sliders on your truck, then you can jack from there plus have the protection of the sliders.

 

[gaijin]

I've had good luck with the X-Jack from ARB:

(Photo not mine - found in a Google Image search)

It's the "Orange Marshmallow" that provides up to 31" of vehicle lift and can be inflated with either a connection to your exhaust or, as I prefer, a connection to an air compressor.

Only about 5-10 psi is required to lift the vehicle.

Great on vehicles with few or no hard points for jacking, and it can be used on the sides, front, rear, under the axles, etc. to provide lift in a wide variety of situations.

Is not heavy, stores easily, I like it a lot. A You Tube search will reveal several videos of the X-Jack in use.

HTH

 

[80t0ylc]

Hi,
I read that the hi-lift is a great recovery tool. However it can be very dangerous. I have one myself and agree on that matter. I have only tested the hi lift in non emergency situations and do see how dangerous it can be.

Has anyone made some thoughts on what would be the ideal recovery jack where safety is similar to a standard bottle jack? I sort of feel that a telescopic bottle jack which is able to extend approx the same length as a hi lift would be nice. You will not be able to jack up as quickly, it will take a few more minutes, but who cares? . Here is a pic:

http://www.wehrmachtsgespann.de/news/merkbl/WAGENH0.JPG

The hi lift is sold as a multi tool also acting as jaws of life etc - but who needs that when off roading? Wouldn't it be better to have a jack which is tailormade for jacking only?

Next, all 4x4 Toyotas sold nowadays do not have any ideal recovery points for the hi lift unless you use the lift mate and don't have any solid/closed rims. The front and rear bumpers do not accept the hi lift and you would have to make great investments in buying special steel front and rear bumpers.

So whats your opinion on that matter
Lucas

I try to keep the OEM jack for my rigs, as long as it works well, as the primary tool for flats and such. I use a floor jack around my house for rotating tires and other lifting vehicle chores. I own a Hi-Lift, but only keep it in my trail rig for a recovery tool. IMHO it would not be smart to rely on the Hi-Lift as your only jack - not to mention that it can't even be used on most newer rigs with out an adapter or added armor. And there are lot's of gadgets out there (new ones all the time) to lift rigs and carry in them. So, I think at this time, you might want to carry more than one way to lift your rig. It pays to have a back up.

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

The Toyota OEM jack is excellent. It raises the axle not the body. Don't leave home without it.

 

[Pin_Head]

The higher you lift something, the more dangerous it is, so the high lift is inherently more dangerous than the OEM jack. On the other hand, a high lift may be required to get yourself unstuck. Staying home is safer.

 

[bikemaniac]

The higher you lift something, the more dangerous it is, so the high lift is inherently more dangerous than the OEM jack. On the other hand, a high lift may be required to get yourself unstuck. Staying home is safer.

But wouln't it be nice to have an OEM jack which could extend 4-5 feet like the hi lift. But using a worm gear as a much safer mechanism?

Lucas

 

[80t0ylc]

But wouln't it be nice to have an OEM jack which could extend 4-5 feet like the hi lift. But using a worm gear as a much safer mechanism?

Lucas

Yes, it would be nice. But the mechanism is not the only danger. You would still be lifting a rig from a single narrow contact point. The higher you go, the more unstable it gets. I believe that is Pin_Head's point and I have to agree with it.

 

[Tapage]

I just don't trust in hi lifts .. and much less if I need to remove wheel from my Cruiser .. I can consider using 'em to raise body from stock height but not much more than that .. Hi Lift it's my last choice .. being
Toyota bottle the first one ..

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

But wouln't it be nice to have an OEM jack which could extend 4-5 feet like the hi lift. But using a worm gear as a much safer mechanism?

Lucas

Why? you need 4" to change a tire not 4'??

 

[VidereStudios]

I have the tall Hi-Lift for recovery situations and am using the OEM bottle jack for tire changes.

However, I will be upgrading that to a Power Team 9011X some time in the near future.

http://www.jackxchange.com/products/9006X.cfm

 

[toy4xfun]

i carry a hi-lift, stock Toyota, and a 12 ton bottle jack.