Trail Jack

What are y'all's experience in trail jacks as far as brand. Smitty Build vs Hi-lift vs Torin. Had to change a tire that thru rubber on the Bantam trailer today (and tore the %#£€ out of the fender) and the little bottle jack just barely cleared it but was a multi attempt operation. I've been meaning to get one and after today's experience decided to just move forward.

 

The High-Lift jacks are pretty hard to beat.......although I'm sure there are many that will work.

 

Agreed... After 20 plus years of use my, HL is still going strong!

 

Have 3 all clones one smitty one tractor supply one unknown all function the same way. Oil helps keep things going well. I think the original with the removable handle would be nice if the handle isn't with the jack a thief wouldn't be as inclined to swipe it if you live somewhere where that is an issue.

 

Spend some time in the driveway familiarizing yourself with how to use one. Better to learn with all the tires on the JEEP than on the trail with a wheel off and drop the JEEP on the axle or yourself.

 

Hi Lift or bottle, I always carry one flat and strong wood. It is good to stabilize jacks and to get one wheel higher when you need more clearence.

 

I've been using the same Hi Lift since the 1970's.
They are absolutely great when you need to side slip the front or rear of a jeep.
Lift the whole end of Jeep as high as you need then push the jeep sideways till it falls off the jack.
The maneuver saved my jeep from disaster several times.

 

When jacking up on slopes or uneven surfaces it's not a bad Idea if you have a winch or stand alone cable or strap to get a line out at 90 degrees to the uphill side.........can be done either front or rear or even off the sides if your vehicle has a pulling point there............block the wheels that are still on the ground F/R...........

 

Hi-lift - but keep a good grip on the handle.

They need to be clean and lubed to work reliably, especially as they get worn.

 

Timely thread. My Jeep didn't come with a jack.

The intentional use of the winch-as-jack is in the beginning. Then later at about 7:20 the Antichrist's engine stops and hijinks ensue....



Then at 9:25 the winch comes in handy again. Fantastic!

 

And of course, a hi-lift can also be used as a winch.

 

Yup, that movie was the first thing that came to my mind. Really funny stuff there.

 

Hi-Lift farm jacks are great. Make sure you practice with it. Don't jack too high, a little at a time is better, then use cribbing. Also, keep a good grip on the handle when jacking. Teflon motorcycle chain spray lubricant works best on High-Lifts.

 

Hi-lift Jack. I'll never buy one. In 23 years of owning my Jeep. I have never needed a jack, except in the garage.

 

That's funny, I've never used mine on the trail either in 44 years of owning my Jeep. But it is still a great tool. I used an old bumper jack once when I got high-centered on a tree stump. Was in a tight turn-around and the ground caved in. Was able to build it up with rocks under the wheels and get it off the stump. The oil pan was sitting right on the stump (the skid plate). I tried running my winch cable under the jeep to pull me out backwards. It lifted up the engine enough on the mounts to short out a connection on my voltage regulator and melt some of my wiring. I hiked out quite a few miles to get the bumper jack and some wire. The High-Lift would have worked well for that operation if I had had it then. A friend gave it to me about 10 years ago. It had gotten pretty rusty sitting on the floor in his garage and I cleaned it up and painted it. I have used it to tighten fencing (as a come-a-long) and to jack out posts. I have also used it to break the bead off of tire rims. I have always carried a hydraulic bottle jack. I think the High-Lift is a very useful tool though for 4 wheeling. I have thrown it in the back of my truck though sometimes just in case. They can be dangerous though if you are not familiar with them. My friend at work almost knocked himself out when he let go of the handle of one and it ratcheted up and down and hit him in the chin.

 

I saw a guy lose a thumb once from a hi-lift that slipped sideways. He was calm as could be, his buddy was freaking out.

I have a 4' stamped steel version on the jeep and a 5' cast version on the dump truck. I've had them both since high school. (25 yrs?) I use them both constantly. Lifting, winching, breaking beads, side-stepping like Oldtime mentioned... I'd be lost without them. They are both bent, banged up and ugly, but still work great when properly cleaned and lubed. They both have been outside in the elements since day one.

I don't have experience with different brands, just hi-lift.

FYI... Bees love to build nests in the handles.

 

For self recovery,a farm jack is an essential tool (I have a HF model). I also have a winch & winch anchor! What ever you use,don't forget a shovel.....!