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Trail Jack

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by mickeykelley, Aug 27, 2017.

  1. Aug 27, 2017
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    Oct 10, 2015
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    1,900
    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.
     
  2. Aug 27, 2017
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    Oct 29, 2012
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    The High-Lift jacks are pretty hard to beat.......although I'm sure there are many that will work.
     
  3. Aug 28, 2017
    Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chesapeake, VA.
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    Agreed... After 20 plus years of use my, HL is still going strong!
     
  4. Aug 28, 2017
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    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.
     
  5. Aug 28, 2017
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    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.
     
  6. Aug 28, 2017
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,593
    As mentioned above...I have a hi-lift brand and it works, but I find them a bit (if not a lot) tedious. Practice using it ...things get tippy real fast. Easy to drop a heavy vehicle onto yourself. Keep the spring pins well lubricated. If I can use my bottle jack, its always the first choice, but sometimes the hi-lift is the only way to go. Also works as a hand winch if needed for a few feet of movement.
     
    colojeepguy likes this.
  7. Aug 28, 2017
    ziv

    ziv Member

    Israel
    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2003
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    298
    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.
     
    FinoCJ likes this.
  8. Aug 28, 2017
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Nov 22, 2003
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    x2- I carry a couple of 10x10" squares of 1-1/2" thick wood to sit the jack on.

    H.
     
  9. Aug 28, 2017
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    Aug 14, 2006
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    3,466
    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.
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  10. Aug 28, 2017
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    Oct 29, 2012
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    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...........
     
  11. Aug 28, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Aug 18, 2014
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    7,540
    Do you have a winch on the Jeep? Throw the cable over a tree branch and winch up just about anything...So I'm told. :rolleyes:
     
  12. Aug 28, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    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.
     
  13. Aug 28, 2017
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    Dec 25, 2016
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    534
    Timely thread. My Jeep didn't come with a jack. :n:

    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!
     
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2017
  14. Aug 29, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    And of course, a hi-lift can also be used as a winch.
     
  15. Aug 29, 2017
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
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    390
    Yup, that movie was the first thing that came to my mind. Really funny stuff there.
     
  16. Aug 29, 2017
    3Jeepstothewind

    3Jeepstothewind New Member

    Colorado
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    Aug 18, 2017
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    4
    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.
     
  17. Aug 29, 2017
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    Seattle Wa.
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    Dec 17, 2002
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    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.
     
  18. Aug 29, 2017
    3Jeepstothewind

    3Jeepstothewind New Member

    Colorado
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2017
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    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.
     
  19. Aug 30, 2017
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    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. :susp:
     
  20. Aug 30, 2017
    Snouts out

    Snouts out Member

    Covedale OH
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    Mar 26, 2016
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    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.....!
     
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