Van Jack - Page 4

marret · 03-28-2018, 09:03 AM

Reviving an old thread on jacks.

For those carrying hi-lift jacks, anyone actually using them?

Interestingly, looks like ARB is coming out with a new take on the hi-lift (saw on expedition portal):
https://www.arb.com.au/recovery/hi-l...essories/jack/

arctictraveller · 03-28-2018, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marret

Reviving an old thread on jacks.

For those carrying hi-lift jacks, anyone actually using them?

I just gave mine away, I never used it and it rusted badly but I might get another one. At the beginning of this thread, there is a photo of a guy using one, with his head above the jack handle. Improperly used, they can be very dangerous, and one should never place any body part above the handle due to the fact that the handle can suddenly fly upwards. Another issue is a lack of suitable jacking points and a tendency for the jack to fall over, slip off or damage the body. The wheel attachment accessory could be handy though. For now, I'm counting on the stock jack, along with a few wood blocks to raise the jack up. It looks like the ARB jack is limited to 4K lbs, possibly not enough for our heavy vans.

REDOVAL · 03-28-2018, 11:56 AM

I carry one in my van but have yet to need it or want to use it. I figure it's a last resort item and a good pry bar if the need should arise. I had originally planned on making mounting points for it, but the longer I have it the less I want it.

Scott

1der · 03-28-2018, 11:59 AM

In a discussion with Ramsey back in the day, and somewhere in the threads he mentioned the Hummer 1 jack. It always intrigued me. It has a 3.5 ton rating, it is low profile, packs up compactly.

I picked one up (brand new) for around $50 prior to the November Baja trip. I also picked up the adapter that Agile is making for this jack. The adapter mounts on the jack pin and provides for a flat surface or a rounded cradle for lifting the axle.

We had a chance to use it on the trip lifting REF's van when it had a shock problem. The jack worked really well. Raising the van was easy and the jack felt super stable. I am super glad I have it.

I had strongly considered the Hi Lift but have never felt there was a good solution for changing tires with a Hi Lift, so that would require a second jack. Also, storing a Hi Lift for me was going to be problematic. I already have a winch with quite a bit of recovery gear, plus I have the TREDS traction boards. The Hummer jack stores nicely in the basement box.

luked · 03-28-2018, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1der

I also picked up the adapter that Agile is making for this jack. The adapter mounts on the jack pin and provides for a flat surface or a rounded cradle for lifting the axle.

Ray, are they selling these to the public, cost?

brp · 03-28-2018, 02:10 PM

I see H1 jacks currently on eBay ($70 shipped)....they are scissor jacks. Is that what you have 1der?

**BroncoHauler** · 03-28-2018, 02:23 PM

This place was recommended to me. They just don't always have them in stock.

Brand new, and only $40, though shipping was nearly the same price as the jack.

https://store.adv4x4.com/5939822.html

I still intend to pick up Agile's adapter one of these days.

Herb

marret · 03-28-2018, 07:08 PM

Thanks everyone.

arctictraveller · 03-28-2018, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coyotearms

This thread has been going on for years, and it still seems that many folks don't understand that with 16" wheels, the bottom of the rear axle when the tire is flat is about 7.5" from the grown. The stock crank-up jack I have goes from 7.5 to 16-3/4". That is pretty incredible, because I have not seen a hydraulic jack strong enough to lift one side of the axle that can go that low. I figure with the PowerBult whose minimum height is 10-3/4, which I bought by mistake (and it leaks too!), I would need to carry 3 pcs of 2x6 lumber at least 12 in long to run the flat tire up on to get enough clearance for it. That is just too much stuff to carry to be called a good solution. And I don't even care to think of using a high lift to change a tire, macho bumpers in place or not. So am I correct to say there have not been any solutions significantly better than the stock bottle jack proposed yet? I hope I am wrong!

This is a good point. My solution is the stock jack and a couple pieces of wood I carry anyway for leveling the van. Simple, inexpensive and light weight. With my little semi float axle, every pound counts, and she's already pretty fat in the rear.

86Scotty · 03-29-2018, 09:56 AM

Everyone needs to buy a hi-lift jack. As an overlander you owe it to yourself to support the brand. You should mount it up high on your front bumper signaling as you come on to the scene that "Hey, back off, I'm an overlander." This isn't for your typical #vanlife subscriber. This sets you apart!

I will be selling these as a package deal along with a Yeti sticker for your back window and 2 cans of Plasit-dip to take those mediocre wheels from just OK to BLACK! Black is the new black!!!!!

PM for details, price and shipping.