What jack equipment are others carrying?

EMrider · 05-29-2007, 04:34 PM

I've got an 06 EB51 6.0psd with the SMB 4x4 package and often wonder (worry) about what equipment I'd need in the event of a flat or similar mishap while in a remote area. Currently, I'm carrying a 6 ton bottle jack with some 4x6 sections of wood for leveling/stability on loose ground. But this beast is heavy and I'm not sure I'm properly equipped should I need to change a tire or repair something.

What do others carry or suggest in terms of jack and related equipment? I often hear about Hi-Lift jacks, but don't fully understand how they would work in practice on an SMB. And what are the pros and cons of bottle jacks, etc....?

All advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Rob

Jeffrey · 05-29-2007, 05:16 PM

Rob, I've given this a lot of thought lately.

I was planning on getting a 60" Hi-Lift Extreme. After more thought, I realized that this just wouldn't work with this vehicle. There are no jack points on the sides of the van, you can't lift by the body, so you only have the bumpers to lift. With the added drop travel of the axle of the SMB conversion, you'd have to lift the van so far off the ground to get the tire in the air that I wouldn't want to stand anywhere near it. So I went with a 12 ton bottle jack, too. Mine is hydraulic or air operated, so I can take advantage of the onboard compressor I'm getting. And, a lot easier to haul around that that monster hi-lift.

scatter · 05-29-2007, 07:26 PM

Rob, I agree with Jeffrey on the use of a bottle jack. I think what you have will probably do the trick. Nice having the air operated option though. I also carry a Safety Seal patch kit in all my rigs including bikes and quads. They are at (800) 888-9021, you can google 'em and get a web site. The patch kit is SUPER. There are some others out there, but I've had such good luck with Safety Seal that I won't change. Comes in a little case with a place for everything and extra parts for anything that even looks like it might break. With this thing I patch almost any flat I or others have had. I've even patched a long slice in a sidewall by lining up eight plugs in a row. No high speed stuff with a patch like that, but the typical one or two plugger have lasted me 40,000 miles. With this puppy I rarely have to change a tire.
Just my two cents worth....

**BroncoHauler** · 05-29-2007, 09:39 PM

Interesting timing. I just returned this afternoon from a trip to Harbor Freight, where I picked up a 6 ton bottlejack. You have to look at the minimum and maximum height of the jack in comparison to the standard height of the axle, and the height it would be at with a deflated tire. I did look at the air/hydraulic jack, but went for simplicity/cheapness instead. Bottlejacks are on sale at Harbor Freight, and I had a 15% off coupon, so the 6 ton jack was less than $12. Harbor Freight doesn't necessarily sell high quality stuff, but it works at least for a time, and the jack won't get used much so....

Herb

EMrider · 05-29-2007, 10:55 PM

Very helpful, thanks for the info.

I've also picked up a couple 3 ton jack stands for extra security/stability in addition to the bottle jack.

Now, what is the best spot to place a bottle jack if I need to change or repair a tire? I presume directly under the front or rear axle, but on what portion of the axle?

The safety seal kits look like an excellent investment. Should I ever get a flat or damage a tire, I'd much prefer to fix the damage than have to remove the tire and use the spare. I'll add one to my onboard kit.

Rob

Jammyauto · 05-29-2007, 10:57 PM

I had to change two flat tires this year in Baja. On at a premex station and the other in the dirt (I just have bad luck that way). I had no problem with my trusty highlift whatsoever. It works great. I use a d ring on the aluminess bumper to hook into the jack. You really don't have to jack it up that high. My buddy that I was traveling with had a nice 1/2 cordless impact gun that was really nice. I'm sticking with the highlift.

PeasBugs · 05-29-2007, 11:02 PM

Jeffery: I have also been thinking about the jack issue and was wondering where or what brand jack comes with hydralic and pneumatic options?

**BroncoHauler** · 05-29-2007, 11:09 PM

Haven't had to jack up the SMB, knock on wood, but I'd place the bottlejack contact point between the u-bolts that hold the springs to the axle housing. I do wish bottlejacks had larger saddle for the sake of stability.

I carry a Safety Seal kit onboard my Bronco for tire repairs, though I haven't had to use it. Nothing like being prepared to prevent problems. On my Bronco I also carry a high lift jack, but for simple tire changes, my bottlejack is much easier, and usually safer to use. Both these jacks are always on my Bronco.

Herb

scatter · 05-30-2007, 08:14 AM

I also got my bottle jack at Harbor Freight. Great deals on jacks. I was worried about the axle slipping off the jack because of the small area on the end of the jack so I just got a small piece of 1/8" stock, bent it in a slight \_/ shape and welded it to the top of the jack ram. I've only used it to test it, but it sure makes me feel better. But, I haven't had to change a tire in years, just plugged 'em on the rig.

Now that I've said that, I'll probably need to do it on the way out of Baja next week. It'll be all your guys fault for making me say it out loud....

Jeffrey · 05-30-2007, 09:55 AM

I ordered this one.

I'll rig up a flexible air line with the correct connects to match my system.