Which High Lift Jack

[treillw]

I got an overland camper and think getting a high lift jack will be a good idea, in case I need to pull the trailer sideways in a tight spot, turn it around, etc. Could also come in handy snow wheeling, if I'd pop a bead off in three feet of snow, or something.

Are all high lift jacks essentially the same? Harbor freight ones look to be $20 cheaper, but for the minimal extra cost it might be worth going with the name brand one.

Anything special to watch out for when purchasing one? Recommendations? Any necessary accessories?

Thanks!

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[ArmyRN]

Buy the real thing, not a cheap knock-off.

 

[Flip]

Whichever one you want.

All Hi-Lift constructs their jacks using either All-Cast or Cast/Steel. Both are rated for the same load capacity, but which one is better? The All-Cast Jack is as it sounds, and uses cast as its only material for construction. This makes it durable and long-lasting.

 

[Whaler27]

Learning how to use it is the most important thing. There are 100 ways to get seriously hurt with these jacks.

For me, saving twenty bucks isn’t worth buying a knockoff.

I bought an accessory kit that included a plastic/composite foot/platform. That stabilizes the jack a bit and helps it function in soft sand or mud. It’s also nice to have 1) the plastic/nylon piece that stabilizes the handle for travel (so it doesn’t rattle constantly), and 2) the chain and bolt-on parts that allow the jack to function as a come-along.

If you haven’t done it already, I recommend reviewing some videos comparing the merits of the four most common jacks (hi-lift jack, exhaust jack, floor jack, and bottle jack.) Which one is best depends on where and how you’ll be using them most.

 

[vetygud]

I've had my Hi-Lift jack, all cast, since 1980. I have used it for lifting sheds, tightening fences, removing tires off of rims, pulling vehicles, tractors, and many more things. I recently got a repair kit to replace the moving jack parts from years of dependable service. Buy the real "Hi-Lift" jack because you can get replacement and accessories parts at many stores or online and you know they are of the best quality. They do a lot of things but can be dangerous if you use them wrong. Know how to lubricate them when you are using them. I prefer the all cast.

 

[CaJLMetalHead]

The original All-Cast Hi-lift jack comes is three lenghts.. 42'' 48'' & 60'' so you also need to make a decision on length (which depends on how big your tires are, body lift, suspension lift)

 

[ArmyRN]

I don't routinely carry one on my JLU. I can put one on the roof rack on my TJ if heading out off-roading, and my flatty has one. I carry one on my little overlanding trailer.

I recommend protecting them from the elements if mounted outside your vehicle. They sell covers, but they only cover so much. I had one custom made for my jack (this jack is usually on the trailer, but also can go on the TJ).

 

[treillw]

The original All-Cast Hi-lift jack comes is three lenghts.. 42'' 48'' & 60'' so you also need to make a decision on length (which depends on how big your tires are, body lift, suspension lift)

How do you do about determining the height you need? I have a JLURD with 37s and aev lift.

 

[CaJLMetalHead]

How do you do about determining the height you need? I have a JLURD with 37s and aev lift.

I think you should get the longest one you can carry, one important limitation of the Hi Lift Jack is that the load capacity decreases the higher you go... look here on the website... notice how on the last 12 inches of the jack the Rated load decreases significantly ... You need to take the time to think, and then think a lot more on how to carry your hi lift Jack, of course carrying it inside your rig unsecured is a big no-no as it becomes a missile in case of a crash... where you plan in carrying it will limit the size of the jack... there are rear bumper mounts, in that case a 60 inches jack will stick out so much you won't be able to park in your garage, and it is going to get caught on branches on the trail.. hood mount (that is how I carry mine) I think you can carry a 60 inch, but it going to stick out a bit... I would not consider carrying it on the front bumper, I did that for a while but you always hit your arms and your head on the jack.. LOL.... there is also the option of carrying the jack standing up on a mount, forward of the front doors next to the front fender, but I do not like the idea as it also gets caught on the rocks/branches on the trail... there is also the option of mounting the jack on brackets that attach on the back of the rollbar, that is a nice option, I bought the Smittybilt 54 Inch Trail Jack 2722, which is an excellent compromise in size, but unfortunately Smittybilt does not seem to make them anymore (you could still get them on Ebay) if you want a quick recommendation I would say get the 48 inch Hi Lift Jack and mount it either on the rollbar or the hood... I hope this helps !!!

https://hi-lift.com/hi-lift-jacks/all-cast/

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