Road Trip Jack Recommendations?

[bwringer]

I'd like to carry a jack of some sort in my minivan for possible road repairs.

The scissor jack that comes with it, like all such jacks, is barely adequate for elevating one corner for a spare swap.

A full size floor jack (I have a 3 ton low profile at home) is unwieldy and heavy, although effective.

I've used a 2-ton compact hydraulic floor jack purchased cheap at the nearest big box store for road trip repairs before, but it was not a comfortable experience. The small jack really seemed to struggle, and I really would have liked to get the van up higher. But for $40 - $50 or so on sale with jack stands, it did the trick.

Jack stands, I have sorted out, and of course a sturdy hunka wood for soft surfaces.

Obviously, I could just get another one of those cheap floor jacks.

Or perhaps a lighter aluminum floor jack would be worth the weight savings?

Or is there something like an upgraded, higher-capacity scissor jack out there? Would scissor jacks used for RVs be safe(ish) for lifting a vehicle?

Should I rummage through a junkyard for an OEM scissor or screw jack from a pickup or similar?

Is a bottle jack worth consideration?

I humbly await the wisdom of the Garage Journal Hive Mind.

 

[y'sguy]

subscribed for a decent suggestion.

I've searched around trying to find a solution as well. Of course, I have jacks, just not a handy size or weight for the small trunk in my Thunderbird.
I used to have a jack from a scissor jack from an early model t FORD (so my dad said) that was perfect for this. Used to. Can't find an affordable one of those now either.

I will say I returned the scissors one I bought at HF. Too lightweight and difficult to raise. It may have been modifiable, but I didn't try. Took it back.

I also took a look at the RV versions and wasn't impressed.

the small aluminum one is a possibility but I am still looking for a simpler solution.

I am open to modifying something or buying used.

 

[Fedwrench]

A fully charged cell phone and the roadside assistance outfit of your choice

It's a rabbit hole. First a jack, then wood for hot asphalt/soft sand, jackstands, a cordless impact for lug nut and to operate the scissors jack faster, a torque wrench, a cordless inflator for when the spare is flat/low, maybe I need a full size spare instead of a donut. It never ends.

Then you've added all of this weight to the vehicle before you add one piece of luggage.

Back to the original question, this looks interesting, not a recommendation, just interesting:

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/bulldog-winch-tallboy-off-road-jack-15-pc-2474253?cid=bing-shopping&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=shopping&BU=TSCO&campaignid=357024490&device=c&product_id=2474253&matchtype=e&bidmatchtype=be&network=o&keyword=default&msclkid=f152e8cdb7041e0873af805578754ce2&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20All%20Products&utm_term=4585375807245420&utm_content=All%20Products

 

[y'sguy]

^^
I agree; however, I would need a low-clearance solution. So, there's that too.

 

[CGarage]

https://www.calcarcover.com/product/low-profile-billet-aluminum-jack/705?srsltid=AfmBOopRSiSBwm39LOKXDOQ7hxh1CWLt8d8dkL775ru259rXpWpYvcRn

 

[cmandp]

Ive never used one these but thinking about it sounds like it could work well. It has a large base and jack stand built in so changing a wheel would be safer.


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwb-620471

 

[pbon]

I bring a HF 1.5 ton add aluminum floor jack, one of my winter or summer wheels depending on which are not mounted at the time, a Milwaukee M12 or M18 impact, a cheap clicker torque wrench, a Milwaukee M12 or M18 inflator, a slime kit and a plug kit. Have not had a flat in years until the last trip a few months ago when I had a sidewall puncture that ruined the tire. I was back on the road in literally 5 minutes.

The lightweight HF 1.5 ton jack works fine for my cars. For an SUV, it might not be enough either due to capacity or lifting height. A 4x4 block might solve a lifting height issue, but 1.5 ton capacity is a bit light for a 6000+ lb SUV even though you are lifting only a corner.

Only downside is the spare and jack reduce trunk space. Donut spares have reduced speed ratings, affect handling and braking, and have limited tread but are better than no spare.

 

[CMB41]

What kind of repairs are you anticipating? If it is just for tire repair, I would go with two cans of fix-a-flat and a AAA card. I swear by the fix a flat stuff. Just be sure to tell the tire shop you put it in there. They don't like surprises.

If it is more than that I would consider this one

Off-Road Exhaust Air Jack - 8,800 Lbs - 31 inch Lift Height

About this item 【SAFER JACK LIFT】ALL-TOP Exhaust Air Jack could lift up to 31 inches of 8800 Lbs Vehicles off the ground with less pressure to the ground, preventing jack items from sinking if used on sand or marsh. What's more, it has much lower starting height to access your vehicle's bottom...

www.alltopusa.com

I use a high lift jack and this one with my old FJ-40 off roading. It inflates with exhaust or a compressor. Little unstable at times but if you are bringing jack stands then it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[CGarage]

Serious question, why not the AAA card?

 

[whateg01]

Ive never used one these but thinking about it sounds like it could work well. It has a large base and jack stand built in so changing a wheel would be safer.


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwb-620471

Might be ok for op depending on the van he's trying to lift. For most people it would be too tall.

I keep a little trolley Jack in my vehicles. With the truck, I also have a couple blocks of wood to shorten the distance it has to go to get to the axle or lca. If you can get somewhere close to the tire you need to change, it shouldn't need much travel once it's touching the vehicle. If you are lifting from the typical Jack points, is going to have to go a ways before the suspension sag is taken up.

As far as Jack stands, I don't use them for a side of the road tire change. Takes too long as is with people not slowing down or moving over. Get everything ready to go, then get it up and changed and back in the trunk or bed NASCAR style before getting run over.

I do have AAA but I'm not waiting an hour for them to get to me when I can have the tire changed in 10 minutes depending on what is in the way of the spare.

 

[username2]

Ive never used one these but thinking about it sounds like it could work well. It has a large base and jack stand built in so changing a wheel would be safer.


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwb-620471

I was looking at one of those, although you sure want to pad the case you keep it in so that there's no unauthorized body work as it travels around. I expect the lowest height is too high for anything besides trucks. Of course, in something like a GMT800, the whole access the spare tire deal is crazy.

One think I did that's kind of odd maybe was to buy a Porsche scissors jack. Super light, genuinely well-made.

I wish it was a more solved problem, this in-the-car jack thing. One system I always thought was kind of cool was the VW Beetle plug it in deal, OTOH old-school bumper jacks can be scary. Last time I used one of those was on a 1970 428 Galaxie which is one great lump of a car.

Naturally, spares will get rarer and rarer what with cell phones, space restriction, cost reductions in manufacturing, portable pumps and cans of goo.

 

[username2]

As an aside, I think one issue with the road repair replace the tire situation is that people drive such absurdly heavy cars with great big wheels/tires anymore. You have to up your game.

 

[username2]

Donut spares have reduced speed ratings, affect handling and braking, and have limited tread but are better than no spare.

I've had several cars with what were called 'space saver' spares. I've always wondered if someone ever actually used one of those.

 

[whateg01]

I've had several cars with what were called 'space saver' spares. I've always wondered if someone ever actually used one of those.

You've never spent time here if you wonder that.

 

[username2]

You've never spent time here if you wonder that.

[remove rude response, will shut down account instead. too many absurd people on the internet]
[part Ii. I was referring specifically to 1970 Ford space saver spares, not whatever in the heck you were thinking of]

 

[tiredoldironworker]

Search on Amazon for 5 ton electric/hydraulic jack. I thought it would be a joke but it has saved my buns twice now. Gets pretty low at 5&5/16 and goes up to 17

 

[nadogail]

A fully charged cell phone and the roadside assistance outfit of your choice

It's a rabbit hole. First a jack, then wood for hot asphalt/soft sand, jackstands, a cordless impact for lug nut and to operate the scissors jack faster, a torque wrench, a cordless inflator for when the spare is flat/low, maybe I need a full size spare instead of a donut. It never ends.

Then you've added all of this weight to the vehicle before you add one piece of luggage.

Back to the original question, this looks interesting, not a recommendation, just interesting:

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/bulldog-winch-tallboy-off-road-jack-15-pc-2474253?cid=bing-shopping&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=shopping&BU=TSCO&campaignid=357024490&device=c&product_id=2474253&matchtype=e&bidmatchtype=be&network=o&keyword=default&msclkid=f152e8cdb7041e0873af805578754ce2&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20All%20Products&utm_term=4585375807245420&utm_content=All%20Products

A AAA card and a cell phone are a lot more useful today than they would have been 65 years ago when I made my first solo road trip.

Back in the day I carried a full toolbox and the enthusiasm and confidence of my youth.

Now my Cell Phone, AAA membership and plastic money seem like good preparation.

 

[ecotec]

I am with the OP on this… but I just bring a 24” breaker bar, socket, Safety-Seal kit, and m12 inflator. I also have a AAA card. The factory scissor jack is fine for a tire.

I, probably, would not wait for AAA while on vacation. I would, probably, not use my spare, either… if the tire can be plugged… I’m plugging it.

Tire plugs are not really in fashion anymore, but they have worked for me for over 35 years.

 

[CGarage]

Safety-Seal (tire fix in a can) is not in fashion anymore either, especially with tire repair shops!

 

[ecotec]

Safety-Seal (tire fix in a can) is not in fashion anymore either, especially with tire repair shops!

Safety-Seal is an old brand of tire plugs, not tire fix in a can.

I have been using them since the 1980’s, and I have never had one fail. When I was younger, I had a little tiny compressor that plugged into my cigarette lighter socket.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I just carry the factory stuff. I've been driving since the mid 90s and I've never gotten a flat tire. I have changed them in a parking lot for my wife and my mom. I'm not changing a tire on the side of the highway anyway. Everyone seems to be medicated, distracted, or just plain unable to drive today and it isn't worth getting killed over. I'll drive it on the rim and then the rotor if I have to to get to the next parking lot/rest area/etc. And the factory stuff, while not convenient, easy, or fun to use, seems to work.

 

[whateg01]

I just carry the factory stuff. I've been driving since the mid 90s and I've never gotten a flat tire. I have changed them in a parking lot for my wife and my mom. I'm not changing a tire on the side of the highway anyway. Everyone seems to be medicated, distracted, or just plain unable to drive today and it isn't worth getting killed over. I'll drive it on the rim and then the rotor if I have to to get to the next parking lot/rest area/etc. And the factory stuff, while not convenient, easy, or fun to use, seems to work.

You do realize that many cars have no factory stuff to speak of, right? I carry the trolley Jack and a four-way as much for other people as I do myself. I still stop and help people on the side of the road if I can. Same reason I carry jumper cables and a jump pack. I've used them a few times for myself, but more often I've used them for other people.

 

[L.Cheapo]

You do realize that many cars have no factory stuff to speak of, right? I carry the trolley Jack and a four-way as much for other people as I do myself. I still stop and help people on the side of the road if I can. Same reason I carry jumper cables and a jump pack. I've used them a few times for myself, but more often I've used them for other people.

OP asked about a jack. OP stated his vehicle came with a jack. Hence my reply.

But now I'm curious...what cars come with a spare tire and no jack?

 

[ecotec]

OP asked about a jack. OP stated his vehicle came with a jack. Hence my reply.

But now I'm curious...what cars come with a spare tire and no jack?

I have never heard of this.

I have heard of cars that come with neither a spare tire nor a jack.

I think that the OP’s car has a scissor jack, but it *****.

 

[CGarage]

The risk of being on the side of a highway for a period of time with how many Americans are always on the phone while driving should not be overlooked.

It’s not worth the risk.

 

[pbon]

I just carry the factory stuff. I've been driving since the mid 90s and I've never gotten a flat tire. I have changed them in a parking lot for my wife and my mom. I'm not changing a tire on the side of the highway anyway. Everyone seems to be medicated, distracted, or just plain unable to drive today and it isn't worth getting killed over. I'll drive it on the rim and then the rotor if I have to to get to the next parking lot/rest area/etc. And the factory stuff, while not convenient, easy, or fun to use, seems to work.

I see those cars on the side of the road regularly — the ones who tried to drive on the flat to the next exit. Often turns out rather poorly.

 

[MOS3522]

1. Carrying an impact gun is a better bang-for-buck in the flat tire scenario.
2. If you carry an impact gun, you can get a jack adapter and make easy work of the scissors jack.
3. An unrestrained low profile jack will make a deadly missile in the event of a crash.

Amazon.com: Dr.Roc Scissor Jack Adapter for 1/2 Inch Drive Impact Wrench or 13/16 Inch Lug Wrench or Power Drills, Scissor Jack Drill Adapter for Impact Drills Socket Automotive Jack RV Trailer Leveling Jack : Automotive

Buy Dr.Roc Scissor Jack Adapter for 1/2 Inch Drive Impact Wrench or 13/16 Inch Lug Wrench or Power Drills, Scissor Jack Drill Adapter for Impact Drills Socket Automotive Jack RV Trailer Leveling Jack: Jacks - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

My truck's OEM jack works really well for my flatbed (and the truck. Obviously). For my toy hauler I have a wedge jack, but I've yet to have to use it. I always carry a Milwaukee and a breaker bar when I tow a trailer.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Porsche 996 aluminum scissor jack.

 

[fourjeepin]

60” hi-lift jack? The 48” is fine for flat ground but often no help when on a good narly trail

 

[finn]

We had a flat on my wife’s Cherokee about seven or eight years ago.

Factory jack worked flawlessly. Took more time to dig out and restow the spare than to jack it up and swap wheels and tires.

The jack was no problem, certainly not worth dragging another jack around for the several hundred thousand miles we’ve traveled in various vehicles in the interim.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I see those cars on the side of the road regularly — the ones who tried to drive on the flat to the next exit. Often turns out rather poorly.

And over 600 people are killed on the shoulder of the highway in the US every year. Not worth the risk to me. To each their own.

 

[whateg01]

We had a flat on my wife’s Cherokee about seven or eight years ago.

Factory jack worked flawlessly. Took more time to dig out and restow the spare than to jack it up and swap wheels and tires.

The jack was no problem, certainly not worth dragging another jack around for the several hundred thousand miles we’ve traveled in various vehicles in the interim.

I don't disagree that scissor jacks are the lesser brethren of a floor jack, but I've never had a problem with one as long as it was used properly. The key things to watch for are the jack has to be on a solid flat surface, you have to jack where the jack can't slide on the chassis, and the vehicle has to be immobile. If it can roll even a little bit, the jack can end up on an angle and bad things can follow.

 

[bwringer]

A fully charged cell phone and the roadside assistance outfit of your choice

It's a rabbit hole. First a jack, then wood for hot asphalt/soft sand, jackstands, a cordless impact for lug nut and to operate the scissors jack faster, a torque wrench, a cordless inflator for when the spare is flat/low, maybe I need a full size spare instead of a donut. It never ends.

Then you've added all of this weight to the vehicle before you add one piece of luggage.

Back to the original question, this looks interesting, not a recommendation, just interesting:

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/bulldog-winch-tallboy-off-road-jack-15-pc-2474253?cid=bing-shopping&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=shopping&BU=TSCO&campaignid=357024490&device=c&product_id=2474253&matchtype=e&bidmatchtype=be&network=o&keyword=default&msclkid=f152e8cdb7041e0873af805578754ce2&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20All%20Products&utm_term=4585375807245420&utm_content=All%20Products

I prefer to be more self-sufficient than just being able to plug a tire, or install the spare. So I'd like to be able to lift the vehicle somewhat higher than I can get with the factory scissor jack.

Ive never used one these but thinking about it sounds like it could work well. It has a large base and jack stand built in so changing a wheel would be safer.


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwb-620471

The van involved is a Toyota Sienna -- a FWD minivan, so nowhere near enough room for this. Neat idea I hadn't seen before!

5 ton electric/hydraulic jack

Now that's wild... I haven't seen one of these before, but that looks like it might actually do some good.

My truck's OEM jack works really well for my flatbed (and the truck. Obviously). For my toy hauler I have a wedge jack, but I've yet to have to use it. I always carry a Milwaukee and a breaker bar when I tow a trailer.

What truck is that? I'm thinking maybe I could rummage around junkyard for a factory jack from a larger, taller vehicle like a pickup. Any ideas what should I target?




FWIW, I always carry tire plugs (Nealey - best on the planet) and an air pump, even on my motorcycles -- and they've been used plenty. I carry a pretty decent assortment of other tools besides. I have a folding 4-way lug wrench that works fine, but on longer trips I toss my Ryobi 1/2" battery impact in the back, and my Ryobi battery air pump, and jack stands. They've proven useful, more often than not on other people's cars.

I'll agree that plugging the tire, if it's a simple puncture, is much preferable to using the crappy donut spare. I actually replaced the spare tire last year because it was starting to show dry rot, so that's ready to go if it's ever needed.

I don't know who you people are who have never had a flat and always have cell signal and are always within easy reach of a tow truck... you must be extraordinarily fortunate. My life is anything but that charmed.

Anyway, I'd like to be able to lift the vehicle a little further than you can get with the scissor jack in case I need to get under there to work on something more serious than a simple puncture. The scenario is a parking lot, not at the side of a busy interstate.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

Ive never used one these but thinking about it sounds like it could work well. It has a large base and jack stand built in so changing a wheel would be safer.


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwb-620471

I bought one of these for my son when he had his first car, a 2wd Explorer. We used it change the front brake pads and it worked great. It would not work with a car though because it is the opposite of low profile.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

What truck is that? I'm thinking maybe I could rummage around junkyard for a factory jack from a larger, taller vehicle like a pickup. Any ideas what should I target?

2015 F-150

 

[pbon]

And over 600 people are killed on the shoulder of the highway in the US every year. Not worth the risk to me. To each their own.

Yes, I read the news also. You enjoy your time waiting on the side of the road. Hope it is not too many hours. I will get back on it. To each their own.

 

[GaryM909]

I pack a 6 ton bottle jack, plug kit, mini compressor, cordless impact, a flare kit and bear spray. Plus the spare tire. We have to travel about 100 kilometres on a secondary highway with no cell service quite often. That's about all I could fix if anything went wrong.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Yes, I read the news also. You enjoy your time waiting on the side of the road. Hope it is not too many hours. I will get back on it. To each their own.

Who said anything about waiting? I said I wasn't going to be on the side of the road for any time at all--none, zero. Are you ok?

 

[zimman]

Ive never used one these but thinking about it sounds like it could work well. It has a large base and jack stand built in so changing a wheel would be safer.


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwb-620471

I've got one of these too. Love them. Mine has a bad habit of getting stuck in the up position. Little WD40 helps.
Zim