hi-lift jack vs 12 ton bottle jack?
09-11-2013, 03:15 PM
#1
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hi-lift jack vs 12 ton bottle jack?
okay first my specs 4.5 inch aev lift with 35s...before u ask yes i will be going to 37s once i re-gear.
I either want a hi-lift jack or a bottle jack. Leaning towards a bottle jack anyone disagree?
I either want a hi-lift jack or a bottle jack. Leaning towards a bottle jack anyone disagree?
09-11-2013, 03:31 PM
#3
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Hi-Lift for me all the way. I have had many times where I am stuck and need to lift vertical which I can't do with my wench. I put a small strap through my wheel and use the hi-lift to get it up and get rocks underneath the wheels. It would be impossible to do that with a bottle jack. I can lift from anywhere on the outside at different angles from bumpers, rock sliders, etc. You can also use the hi-lift as a wench or spreader and is probably the most versatile recovery tool you could own. Just my two cents.
09-11-2013, 04:00 PM
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Hi-Lift for me all the way. I have had many times where I am stuck and need to lift vertical which I can't do with my wench. I put a small strap through my wheel and use the hi-lift to get it up and get rocks underneath the wheels. It would be impossible to do that with a bottle jack. I can lift from anywhere on the outside at different angles from bumpers, rock sliders, etc. You can also use the hi-lift as a wench or spreader and is probably the most versatile recovery tool you could own. Just my two cents.
09-12-2013, 12:08 AM
#6
JK Jedi Master
As pointed out, a Hi-Lift has so many other uses than changing a tire. But, changing a tire is best done with a different jack--in many off-road situations, the Jeep can be at very precarious angles on uncertain surfaces and a Hi-Lift might shift or fall. So, I carry a small floor jack under my rear seat. And a block of wood to let it work under my 2.5" lift on 35s. If space is a problem, you might look at one of the exhaust air (balloon) jacks.
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09-12-2013, 03:40 PM
#8
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Hi there need a Lift?
A bottle or tall scissors jack is easiest and safest if you can get it under your axle. Perfect if you are changing a tire or doing repairs on a firm, flat surface. NOTE: ALWAYS do repairs, even tire change, on a firm, flat surface. Personally, I have that solid orange plastic block thingy so I can use the stock jack for this purpose with my 35s. 
On the other hand, bogged down in mud to the axles or stuck on rocks you need a tool that can work from beside the Jeep using bumpers (assuming you have solid metal bumpers), rails or even lifting your tire from above. That's where you need a recovery jack like the Hi-Lift. I don't have one yet, but it's on my wish list.
Don't compromise. You need 2 different jacks for 2 different purposes. Neither one does it all.
On the other hand, bogged down in mud to the axles or stuck on rocks you need a tool that can work from beside the Jeep using bumpers (assuming you have solid metal bumpers), rails or even lifting your tire from above. That's where you need a recovery jack like the Hi-Lift. I don't have one yet, but it's on my wish list.
Don't compromise. You need 2 different jacks for 2 different purposes. Neither one does it all.
Last edited by Sahara Lee; 09-13-2013 at 11:35 AM.
09-12-2013, 07:06 PM
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A bottle or tall scissors jack is easiest and safest if you can get it under your axel. Perfect if you are changing a tire or doing repairs on a firm, flat surface. NOTE: ALWAYS do repairs, even tire change, on a firm, flat surface. Personally, I have that solid orange plastic block thingy so I can use the stock jack for this purpose with my 35s.
On the other hand, bogged down in mud to the axels or stuck on rocks you need a tool that can work from beside the Jeep using bumpers (assuming you have solid metal bumpers), rails or even lifting your tire from above. That's where you need a recovery jack like the Hi-Lift. I don't have one yet, but it's on my wish list.
Don't compromise. You need 2 different jacks for 2 different purposes. Neither one does it all.
On the other hand, bogged down in mud to the axels or stuck on rocks you need a tool that can work from beside the Jeep using bumpers (assuming you have solid metal bumpers), rails or even lifting your tire from above. That's where you need a recovery jack like the Hi-Lift. I don't have one yet, but it's on my wish list.
Don't compromise. You need 2 different jacks for 2 different purposes. Neither one does it all.
09-12-2013, 07:57 PM
#10
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I figure most times somebody in our group is still carrying a Hilift jack so I don't half too 
I carried it for a while but opted for the bottle jack and a slick HF aluminum jack I modified for the dirt. Floor jack is mounted in the JK so no flying around, still need to mount the bottle jack
