Why all the hi-lift hate? Is there an alternative?
- Thread starter taiden
- Start date
Quill
Adventurer
This link was in post #39 I believe.
http://youtu.be/MrfbR4REV-s
http://youtu.be/MrfbR4REV-s
I Leak Oil
Expedition Leader
I liken the farm jack to a swiss army knife. It's certainly better than nothing and saves one from carrying multiple different tools but lets face it. A winch is better for winching, a bottle jack or floor jack is better for changing a tire, etc. Dedicated tools are generally better.
Once you have used the hi-lift you will get a better feel for what it's good at and what it's not. Actual experience with it is a far better measure than reading about it or theorizing about it's advantages.
Once you have used the hi-lift you will get a better feel for what it's good at and what it's not. Actual experience with it is a far better measure than reading about it or theorizing about it's advantages.
Woodsman
Adventurer
I agree with I Leak Oil above.
90% of the time I've seen Hi-Lifts used, it has been to change a tire on normal terrain. That job is better and more safely accomplished by lifting under the axle with a factory jack, bottle jack or floor jack. Hi-Lifts do have their place but the truth is that most of us, especially if equipped with a winch, can get away with carrying the extra weight.
One note, I drive an FJ Cruiser, for some reason everyone thinks they should toss the factory jack when they carry a highlift. It only weighs a few pounds and is stored out of the way (or easily stands up in a cargo drawer like I have). As recently as two weeks ago, while approaching SOB Hill on Elephant Hill trail in Canyonlands, someone in my group had a flat tire. No factory jack. Arggg. Here we go lifting the vehicle sky high to overcome the rear axle articulation and change the tire.
90% of the time I've seen Hi-Lifts used, it has been to change a tire on normal terrain. That job is better and more safely accomplished by lifting under the axle with a factory jack, bottle jack or floor jack. Hi-Lifts do have their place but the truth is that most of us, especially if equipped with a winch, can get away with carrying the extra weight.
One note, I drive an FJ Cruiser, for some reason everyone thinks they should toss the factory jack when they carry a highlift. It only weighs a few pounds and is stored out of the way (or easily stands up in a cargo drawer like I have). As recently as two weeks ago, while approaching SOB Hill on Elephant Hill trail in Canyonlands, someone in my group had a flat tire. No factory jack. Arggg. Here we go lifting the vehicle sky high to overcome the rear axle articulation and change the tire.
xplrn42
Adventurer
I drive an FJ too, ever since I bought it I've read the same thing.....never could figure out why except to try and be cool until the point they actually dent a door changing a tire, yeah, then who's kewl???? LOL!
PS - I carry both and will probably start taking a bottle jack along as well, but so far, haven't.
BigSwede
The Credible Hulk
It's not quite as accessible when I have the sleeping platform in place, but it's not bad. I've been pleased with it there, the jack never got in the way on trips last year, and I doubt I will find a better solution for indoor storage.
And my Trooper is not my daily driver so having the jack visible is not an issue.
And my Trooper is not my daily driver so having the jack visible is not an issue.
Eventhough
Explorer
I strongly echo what the Woodsman said about using a bottle jack first - it is much safer and more controlled. I always pull out the bottle jack from the shop FJ Cruiser before the Hi-Lift. A Hi-Lift is an awesome tool but can bite you (as it has bit me).
