Hi-Lift Jack Alternatives | Harry Situations

Last month we talked about Hi-Lift jacks, how to use them, and what we like/don't like about them. This month we're talking about some other jacks we've used on the trail. The first thing that you will notice is that these are not shiny tools that just showed up on the front porch, they have all been used for years, allowing opinions to be formed based on real world testing. If you are running Nitto tires the odds are that you will never need to use one of these jacks in order to change a flat tire. A jack is still a handy tool though for fixing broken components under your vehicle or helping to get you unstuck.

00:00 - Intro
01:01 - ARB Jack
04:32 - Bottle Jack
08:00 - Floor Jack
10:05 - Scissor Jack
11:36 - Exhaust Jack

Pro Eagle’s Kratos weighs 60 pounds (more than double a Hi-Lift or ARB JACK) and is bulky, but they offer vehicle mounts and we see people who run with them on the trail. We typically use ours for pit stops in desert and Ultra4 racing, but more than anything the Kratos has become our go-to when we need to perform a trail rescue mission. The big wheels roll over just about any terrain and the skidplate keeps it from sinking in sand and other soft terrain.
Cost- $470
Pros- Easily rolls over all terrain, huge range of lifting height
Cons- Heavy

ARB’s JACK (yes, it is called JACK) has a range of motion similar to a Hi-Lift, but is hydraulic instead of mechanical. It is easy to use, safe and stable, and can lift incredibly high. Lifting capacity is comparable between the two at 4,409 pounds for the ARB JACK and 4,660 for a Hi-Lift, but the ARB JACK can actually lift higher than the typical 48-inch Hi-Lift. It also costs more, a lot more, and like the Hi-Lift the ARB JACK requires steel bumpers or rock sliders to use unless you add an accessory like a Lift Mate, and that attaches to the wheel and prevents you from changing a tire.
Cost- $830
Pros- Super stable, large range of mtion
Cons- Cost, no off-the-shelf mounting options

If you need to lift the vehicle to change a tire, a Hydraulic Bottle Jack is a great option, which is why many manufacturers include them with vehicles. They are inexpensive and compact, making them easy to store, but if your vehicle is lifted a bottle jack might need some boards under it to be tall enough to lift a tire off the ground. Safe Jack makes kits with extensions and different brackets, but you can spend up to $300 on a bottle jack kit from them. At the other end of the spectrum for price and quality, you can pick up a bottle jack from Harbor Freight for $40.
Cost- $40
Pros- Lightweight, compact, inexpensive
Cons- Limited range of motion, can slip off of axle housing if not careful

The beauty of a Scissor Jack is that it doesn’t require hydraulic fluid to operate, they are inexpensive, and take up minimal space. You can even weld a larger base onto your scissor jack so it doesn’t sink in the sand and add a lug nut that matches your wheels to allow you to use an electric impact gun. A scissor jack is typically only tall enough to lift from the axle for most off-road vehicles though, not from the frame.
Cost- $50
Pros- No hydraulic fluid, compact, light, inexpensive
Cons- Requires custom fabrication to be optimized

If you spend a lot of time in the sand dunes or silt beds, ARB’s Bushranger X-Jack may be a good choice for you. The soft bladder packs flat and doesn’t take up much space, or require much room to fit it under your stuck vehicle. The X-Jack uses exhaust gas to fill the bladder and lift your vehicle, so make certain it is compatible with your exhaust before you find yourself stuck. The X-Jack is best used in conjunction with traction boards in our experience, you can’t just drive off of it like you can with a Hi-Lift.
Cost- $240
Pros- Lightweight, low profile, no moving parts
Cons- Must mate to exhaust, vehicle must be running, can be punctured

Just like the rest of your tools, there isn't necessarily a one size fits all answer when it comes to jacks. Armed with the firsthand experience we shared in this vehicle you are certain to find a solution that works for you. Just consider your specific needs, space, and budget before spending your money. Comment below and let us know which jack you use, and don't forget to like and subscribe to the Driving Line Youtube channel.

Want to know the different features of the Nitto tires we used?

More backcountry content from All-Terrain Family:

[gregorycary]

I always carry a piece thick plywood to use as a base. If your tire is flat you might need one jack to raise up the vehicle enough to get the other jack underneath. IE low profile bottle jack or scissor. never trust any jack if you can help it. Let the air out of one of you tires and find out what you will need to change it. might be eye opening. Made me reconsider carrying a high lift.

[soniamx]

That H1 siccor jack is genius, I'll have to find one and modify it. Carry an impact all times for lug nuts make sense to have this too.

[garyhankinson]

I’m in Australia and follow a YouTuber called Ronny Dahl and he done a similar comparisons with jacks. One of his suggestions instead of getting a high lift jack which is big, heavy and dangerous if you don’t know how to use it right was to have 2 bottle jacks. One standard size to suit the vehicle and a larger one. The advantage of bottle jacks also is you can drive off them if need be and just pick up your jack. I have a hilux Ute and a 2ton and 4ton bottle jacks have been all I need and as you say are compact to take with you. Cheers!

[akbychoice]

For the air-bag exhaust jack, just put an air down tool on the schrader valve.

[johnterpack]

The jacks are cool and all... but that truck is gorgeous.

[hiliftjacks]

We still here! ;) Hi-Lift Jacks are multipurpose recovery tools designed to do more than just lift. Their value is in their ability to lift, winch, spread, hoist, clamp, etc. – at prices that range from $90 – $130. No other jack on the market can do everything a Hi-Lift can do.

[mrmarkthompson]

Never Had A Flat? You Haven't Been 4 Wheeling Hard Enough. You Never Had A Flat On The Street?
Picking Up Nail Or Screw Within Tire Tread, Can Screw Up Your Travels.
Always Carry The Same Size Spare Tire, Lug Wrench & Suitable Jack.:
"Godspeed Your Travels" Mr. T.

[Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Harry is clearly a jack of all trades. I mean, you can’t say he doesn’t know jack about jacks…

[bonespur]

This is one of my favorite upscale offroad channels. You are definitely reaching a certain upper scale audience, but you present the information in a way (in part to your own opinion) that makes it seem like you are telling us what you think is worth the money vs. selling your audience things that the everyman doesn't need. I really appreciate that, considering how much other channels seem like they sell out.

[RallyNavigatorOnline]

You guys are crushing these videos - nice work Mike and Harry!

[InGratitudeIam]

I'm glad I found your channel. New sub.

[jeepinwithjulia]

My Jeep goes in to Nate on Monday for a lift, new wheels and tires! Thanks for the recommendation!

[douglaswhite]

Have you seen the Bottle Jack Buddy? A super nifty, compact and inexpensive accessory (under $60). 100% USA made and powder coated. It's probably the best tool (axle saddle) I always keep in my vehicle to be safe.

[x_mark]

Scissor Jack's are my favorite compact and lightweight 🤙🏼

[AnthonyLovato]

The one Jack I will never use is the scissor Jack. I had one fail on me and van fall on me. God was with me and I was able to come out relatively unscathed. I will never use the Jack of death again.

Thanks Harry for the great content. 👍

[dennisfant]

Great video Harry! Full of good information! Loving the Ford truck!! Keep em coming!

[Darley_Alex]

I love my pro eagle. Great for on the trail and at home

[fitzventure]

Great video. The exhaust jack is pretty wild. Great party trick.

[SteveSRT]

I’ve always wondered about the exhaust jacks. Looks like I’ll be picking one up. Something to note for people not familiar, the higher the capacity rating on bottle jacks the less mechanical force is needed by you to get them to raise your vehicle. But this can also make them slower.

[mattamuskeet]

Nice comparison! Love the mid-70’s Ford. Would love to own one, but not a fan of cut flares tho. Thanks for the info.