The 10 Best Jacks for Lifted Trucks: Floor, Bottle, Hi-Lift 2023
If you’ve got a truck, then we know that it’s your pride and joy. What better way to spend a weekend than charging through difficult terrain on your way to finding a beautiful spot to fish or hike that is far away from the sounds of civilization. It’s a way of life, right?
Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, but the most useful of all of them is a lifted truck that has great clearance. These trucks will take you farther than you thought possible, thanks to their design.
Not only are they built to take you to hard to reach places, but they are versatile enough to be used as your day to day car as well.
So what happens when you need to perform work on your lifted truck? For this task, you’re going to need a specialized jack, but this doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune on custom made tools.
In fact, these jacks are widely available and there is a lot of choices. That’s why we’ve put together a guide on the best jacks for lifted trucks.
10 Best Jacks for Lifted Truck Reviews
1. Torin Big Red Hydraulic Bottle Jack
Bottle jacks are a safe and powerful way to jack up your lifted truck, and the Torin Big Red Hydraulic Bottle Jack is designed for both residential and commercial use. This jack is able to lift large loads with minimal effort and is designed to be super easy to use.
This jack features a wide base that is made from very strong material. This adds a high level of stability to the jack, so that you can work on your truck safely. The materials of construction are a drop forged alloyed steel, which means it will last a lifetime.
Pros
- Lifts up to 12 tons (24,000 lbs)
- Engineered using a strong alloy for durability
- Operates between 40 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit
- Hydraulically powered with a high quality oil
- Jack has an extra lift thanks to a built in extension
- Meets all ASME safety standards
Cons
- Pressure release is difficult to use and can be slippery
- Jack is very small
2. Powerbuilt 620471 Unijack
This little beast is small but mighty. The Powerbuilt Unijack is designed as both a jack stand and a hydraulic bottle jack all in one unit, so you can lift your truck and hold it all in one motion.
This means that you don’t need a separate jack stand in order to carry out your work.
If you can use a bottle jack or a jack stand, then the Powerbuilt Unijack can be used in their place. This jack is built to lift unibody and traditional body-on-frame vehicles.
Pros
- Can lift up to 3 tons (4,000 lbs)
- Works as a jack and a stand, so you can leave your vehicle on the jack safely while you work
- Made with a durable construction
- Features a safety bar that locks the unit at the correct height
Cons
- The hydraulics may leak
- The unit tilts during lifting
3. Hi-Lift Jack HL484 48″ Hi-Lift Black Cast and Steel Jack
Hi-Lift has made a name for themselves in the car jack field, and this product is another one of their great solutions for jacking up your lifted truck.
The jack is a 48 inch cast and steel jack and is made with strength in mind. It is also equipped with a shear bolt that will prevent the jack from being used beyond its working capacity.
Pros
- Can lift up to 7,000 lbs
- Powder coated finished
- Contains a top winch connector clamp
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning and oiling
- The handle can feel loose
4. Torin Big Red Steel Scissor Jack
Compact and strong, the Toin Big Red Steel Scissor Jack is a great addition to your lifted truck as either an accessory jack device or your main tool. Featuring large feet, this jack is super stable and can be used by turning a crank.
The lifting height for the Torin Big Red Steel Scissor Jack may leave a lot to be desired if you have a large lift on your truck. You may find that this jack doesn’t have the lifting height to get your truck far off the ground.
Pros
- Small and compact
- Can lift up to 3,000 lbs
- Meets ASME standards
Cons
- Can only lift up to 15-1/8” so may not be the best fit for a truck with a lot of lift
5. Arcan ALJ3T Aluminum Floor Jack
The Arcan Aluminum Floor Jack is a well made, durable jack that is perfect for situations where a floor jack is required. Featuring a reinforced lift arm, this jack allows you full control over chassis torsion whilst remaining highly durable.
In terms of safety, this jack possesses bypass and overload valves, which prevent over-extension of the hydraulic ram and jack, so that you can only use the jack within the capacity it was designed for.
Pros
- Can lift 6,000 lbs
- Has a very low clearance so can fit in very tight places
- Dual pump pistons let you jack up your truck faster
- Features dust shields in order to prevent contamination of the hydraulics
Cons
- As it is a floor jack, it may not be suited to some lifted trucks
- May start leaking after a lot of use
6. Arcan XL20 2-Ton Heavy Duty Low Profile Steel Service Jack
Having a jack that can work in very low profile situations is great when you want versatility from your jack, particularly if you want to use it for more than one type of vehicle.
That’s why the Arcan Heavy Duty Low Profile jack is recommended for your truck or your car.
Constructed form high quality heavy duty steel, this jack can lift up to 18 and a half inches. It also features a dual pump which means you’ll be able to lift faster.
Pros
- Can work for lowered cars all the way up to trucks
- Made to extremely high standards
- Very long design to give you increased flexibility
Cons
- Heavy and made to stay on the ground
- As with all hydraulic jacks, there is a risk of leakage
7. Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton Heavy Duty Ultra Low Profile Steel Floor Jack with Rapid Pump Quick Lift
For a low profile jack, the Pittsburgh Automotive Heavy Duty Ultra Low Profile Steel Floor Jack is a great addition to any workshop.
Despite its small size, it has a lifting height of almost 20 inches, and so far out competes the other floor jacks on this list so far.
Made from heavy duty steel, this jack is built with a focus on strength. The rapid pump system will allow you to quickly lift your car or truck, which saves you time and effort.
Pros
- Can lift 6,000 lbs
- Low profile but lifts up to almost 20 inches
- Made from heavy duty steel
- Rapid pump system so you can lift quickly
Cons
- Heavy, so it isn’t very portable
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8. Blackhawk B6350 Black/Red Fast Lift Service Jack
The Blackhawk Fast Lift Service Jack is unique in that it features a design that allows you to lift to the loading point quickly when you have no load on the jack.
This saves you time in the workshop when you want to lift your car back off the jack stands.
This jack also features a swivel saddle so that you can position the jack quickly and easily. Not only that, but it is designed so that you can’t over pump it, which makes it last longer and function more safely.
Pros
- Can lift up to 7,000 lbs
- Features fast lift technology
- Construction is made from heavy duty materials
- Features a swivel saddle
- Contains built-in safety features
Cons
- Very heavy, so not good for you if you want to carry it around
9. Powerbuilt 620422E Heavy Duty 4000 lb Triple Lift Jack
If you like the Powerbuilt brand but you just want a little more from your jack, then the Triple Lift Jack is the perfect solution for your needs.
This jack can easily lift any type of vehicle, be it a car, truck or ATV, as it can adapt to multiple types of vehicle frame.
The design contains a removable lift saddle, making it easier to place the jack, as well as padded lift rails offering you flexibility and functionality. You can also use it without jack stands as it features a locking safety bar.
Pros
- Can lift 4,000 lbs
- Features a locking safety bar
- Can lift many types of vehicle
- Easy to use and durable
- Removable lift saddle
- Padded lift rails
Cons
- The instructions can be confusing and lack detail
- Some users report trouble lowering the jack
10. ABN 3 Ton Electric Hydraulic Jack
If you have a roadside emergency, then the ABN Electric Hydraulic Jack is the perfect jack to have stashed away in your trunk. Not only is it fully electric and strong, but it features an LED light so you can work by the side of an unlit road.
You can power this jack from a universal 12V power outlet, and it comes with an 11.5 foot cord giving you flexibility of movement. You can power up the jack just by flipping a switch, which means you can get the job done quickly when you’re broken down.
Pros
- Can lift 6,000 lbs
- Fully electric and runs from your 12V power outlet
- Comes with an 11.5 foot cord
- Built in LED light
Cons
- Not waterproof so it isn’t recommended to be used in wet conditions
- Outer covering is plastic which may seem less durable
TYPES OF CAR JACKS
There are three types of jacks for lifted trucks: the bottle jack, the floor jack and the hi-lift jack. Each type of jack will perform in different ways. Here, we explain the difference between each of the types of jacks.
1. Bottle Jack
Bottle jacks are named so because of their cylindrical shape. Known for being able to lift a very large load, they are great for heavier vehicles. Compact in size and built with a smaller lifting pad, bottle jacks can squeeze into tight places where other jack types can’t, though must remain stationary.
2. Floor Jack
If you have been driving for a long time then no doubt you’ve owned a floor jack in your time. Quick and easy to use, floor jacks allow you to get into spaces where you don’t have much clearance. They offer stability and better weight distribution than the other jack types, and have wheels on them so that they can move as needed, reducing the risk of your truck slipping off the jack.
3. Hi-Lift Jack
Hi-lift jacks are extremely heavy duty and are one of the best types of jacks for heavy trucks. Hi-lift jacks are very low-tech, working like a ladder which lifts your truck higher as you move the crank. Hi-lift jacks not only help you to perform truck maintenance, but they can also get you out of a jam if you find yourself stuck in a rut.
PURPOSE OF USE
Let’s face it, a lifted truck can take you places. Why would you stick to the safe places that everyone else travels to if you could get a lifted truck and explore far beyond paved roads and highways?
If your love for the outdoors is what drives you, then a lifted truck will offer you the freedom to go where you want.
Lifted trucks have a large clearance. This means that they are higher off the ground, thus necessitating a special kind of jack for any mechanical work you need to do. Even if you only need to change a tire, you will need a jack made especially for lifted trucks.
These jacks require a very strong build in order to accommodate the weight of your truck. Not only that, but they need to be tall enough to reach the base of your truck and be able to lift it.
Your ordinary car jack will not be able to do this, so if you get stuck without a lifted truck jack, you’ll find yourself in a sticky situation.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A LIFTED TRUCK
If you’ve decided to buy a lifted truck, or lift your existing truck, then there are a number of factors you need to keep in mind. Without due care, you’ll find that your lifted truck experience will suffer. So when you go to buy a lifted truck, keep the following points in mind.
1. Re-torqueing the suspension
You will need to re-torque your suspension periodically in order to ensure your truck is working within the limits it was built for. Many things can throw out your torque, but if you are going to be taking the truck off-road, you can expect every little bump to affect it. It is recommended that you re-torque the suspension after every 5,000 miles.
2. Wheels
The wheels you put on your truck will make a difference to the way your truck handles, as each size wheel will confer a particular offset to your truck. With a bigger offset, your tires will have to swing further when you make a turn.
3. Tires
The type of tires you install on your truck are very important, as this can help with the maneuverability of your truck. Your tires and suspension are going to work together to give you the overall lift, and choosing tires that are too big for the suspension will raise your center of gravity.
4. Gear ratio
Choosing the right gear ratio for your new truck will affect how you enjoy the power the truck has. If you are going to be towing anything, then you want to be sure that your gear ratio will be high for that. However, for normal, everyday driving, a higher gear ratio will see you burning more fuel than usual.
5. Choosing the right lift kit
Not all lift kits are made equally. The kind of truck you have, what you want to use it for, the desired size of the tires and your budget will all play a part in how you choose your new lift kit. Lift kits come in three types: body lift kits, suspension lift kits and leveling kits, so be sure to choose the one that fits your intended purpose.
HOW TO JACK UP A BIG TRUCK
Jacking up your lifted truck can take a little bit of effort, but to do it properly, you need to follow a number of steps.
- Make sure your truck is parked on a level surface and is in park or first gear. Be sure that the emergency brake is on and the engine is turned off.
- Chock the wheel(s) opposite from where you will put the jack.
- Prepare your jack. For instance, if you have a floor jack, ensure that the pressure relief valve is closed.
- Locate a secure jack point on your truck. Your owner’s manual will have more information on jack placement.
- Place the jack under the jack point you’ve chosen.
- Work the crank so that the jack lifts your truck.
- Place your jack stands, open the release valve on the jack until your truck rests on the stand. You can remove the jack at this point.
Once you have finished the work, you can reposition the jack, lift the truck until you can remove the jack stands, then lower your truck.
SAFETY FEATURES
When you’re working with such a heavy weight like a truck, you need to be sure that you are working as safely as possible.
Thankfully, jacks for lifted trucks come with a number of safety features, due to the nation and international standards that have been developed specifically for lifting devices.
The material that jacks are made of is mandated to be of sufficient strength to withstand the weight of your truck.
The surface of the jack is coated with an anti-corrosive substance, and the head cap must meet safety standards in order to be trusted as stable. All jacks are rigorously tested to ensure that they meet performance requirements.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR USING A JACK
There are several things you can do to make using your jack easier, so we’ve put together a number of tips and tricks for you to follow.
- If you are changing your tire, loosen your lug nuts slightly before lifting your truck.
- If you try to do this while your truck is already lifted, you will spin your tires.
- Your truck will have a specific jack support spot. Read your owner’s manual to find out where it is.
- Always place the jack stands directly under the frame.
- If you need to jack your truck on sloped ground, chock the wheels on the side of the truck that is facing downhill.
- If you’re not on firm ground, using something hard like a solid piece of wood to place the jack on.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK WHEN CHOOSING A JACK FOR LIFTED TRUCKS
Choosing the right jack for your lifted truck doesn’t need to be difficult. In fact, there are only three questions you really need to ask yourself. How much do you need to lift?
What is the free space available to you? What is the maximum lifting height that you need?
You need to look at the lifting capacity of your potential jack, to be sure that it will lift the weight of your truck. The size, shape and type of jack will determine whether or not it will work for your truck.
Lastly, be sure to check the maximum height that each jack will go to, as this will be one of the main deciding factors in what jack you will work with your truck.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How long should a good jack last?
A: As with everything we use to do tough jobs, jacks have a shelf life. The more you use the jack will affect how long it will last you. Hydraulic jacks, for instance, may become leaky over time which affects the lifespan of the jack.
Q. Do I really need jack stands?
A: Yes you do, unless you have a jack that has a safety lock, or a jack that works as a stand as well. The reason for this is because once your car is lifted, the jack may start lowering under the pressure. If you are working under the car while this happens, the results could be catastrophic.
Q. Why does my jack need to work in a temperature range?
A: Temperature affects pressure, so when you are using a hydraulic jack, the ambient temperature can affect how well the jack can built the pressure to lift your truck. If you are using the jack outside of the rated temperature range, then you’ll find that it doesn’t work as expected.
Q. How do I use a jack if the ground is wet?
A: For a more stable way to use a jack when the ground is wet or uneven, you should consider carrying a 2×4 in your car. This will give you a stable footing for your jack and make it safer for you to lift your truck.
Q. Should I service my jack?
A: If you want to keep your jack working as well as it did on the first day you had it, then you should have it serviced regularly. This will make sure that the seals are functioning properly and will reduce the chances of failure of the jack when you need it most.
CLOSING REMARKS
Your truck is your baby, so you should treat it right by having a jack that will allow you to safely perform work and maintenance regularly. Just because you have a lifted truck, it doesn’t mean that you require a specialized jack. This review outlines the pros and cons of several quality jacks that are available for you.
Our favorite is the Hi-Lift Jack HL484 48″ Hi-Lift Black Cast and Steel Jack. Not only is the Hi-Lift brand trusted and reliable, but this jack gives you the highest lift out of any on this list. This means that no matter how high the lift on your truck, the Hi-Lift will allow you to perform all your maintenance tasks without worry.
Now that you know which jack will work for you, the only question left is: where are you going to go on your next adventure?
The Team That Worked On This Review
Elena
Senior Editor
Eric
Web Researcher
Kathy
Writer
Albert
Writer
