Recommend me an alternative to the standard jack :-)

[Cruz]

Bit of a newbie request but I did a search but nothing really definitive hit me.

After having some work done on the front jacking points I don't entirely trust the scissor jack anymore so I'm looking for an alternative to the standard scissor jack just for emergency wheel changes, but something that is easily stored.

A trolley jack seems a bit large storage wise just for emergency wheel change usage and most 2 tonne ones don't reach, but then people say bottle jacks are unstable.

I'm ideally after something I can use without having needing blocks of wood etc

Also what alternative points are there for jacking up the van safely?

cheers.

[AdrianC]

but then people say bottle jacks are unstable.

Compared to the usual bent-bit-of-tin that most manufacturers supply for wheel-changing, they're rock solid.

I'm using a small bottle jack - two tonne rating, but I'm only taking ONE wheel off the ground at a time, not four, so most of the weight is supported by the other three. B'sides, that's SWL - and they're always conservative relative to the actual limits they'll hold. But, since I'm quite attached to my various body parts, and wish to stay so, I've also got an axle stand tucked away, in case I'm doing more than just a swap-over of wheels. It'll lift both front and back into the air just fine if placed sensibly. Just have a rummage underneath, and find something SOLID. Suspension arms are always good, since you don't need to consider suspension travel.

As ever, make sure other wheels are chocked, and make sure that the jack's on a good solid base.

[California Dreamin]

There is really only one type of jack that fits your description and that is a 'Bottle' type. Fine for taking one wheel off at a time.
A trolley jack is more versatile but you would need a high lift version to reach the chassis on a T25 so it wouldn't be very compact or light......a bottle jack is definately your best bet.

Martin

[CovKid]

I carry a small trolley jack and stout chunk of wood which I can either put the jack on, or put on top of the jack. Bottle jack would also do. Don't bother with scissor jacks - seen too many collapse!

[Aidan]

hi-lift jack with a land rover 90 adapter, fast and versatile, does lots of other things too, no messing about , up on axle stand in seconds with no interference with axle stand placement, most of the syncro boys use them and wouldn't be without them, yes they are chunky and heavy but they won't let you down, but you also have to be aware of the risks associated with their use, ideally be trained in their use tbh
oh and if your jacking points are crumbly they'll soon find them out

[Cruz]

Bottle jack it is

My front jacking areas have had the crumbles and have been repaired but once bitten twice shy and all that.

As I'm feeling a bit of pre-easter laziness can anyone recommend one they use?

[AdrianC]

As I'm feeling a bit of pre-easter laziness can anyone recommend one they use?

Mine's a Wickes own-brand, bought for pennies (literally) when they had a bit of a bad day on their website pricing. Almost as good value as the jump box for a quid or something similarly ridiculous. Took me ages to fill the basket up to free delivery value, and then half the stuff was out of stock...

Any half-way decent bottle will do just fine. Remember that the tops usually screw out to adjust the length before you start to pump 'em up.

[Titus A Duxass]

I use a 2 ton trolley jack with a wooden base and pad.




The base and pad are constructed out of 19mm multiplex plywood offcuts.
The base is long enough to allow the jack to move when jacking.
It fits nicely in the RnR area.

[CovKid]

Nicely done. I much prefer the trolley jack too for stability, plus, well, you never know.....

Can be a hard choice this one but I think Titus has as near ideal as you'd get - stability, strength, height needed and some thought paid to having to jack on softer ground.

You could opt for bottle jack and breakdown truck for impossible scenarios. Its one of those areas where its hard to reduce the weigh6t of the jack.

[California Dreamin]

Well if it's a Trolley Jack you end up with and you have a Halfords Trade Card? then I bought one of these for £39.99 on Sunday....High lift 4X4 jack Normal price 89.99 Yes...56% discount.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255207" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2.25 tonnes High Lift, quick lift for £39.99....Think the Trade Offer is on till the 11th April.

I appreciate you can get a normal home jack for the same price but this quite frankly is in a different league and you won't need to use bits of wood to reach the vehicle body.

Martin

[sarran1955]

Bottle jack it is

My front jacking areas have had the crumbles and have been repaired but once bitten twice shy and all that.

As I'm feeling a bit of pre-easter laziness can anyone recommend one they use?

Hello,

We are equipped with 5 ton bottle jacks from Lidl

Goes under the lh seat with its plywood base, a jacking pad, a chock and a 8inch length of 'U' channel to support the front chassis member.

Advantage: works sideways, (not all do) so can be used to push out bodywork etc.

Why 5 tonnes.... cos it is taller and chunkier than the 3 tonner, just seems more stable.

Cordialement,

[Mocki]

i have a old halford 2t bottle jack and a metal plate under the drivers seat, enough to change a wheel, any more then trolly jack and axle stands back at base!
cant loose valuable storage with a trolly jack in the van, just too big!!

[syncroandy]

Weber Hydraulic make a range of bottle jacks in different sizes. IIRC Mudlark has a nice one that suits a T25 (Syncro) well, eg. has a good 'starting' height, avoiding the need for extra blocks of wood. Might be worth seeking one out if going the bottle jack route.

[AdrianC]

Well if it's a Trolley Jack you end up with and you have a Halfords Trade Card? then I bought one of these for £39.99 on Sunday....High lift 4X4 jack Normal price 89.99 Yes...56% discount.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255207" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2.25 tonnes High Lift, quick lift for £39.99....

Blimey, that's VERY good indeed. I've used pro trolley jacks, and I've got a cheapy - and you're right. Chalk. Cheese. For forty quid, I'd jump at that if I could.

cant loose valuable storage with a trolly jack in the van, just too big!!

Indeed. Even a small trolley's a big chunk of space.

[Cruz]

Thanks all

My search for a bottle jack will commence after Easter

Have a good un