New Jack for pickup kit?

smalls

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red river of the north
I drive a pretty fancy rig when I traipse about the hills, a 1998 F-150. It came with no jack when I bought the truck a few years ago (something you only find out when you need it) so for the past couple years I've kept a bottle jack in the bed in case I need to do some roadside repairs. Two weeks ago someone must have been in a re pickle because they decided they needed my jack worse than I did.

I figure I'll just replace it with another bottle jack, but figured I'd see if there were any compelling reasons to consider a different style of jack. And don't suggest a high lift jack, I don't like those on a solid shop floor much less on soft, uneven ground.
 

VAspeedgoat

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Timberville, VA
I always keep bottle jacks. They are the only style that will always work. Just remember a couple of boards for soft ground or adjusting height.
 

Dan O

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Seeley Lake, Mt
I have a small floor jack 2 1/2 ton that I carry. Set it on a 2x10 and lift the truck with no problem. They are easy to use, you don't need to crawl under the truck most of the time.
Dan
 

hank4elk

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SW NM
Stock jack and bottle jacks work.
I always have wood blocks to set jack on,and the hi lift is for pulling/pushing out stuff or ranch work. Come along too with the gear.

Don't know too many vehicles a hi-lift will work under anymore without wrecking the body....and toppling over.
 

noharleyyet

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TEXAS
I was raised in a dry county and always kept a bottle of jack under the seat for trespass consent.
 

elkantlers

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UT
A plug kit and a compressor will fix most flats. If I do end up changing the tire I have a small floor jack that I keep in the tool box. I also carry a Handy man but only use it if absolutely necessary.
 

pabearhunter

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Pa,
First of all make sure a bottle jack will fit under the axle with a flat tire. Most pickups come with a scissor jack that is lower to the ground.
 

mtmuley

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montana
Take a Hi-lift. Then when the bottle jack won't work, you will be able to get out of your situation. Living and recreating in the mountains can learn you some things. mtmuley
 

smalls

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Have you considered not getting flat tires?

I've largely done this by not hunting out west the past couple of years. In some of the areas I hunt I am pretty sure the FS employs people with rat tail files to sharpen the rocks on the road all summer.

A bottle jack it will be, I didn't know if there was something else I should be considering.
 
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