High lift or exhaust jack. Pros and cons on both please

[jay see]

As the title reads.
I'm looking at buying one or the other.
I like the idea of the high lift as its easy to attach to the vehicle, but the exhaust jack seems quicker and the ground doesn't have to be flat, sh!t it can even be in a hole.
What are your thoughts please.

[BigRAWesty]

It's like oranges and apples mate.
So totally different and out do each other in different ways.
Imo, get both.

[threedogs]

Blow up are great in sandy conditions
Hi-lifts whilst being dangerous are very versatile
as you can winch with them as well
Not the best on coil front 4x4s but plenty of adaptors available

[the evil twin]

IMHO Touring or Beach/Sandy/Muddy work an Exhaust Jack is heaps better.
Lighter, easier to stow, and also heaps safer.

Hi Lifts still have their place but are pretty gnarly to use.
You can winch with them but pretty much need chain, anything with stretch or a bridle or whatever and the jack runs out before the tension takes up.
Can be handy to bust a tyre bead but for 99.9% of us that is a rare requirement.
Better than an exhaust jack to break a window if you lock your keys in the car.

[BillsGU]

What ET said - plus unless you have a bull bar with high lift attachment points, they are difficult to hook on anywhere except the tow hitch receiver.

IMHO they are heavy to carry and dangerous to use. I have yet to see anyone actually use them as a winch - you would need lots and lots of patience!

If you do get a bag - make sure it lifts at least 4 ton and is of the high lift type. Some of the smaller bags are useless as they won't even get a patrol's wheels off the ground.

[happygu]

Jaysee,


My pick would be the Exhaust Jack ..... I haven't used my High Lift Jack in years .... too heavy and too cumbersome.

In saying that, I haven't used the exhaust jack either, but they can tuck up into a small corner of the truck, and sit there till you need it.

Mic

[happygu]

What ET said - plus unless you have a bull bar with high lift attachment points, they are difficult to hook on anywhere except the tow hitch receiver.

IMHO they are heavy to carry and dangerous to use. I have yet to see anyone actually use them as a winch - you would need lots and lots of patience!

If you do get a bag - make sure it lifts at least 4 ton and is of the high lift type. Some of the smaller bags are useless as they won't even get a patrol's wheels off the ground.

I tried using my High Lift once as a winch, and by the time everything was tensioned up the car would only move about one inch, and then would roll back after releasing to have another go ...... I went straight out and bought an electric winch straight after I got back....

[fourj]

When using a highlift as a winch. You need to have a second hook attached to the top of the jack. When the jack is at full extension attach the second hook to the chain, reverse the jack letting second hook take the weight. Once weight is off the ratchet mechanism it can be slide back and reattached, change jack direction and start jacking again. You lose about 6 inches each time you reset it.
Having said all that, I've brought an electric winch also. After spending about 4 1/2 hours winching with a highlift out the back of Wesburn earlier this year. Electric is the way to go. Highlift will still be with me as an option. But bloody hard work.

[happygu]

When using a highlift as a winch. You need to have a second hook attached to the top of the jack. When the jack is at full extension attach the second hook to the chain, reverse the jack letting second hook take the weight. Once weight is off the ratchet mechanism it can be slide back and reattached, change jack direction and start jacking again. You lose about 6 inches each time you reset it.
Having said all that, I've brought an electric winch also. After spending about 4 1/2 hours winching with a highlift out the back of Wesburn earlier this year. Electric is the way to go. Highlift will still be with me as an option. But bloody hard work.

Ha ... I know that feeling, even though it was long ago .....

[cgm]

I thought a Highlift was just a decoration for the roof rack for when driving around town?

One friend had a near miss and bent the daylights out of everything, well mostly the jack. Fortunately not himself too bad although I think he might have copped a whack. Most of the issue is trying to use them without a secure place to lift from, where it won't slip. Inexperience can get you with many of these things including not taking the winch or snatch strap seriously. I am pretty hesitant about rushing in with a high lift.

I haven't yet used an exhaust jack, but I know a few people on here have given them a good wrap before. It's on the list, but want to get a reasonable quality one. (as usual the list is too big and haven't got it yet)