Do you use an exhaust jack?

[the evil twin]

... good point about the exhaust pipe tip and obviously also helps not to have an exhaust leak.

Unlike MR I've never had to rev the engine when demonstrating Exhaust Jack use to students.
Placed under the side step, a 'standard' airbag will happily lift one side of a Ford Ranger about 1/2 a metre at idle which is full extension of the bag.

However if I am on my own I tend to use an air compressor more often than the exhaust as it gives better control.

Bottom line for me would be that if you are tight for space/weight and aren't travelling in sandy areas then, yeah, leave it at home but I stand by my original comment that absolutely nothing is better on Soft or Sandy Tracks, Beach or Dunes (which in WA is about 1/3rd of the State which pisses the 'Gropers off no end when you say it)

[Cuppa]

Best place to lift is under the diff housing. Have another go.

Bottom line for me would be that if you are tight for space/weight and aren't travelling in sandy areas then, yeah, leave it at home

We'll have another go (although will have to wait a few days) as we most certainly will be on sandy tracks. Will try more revs (had set hand throttle to 1000rpm before) AND with air compressor.
It is possible I had been over cautious about puncturing the bag , perhaps they are tougher than I thought.
We did try under the side steps (aluminium Nissan items) but was concerned about the possibility of them getting bent up.