Want to purchase a floor jack for your truck and don’t know which one is the best for you? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We will help you find the right floor jack for your truck.
First, you should choose a floor jack with enough load capacity to lift your truck. It should also have a versatile lift range to provide sufficient space under your vehicle for installing a jack stand or getting under it.
But that’s not all. You need to check some key features of a floor jack to ensure they align with your truck’s needs. Let’s go through the essential aspects of a floor jack.
If you want to skip the buying guide and explore the products, click the article below.
What Size Floor Jack For Truck?
Load Capacity
The lifting power of a floor jack indicates how much weight it can lift, typically measured in tons. For example, a 2-ton floor jack can lift up to 2 tons (4,000 lb), a 3-ton jack can handle 3 tons (6,000 lb), and so on.
So, what size floor jack is suitable for trucks? This depends on your truck’s weight, which can be found in its manual.
Once you know your truck’s weight, look for a jack with enough load capacity to lift it. If your truck weighs 6,000 lb, a 3-ton floor jack is suitable. For an 8,000 lb truck, choose a 4-ton jack. Most trucks weigh between 5,000 and 9,000 lb.
It’s important to note that you won’t be lifting the entire truck at once, as there is no central jack point for that. Typically, you will lift one wheel at a time for tasks like changing a flat tire or lifting one corner to place a jack stand.
In general, a floor jack can safely lift vehicles that weigh up to 25% more than the jack’s capacity. However, it’s best to use a floor jack with a load capacity equal to or greater than the weight you intend to lift.
Maximum Lift Height
After the load capacity, the next essential factor of a floor jack that should be cross-checked with your truck is the maximum lift height. This is the extended height of the floor jack and indicates how high it can lift your truck.
Most floor jacks have a maximum lift height of 18 to 24 inches. Some models offer lift ranges up to 30+ inches but generally cost more. To determine which one is best for you, you need to know the ground clearance of your truck.
You can find the ground clearance either manually or by consulting the truck’s instruction manual. Trucks typically have a ground clearance between 9 and 13 inches, depending on the model and brand. For instance, if your truck has a 12-inch ride height, you should choose a floor jack with at least an 18-inch maximum lift height.
If the jack has an 18-inch max lift height, it will lift your truck an additional 6 inches above its 12-inch ride height. The higher the max lift height, the more space you will have beneath the truck.
Lifted trucks have higher ground clearances, so you need a floor jack with a higher lift range to reach the jack point and raise the truck effectively. In short, a floor jack should have a maximum lift height greater than the ride height of your truck.
Additionally, since you will be using a jack stand to hold the load, double-check the height of the stand. The floor jack you purchase should provide enough space to install a jack stand under your truck.
Dual-piston Pump System
There are different types of floor jacks available on the market. When it comes to pumps, which are the essential components for lifting loads, you’ll find either single-piston or dual-piston pump floor jacks. Understanding the difference between them is crucial
In a nutshell, dual-piston floor jacks raise loads quicker than single-piston pumps. In dual-piston models, two pumps work together to lift a truck, making them faster. These models save you time and energy, which are significant advantages. However, dual-piston floor jacks are also more expensive.
Material
Next, you have the option of choosing between a steel or an aluminum floor jack. Both types are solid and strong enough to raise a truck off the ground. However, there is a significant difference in their weight.
An aluminum floor jack is lightweight, weighing almost half as much as a steel jack. This can be handy if you need to carry the jack from one place to another. However, most floor jacks feature four wheels that allow them to move easily over the floor, so there’s often no need to lift them.
Aluminum jacks are generally more expensive than steel ones. If your budget allows, you might prefer an aluminum jack for its convenience. However, if cost is a concern, a steel jack is a reliable and sturdy alternative.
Ending Notes
This was all about determining what size floor jack you need for your truck. Ensure that you know your vehicle’s weight first, then decide on the size of the jack. If your truck weighs under 6,000 lb, opt for a 3-ton jack. If it weighs under 8,000 lb, opt for a 4-ton jack. For more information about the best floor jacks for trucks, check out the article mentioned above.