This blog post is about choosing the right-size jack for a Chevy Tahoe. If you’re looking to find the best floor jack for your Tahoe, along with a buying guide, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s get started.
BIG RED AT830011LBR
- 6000 lb load capacity
- 3.9 – 18.3″ lift range
- 58.8 lb item weight
- Dual piston jack
What Size Jack Do You Need For a Chevy Tahoe?
Weight Capacity
When picking a jack for your Chevy Tahoe, the most important factor to consider is the weight capacity. This will determine if the jack is suitable for lifting your SUV. Floor jacks have load capacities measured in tons—2 tons, 3 tons, 4 tons, and so on.
Since the Tahoe weighs around 5,000 to 6,000 lb, you should choose a floor jack with enough capacity. A 3-ton (6,000 lb) jack is ideal because it can lift up to 3 tons (6,000 lb).
When lifting vehicles, you only lift a portion, not the entire car. Using a 3-ton jack for your Chevy Tahoe is effective because the weight of one wheel is significantly less than the whole SUV, staying well within the jack’s capacity.
In fact, even a 2.5-ton (5,000 lb) jack can raise a 6,000 lb Tahoe, as jacks can lift about 25% more than their rated capacity when lifting only a portion of the vehicle. However, it’s advisable to get a 3-ton jack, as there is often minimal price difference between a 2.5-ton and a 3-ton jack.
Range
A floor jack has a minimum lift height and an extended height. The minimum height is not a major concern for a Chevy Tahoe due to its ample ground clearance of around 8 inches, which is higher than the minimum height of most floor jacks.
However, the maximum lift height is crucial. This height is important for installing a jack stand and providing enough space for you to work underneath the vehicle. The jack needs to lift the vehicle high enough to accommodate the jack stand’s height. Therefore, ensure that the floor jack you choose has a greater extended height than the height of the jack stand.
Material
The jack’s material matters in two ways: it affects the weight and the sturdiness. That’s why it should not be ignored. Floor jacks are typically made of either aluminum or steel.
Steel jacks are strong and durable, making them more than capable of lifting a Chevy Tahoe. However, they are heavier than aluminum jacks, which can be a drawback if you need to move the jack frequently.
On the other hand, aluminum floor jacks are much lighter than their steel counterparts while still being sturdy and capable of lifting a full-size SUV like the Chevy Tahoe. Although aluminum jacks tend to be more expensive, the convenience and ease of handling often make them worth the extra cost.
Hydraulic Pump
In hydraulic floor jacks, the pumps can be either single-piston or dual-piston. While dual-piston jacks are more expensive, they pay off in the long run by lifting a vehicle with fewer pumps because the two pistons operate together.
On the other hand, single-piston jacks require more strokes to lift the vehicle. Although they are less expensive, they are less efficient compared to dual-piston models.
Best Jack for Chevy Tahoe
We’ve found the best jack for a Chevy Tahoe that meets all the criteria: the BIG RED AT830011LBR floor jack. This jack features a 3-ton capacity with a lightweight aluminum body, making it ideal for lifting a Tahoe.
The product easily fits under the SUV, as its minimum height is less than the Tahoe’s ground clearance. It has a lift range from 10 cm to 46.5 cm, which is perfect for changing a Chevy tire or making a repair. To save time and energy, this jack reaches its maximum height with fewer strokes, thanks to its dual-piston pump.
Being lightweight, it also includes side handles that help with carrying and positioning the jack under a jack point. This is the jack you need for your Chevy Tahoe. Click the button above to explore it on Amazon.
Can a 2-ton jack lift a Chevy Tahoe?
A 2-ton jack can lift a Chevy Tahoe only if it weighs between 4,000 and 5,000 lb. The truck’s weight varies depending on the model, so you will need to verify your Chevy Tahoe’s weight. If it has a mass under 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), you can raise one wheel with a 2-ton floor jack.
The 2-ton jack can lift a maximum of 4,000 lb and can be used to raise one wheel of a 5,000 lb truck. In this case, the load is not solely on the jack, as the other three wheels on the ground support part of the weight. Therefore, a 2-ton jack can lift a Chevy Tahoe if it weighs under 5,000 lb.
If your Chevy Tahoe weighs around 6,000 lb or more, you should not use a 2-ton jack, as its capacity is insufficient for the load. A 3-ton floor jack will be more suitable and will easily raise the vehicle. If you’re deciding between a 2-ton and a 3-ton jack for your Tahoe, opt for the 3-ton jack.