Choosing the right size jack for a four-wheel drive can be a headache when you haven’t purchased one before and have no idea what size bottle jack for a 4WD would fit.
Since you have come this far, there’s no need for further confusion. This guide will help you determine the correct size for your 4WD and identify other features to consider when choosing a bottle jack.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the article.
VEVOR QJD-01-012A
- 12 ton load capacity
- 7.5 – 14″ lift range
- 12.8 lb weight
- Carrying handle
What Size Bottle Jack For 4WD?
These are the key features that a bottle jack should have to meet the requirements of your four-wheel drive.
Bearig Capacity
This will answer your question: “What size bottle jack for a 4-wheel drive?” The bearing or load capacity of a jack determines how much load it can support, typically measured in tons. For example, a bottle jack could be rated as 2 tons, 4 tons, 6 tons, and so on. To clarify further, a one-ton bottle jack can lift a load of one ton, roughly equivalent to 2000 lbs or 907 kg.
Now that you have an idea of what size bottle jack you need for lifting your vehicle, we’ll provide some guidance. It’s a straightforward process. Begin by finding out the curb weight or empty weight of your 4-wheel drive vehicle. The weight varies depending on your vehicle type: SUV, off-road, or truck, with some trucks weighing up to 8000 lbs.
Once you have determined the weight, choose a jack with a higher load capacity than your vehicle’s weight. This is how you can find the right size bottle jack for your needs. To make things even easier, we have included one of the best bottle jacks for 4WD at the end of this post. Be sure to explore it.
Raise Distance
Let’s delve deeper and explore other aspects of a bottle jack and why they matter. Among these aspects is the lifting range, which can be further divided into the lowest height and the extended height. Given that a bottle jack has a certain height compared to other hydraulic jacks, it’s important to check whether it can fit beneath your 4WD vehicle.
The advantage here is that most 4WD vehicles tend to have higher ground clearances compared to sedans and SUVs. This means it’s less likely to be a significant issue. However, taking measurements and ensuring compatibility is still a worthwhile step before making a final purchase decision.
On the flip side, the extended reach can be quite useful in providing the necessary height for tasks like tire removal or getting under the car. The greater this extended height, the more room you’ll have to work with.
Additionally, if you happen to own a lifted 4WD, it’s crucial to ensure that the jack’s maximum height exceeds the total clearance between the jack point and the ground. Another approach to consider is placing sturdy blocks of concrete or wood under the jack to increase its height if needed. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to verify these specifications before purchasing a jack to avoid any potential issues down the road.
Further Traits
With that in mind, make sure to verify these features in the jack you’ve selected. A carry handle proves to be quite practical, especially since these jacks lack wheels like floor jacks that can easily roll over the floor. The handle allows you to transport it conveniently.
Additionally, a bottle jack with a pumping lever in two or three pieces aids in compact storage. Simply detach the pieces and stow them in the storage room, taking up less space. You can also consider opting for a bottle jack that comes with a carrying case, which is ideal for both storage and maneuverability.
The features mentioned above—load capacity, lift range, carrying handle, lever configuration, and the presence of a case—are the ones you should ensure before making a purchase of the product.
Installing the Jack under 4WD
Now that you’ve selected the right jack, let’s discover how to properly install a bottle jack under a 4WD vehicle. This task is relatively straightforward, especially if you’re accustomed to using other types of jacks. Begin by ensuring that the vehicle is parked on level and solid ground.
Next, identify the factory-designated jack points and position the bottle jack beneath the specific jack point where you intend to lift the car or the wheel you want to raise. If your goal is simply to replace a tire, raise it a few inches to make it easier to remove.
However, if you plan to perform more extensive work or need to access the underside of the vehicle, you’ll require more comprehensive guidance, which you can find in the linked article provided.
Best Bottle Jack for Four Wheel Drive
The VEVOR bottle jack can be an excellent choice for your 4WD vehicle, boasting a 12-ton capacity, which is more than sufficient for lifting such vehicles. Its lift range spans from 7.5 to 14 inches, meaning you’ll need to ensure at least 7.5 inches of clearance for proper jack installation. Fortunately, this is readily available since four-wheel drive vehicles typically have a high ride height that accommodates this bottle jack.
The maximum height refers to the extended height the jack can reach. You’ll require some extra space for installing jack stands, which this jack can provide.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that while this jack does not come with a case, it can still be a favorable choice. As mentioned earlier, a cased bottle jack is easily portable, but this particular jack does feature a carrying handle, enhancing its overall convenience.
Find out more about this bottle jack from the button above.
Related: Best Bottle jack for Off road