Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
air jacks air jacks
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 May 2005
longroadtrip's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: England
Posts: 36
air jacks
I have read about air/exhaust jacks and i have seen them in action, but i can only find one site that sells them and they seem exspensive. are worth it?
can anyone tell me of any others, the one site i found is www.air-jack.co.uk
__________________
www.longroadtripsouth.com
UK to SA in our 110
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 May 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
I wouldn't bother with this guy. Once I tried buying an air jack from him and only wasted my time - he stalled me for two weeks and then didn't bother to deliver the goods despite several phone calls.

Draper also has a basic air jack in their catalogue and it's cheaper.

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 May 2005
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
I also found the Air Jack dude rather uncooperative - but I managed to find one of his jacks used and its great (featured in Dez Driving dvd). I havent used a regular jack or hi lift for years
IMO the Draper looked too flimsy and small for an overland loaded 4WD. Found even crapier Asian-made ones in France. Go chunky.

Ch

------------------
Author of Adventure Motorcycling Handbook 5 and Sahara Overland II

http://www.sahara-overland.com and http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 May 2005
Runner's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
Draper jacks are fine. Retail theoretically for about 40 sterling but in reality this can range from 25 quid upwards. Ive used the same one in Egypt for 3 years now and its never given me any hassle - thats jacking out fullsize Landcruisers and Land Rovers. The hose is a little short for the LWB vehicles, that's my only complaint.
Halfords will order them in for you at 31 quid a go. I was at a Land Rover show recetly where they were 25 quid.
__________________
'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 May 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 352
I own an Australian Powerjack airjack which I used extensively in dunes in ME for getting out of 'stuck in sand'mode!I found it very rugged and extremely easy to use especially in high temperatures where a bit of effort saved is golddust.
HOWEVER for overlanding I would not travel without a mechanical jack.When the airbag fails(never seen this on a good model)its terminal.Excellent in soft sand but if you don't intend to do much of this then the decision will be whether you feel you've got the room for the airjack as they are fairly chunky(size of sports kitbag say).NEVER buy cheap airjacks,seen plenty of them go bang for a variety of reasons.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 May 2005
Runner's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
Good point. They are IMHO handy for getting a car in the air without much hassle and handy for popping one out of sand but once knackered (which they can do spectacularly) thats it! Scissor and trolley jacks get clogged with sand easily and some ME-sold ones are terribly unsafe. Hilifts!!!!

Worth saying NEVER expose airbags to sharp bits of the jacked vehicle (JATE hooks, exhaust mounts, bolt ends etc) or hot surfaces (exhaust parts) (obviously dont JACK on these areas, but the bag will deform and change shape under inflation and will press onto all sorts of places ooer missus). Also dont jack on structurally weak bits - remember the German bloke in Saudi who jacked his Landcruiser up on the fuel tank - result - tank snapped off, bloke died through dehydration as he was immobilised.......

That said, they are the badger's nadgers for deserts.
__________________
'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Jun 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
Quality and safety issues aside, what effect does using an air-jack have on the engine / exhaust? Could it lead to failure of the joints on the exhaust? I suppose this would only happen if they were already weak, but has anyone had any experiences like this?

Dan
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Jun 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 180
I would guess an airjack must operate about 100kPa? (Lifting 2500kg over an area of around 50cm x 50cm?).

If so, it won't do any damage to a healthy exhaust system, and regarding back pressure, it probably offers similar resistance to that of a turbocharger. (I might be way out here, but I'd imagine a 1-bar turbo puts about 1 bar of back pressure on the engine).

However, I'd also think that a rusty silencer could pop under a bar of pressure. Less likely for joints to split, but any sealant would a weak point, and any small gaps might get bigger. The worst consequence of any exhaust failure though (I would think) would be that the jack would become inoperable.

So you'd have to use your trusy high-lift

Regards,

Michael...
__________________
Michael & Sandy
http://www.expeditionoverland.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:24.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top