Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
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 28 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Putney, UK
Posts: 161
Will a hi-lift jack be sufficient to change a wheel?

Hi folks

Will a hi-lift jack be sufficient to change a wheel on a lorry, or do I need to get a different jack?

I've got a 4 tonne Leyland DAF GS (ex-military 4x4 lorry). I've got a hi-lift jack that will be sufficient to lift one wheel... I'm wondering if this will be sufficient to change a wheel.

Thanks
Steve
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
Most hilifts (the type used with land rovers and such) are rated to about 3 or 4 tonnes.


a fully loaded 4 tonner is about 7 IIRC. so i'd say a bit fat no.

not sure if you can get an air jack that size? that would make life easier,

failing that, a HD bottle jack and a large piece of wood to sit it on (if off road) should do.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
2 x 10 tonne bottle jacks with some wooden blocks would get you out of most offroad situations.

Tyre changing - 1 x 10 tonne bottle jack plus wooden blocks.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Putney, UK
Posts: 161
Thanks for the advice

Hi folks

Thanks for the advice... which I have taken on board and am now the proud new owner of a 10 tonne bottle-jack.

Together with my high-lift jack I'm sure we'll overcome!

Thanks
Steve
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 17
Hi Lift jacks

Hi
I do training in Africa with high lift jacks for mining exporation companies and they are working hard just to lift a Landcruiser so I too would give a thumbs down for a highilift jack for your wagon. Bottle jacks are the way forward and a good supply of wooded blocks. The India made treaded jacks are a good never-fail second jack alternative.
Stanley
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
Suggest you have probably made the right decision but a couple of corrections on some of the comments - Re the weight, a jack is only lifting part of the weight of the vehicle as the rest of the weight is carried on the remaining wheels. A jack is nominally only lifting about 1/4 of the weight, maybe slightly more if the vehicle is tilted over towards a flat tyre but not much. Therefore weight rating is unlikely to be a problem. I changed a wheel on my Unimog 404 last Sunday and it is probably coming in at a total weight of about 2.5 tonne. Jack had no problem at all. However where bottle jack is probably a better idea is because of how unstable high lift jacks can be at height. Don't particularly enjoy the point when the vehicle is solely on the high lift with one wheel off and the next going on. Would be okay if using in conjunction with a suitable axle stand.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Putney, UK
Posts: 161
Thanks

Thanks Toby - great advice.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
Genuine Hi-Lifts are great. Cheap copies bend under load or the ratchet system goes. However I recomend you weld on special Hi-Lift jacking points. Make changing a wheel a doddle.

I carry a bottle the oe toyota bottle jack as a backup - I hate crawling in the dirt to fit or use the things.

2007 Safari - The Great Trek Home
__________________
Enzo

Last edited by Bundubasher; 4 Sep 2008 at 18:29. Reason: Add txt
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Barnsley s.Yorks
Posts: 15
The point about hi-lift jacks being unstable is spot on, I hate the bloody things. Bottle jacks much better idea.
__________________
www.bedfordmj.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
Talking A more usefull jack I have yet to find...

Yes - in the hands of the uninitiated, one can experience a serious multiple twatting through misuse of a Hi-Lift: you just have to see one uncontrolled episode of down ratcheting to realise that.

However - with the right vehicle (jackpoints, chains etc) and ground (flat!) preparations they make lifting the vehicle quick and simple. They also have other uses such as extricating yourself from ruts and boggings; forcing open doors; breaking beads on tyres; lifting collapsed vehicles where there is no space to insert a hand let alone a bottle-jack; and a multitude of other nefarious uses that they were never intended for.
Attached Thumbnails
Will a hi-lift jack be sufficient to change a wheel?-jackpoint_1.jpg  

__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Kent, Uk
Posts: 391
Agreed..????

I agree with many of the comments made!

To start with only buy/use a decent quality jack - not some cheap copy, they can be highly dangerous.
As can a proper Hi-lift in the hands of the un-initiated or inexperienced! But and its a big one, they are irreplaceabl as a Hi-lift jack of all trades - pardon the play on words.

As Bundubasher says they are some flexible that I wouldn't travel without one - like your jacking points Enzo.
__________________
ChrisC
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
Thanks (inspired by ARB actually). I also welded some on the rear as well: For extra security you can even secure the hi-lift "jaw" to the jack point using a bolt.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: christchurch uk
Posts: 299
simple advice

May I just add something......people have died using all types of jack! it pays to remember that a jack is a lifting device not a supporting device. if you can use an axle stand do so, or put a spare wheel under the vehicle....never work on/under a vehicle standing on a jack alone high lift or bottle. If a hydraulic seal goes the jack will collapse.


graeme
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
Yes, although unweidly, they are also good for beating people over the head with.
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
Reply


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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hi-Lift Jack bmw.bec Equipping the Overland Vehicle 34 26 Jan 2008 13:22
Hi Lift Jack danielsprague Equipping the Overland Vehicle 5 1 Mar 2006 04:49
bottle jack vs. hi-lift? tmborden Equipping the Overland Vehicle 32 7 Jun 2005 00:27
Proof of sufficient funds PaulJ Trip Paperwork 0 23 Jun 2004 21:16
Wheel change for 1100 wing STEVE B Honda Tech 0 12 Mar 2002 22:32

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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!

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 00:18.