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What kind of jack do you use?

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/27/2006 : 14:35:21

Hello all,

I've been playing Russian Roulette with my trailering expeditions, although they have been infrequent. What I am talking about is my neglecting to have with me, while I trailer my boat, a spare tire and a jack that I can use to change a tire in the unfortunate event of a blow-out.

What do all you folks, who are much more prepared than me, use for a jack; where did you get it, and how much did it cost? I would like to secure a jack and a spare tire before Nationals.

Thanks everyone!

Ben
Beneteau 361
Viking Kitty
Columbus, Ohio

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2006 : 14:48:27

Hi Ben,

I blew a tire once while trailering my boat ... I am convinced I didn't have enough air pressure in that tire, so be sure to check your tire pressure before you go anywhere (I got in a hurry, and it cost me

).

Anyway, I have a 2-ton hydraulic floor jack, and it worked fine (like you would use on your car/truck). I've had it for so long, I don't remember where I got it or what I paid for it ... 'sorry.

As heavy as our boats can be when they're loaded with equipment, you might want something a little beefier than that, but again, I had no problems whatsoever.

'Hope that helps ...

Edited by - on

Kip C
Navigator

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USA
243 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2006 : 15:29:40

Ben,
If you ever plan to pull all four wheels for any reason, I'd go with at least a 3 ton jack. I took my wheels off last year to paint the rims and put new tires on, and when I raised one side to put them back on, my jack exploded. I can't remember if the jack was 1 1/2 or 2 ton. Luckily, there was a Sears nearby. Should cost between $60.00 - $100. Check Sears, Sams, Walmart. Costco or Harbor Freight.
See ya at nationals!

Edited by - Kip C on 02/27/2006 15:34:22

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2006 : 15:48:08

Ben,

It is wise of you to think about these things before you are stranded beside the road. Tire and wheel bearing problems have got to be by far the most frequent cause of a boat trailer ruining your day. If you have to call upon outside help for a C-25 trailer problem, you are almost assured of getting someone inexperienced and ill prepared to deal with a boat that big on a damaged trailer. Or it's going to cost you a fortune. (Or both!)

I have, and would suggest, a 3-ton hydraulic floor jack. A 3-ton or larger hydraulic bottle jack would work in a pinch if there were room to get it under there. I probably got my floor jack from either Wal-Mart or Harbor Freight. Yeah it's Chinese, but try finding an American made one any more. I used to have an ancient Walker hydraulic floor jack from the 1950's, but it got so worn out it was scary to use.

Don't forget to include a sturdy set of wheel chocks too. You may not need them if you're hitched up, but there may come a time when you need to jack the trailer while unhitched. They can also come in very handy at the ramp. And if you have to jack the truck you'll surely want to chock a wheel.

-- Leon Sisson

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2006 : 22:10:54

I had my first trailer flat last summer. For the first time in the 5 years I've owned my 2 ton jack, it could not do the job.

Fortunatley, I was at the marina when the tire went flat and one of the shop guys was kind enough to roll out his big floor jack. (I think it was a 5 ton)
He told me I was looking for trouble with my little 2 ton Jack. He's a boat mechanic and former trucker.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 02/27/2006 : 22:29:21

Green Label for strangers
Black Label for Friends
Gentleman Jack For Family
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel for Me

We use a five ton floor jack on Tsunami -

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2006 : 04:20:45

I have a 5 ton bottle jack that I carry with the "oh $%it" kit. It includes a come-along, tow strap. Sockets, hammer and chisel, and grease gun.

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2006 : 06:19:22

Thanks ya'll. I'll probably opt for the 3-tonner. A question though about what Kip C. said about pulling all four tires. Why would that cause a problem? You obviously pull each wheel off separately. I just don't understand what that would be different than pulling any single tire. You still have to jack one side of the trailer up, in your case, you just have to do it four times.

Also, another trailer jack newbie question; where do have the jack contact the trailer as you lift the trailer?

Thanks again ya'll.

Splash day is only a month away!

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2006 : 08:56:32

I had a three ton my son bought at harbor freight. It crapped out. I have a small 5 ton ive been using for years that is the same size and it works fine. ive used it to jack the trailer up three or four times. I dont remember where i bought that one

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2006 : 11:11:29

I put jack stands under the back of my trailer when on the hard. I have all but lifted the trailer off the ground with my bow jack. I have cleared one axle several times. I think that a person could get the majority of the weight off the axles and get by with a small jack if they needed to.

Edited by - on

Kip C
Navigator

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USA
243 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2006 : 16:05:51

Ben,
With the other wheels on, they spread the load better than a rigid trailer frame on blocks. When I had all 4 wheels off and jacked one side, the jack had at least half of the boat and trailer weight, near 4000lbs, it was obviously too much for the jack.

When I mention Harbor Freight yesterday, I thought about adding a disclaimer about cheap
products. When it comes to being safe, don't skimp!

Edited by - Kip C on 02/28/2006 16:09:18

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2006 : 17:10:51

Don't assume a good name brings quality anymore. The came made in China crap at Harbour Freight can be found at Sears for 3X the price. It is all made in China by the lowest bidder now.
I have always had exceptional service with H-F. I will not say the same for Sears.

A jack is something that should never be trusted anyways, unless you want to star on "Rescue 911"

I have found jacks to be comfortable to use up to half the max load. above that, the effort required is too high and things break.

Tom.

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 02/28/2006 : 23:13:41

tom, point taken

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2006 : 06:20:54

Thanks for the explanaition Kip C., and thanks to everyone for their comments.

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