What is the consensus of using harbor freight 20 ton bottle jack good or bad.
OK with proper safety stands before you do ANYTHING.
Small correction, Brett.
No matter what brand jack:
Stands before wrenches!
I am confident that's exactly what Brett meant!
Thay work just fine, if you have air try the air one.
Never assume a typed comment is 100% understood.
My air assisted HF 20 ton is a godsend. Nice to be out from under the coach when you raise it, the pucker factor would be huge if under the coach and pumping the handle of the non air version.
I always get that smashed like a bug feeling.
Any kind of jack is for lifting or for a controlled lowering but not supporting. Use jack stands suitable for the weight for safety.
Going to use 4x6 to block up while doing slide pins
I carry a 20 ton bottle jack all of the time when on the road. I have gotten into situations when a leveler will get pushed down into the dirt and will not raise it's self out of the hole. some times you can use the other side jack to get the job done, but that 20 ton bottle jack really works if you need it. Have a great day ---- Fritz
I bought one a couple of years ago, 20 ton from H.F. used it several times, for occasional use its OK, no leaks and lifted the coach with no problem. AND... yes, use blocks, don't trust the jack if you are in harms way.
Good, but carry some 1' squares of plywood to place under the jack. Also while you're there purchase a pair of 20 ton jack stands.
I've taken chances and been lucky, and once I rescued an elderly friend from underneath his Model A Ford, out in the pole barn, in the winter, in Sugar Hill, NH. I agreed not to tell Gladys, his wife.
If you are talking about using 4"x 6"
wood blocks for "safety stands" to insert next to the air bags with the suspension fully raised, you may wish to reconsider. Depending on how the wood is cut and how the grain runs, it is possible for a wood block to split suddenly under a heavy load. Not saying people don't use wood blocks - I'm sure some have gotten away with it for years. Just saying there are better materials for this purpose.
One popular option is the Harbor Freight 12" receiver tube. It is the exact right length, has a nice durable black powder coat finish, and is certainly strong enough for this application. I carry 8 of these in our coach. Can often be found on sale for $9.95 each at local HF stores.
Class III 12 in. x 2 in. Standard Receiver Tube (https://www.harborfreight.com/class-iii-12-in-x-2-in-standard-receiver-tube-69879.html)
Was only using wood blocks for axle when tires off doing slide pins. I have 4 of the harbor freight tubes for other things. Thanks for all the imput about jacks and safety issues.
HF air/manual operated bottle jacks are great. Naturally, there should be rated safety stands or safety tubes, depending on what is going to be lifted. Best if an adapter from the jack to the lifting point is made so the coach is not damaged and the jack cannot move off the jacking point. Depending on the ground, some kind of base should be utalized so the jack can't sink into the ground or lean over.
HF jacks are the same as other brands with just a different color of paint, decal. A real deal especially when they are on sale.
Pierce
On sale now hf 20 ton air 89.99.