Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Bottle jacks (Read 840 times) previous topic - next topic

Bottle jacks

What is the consensus of using harbor freight 20 ton bottle jack good or bad.
Ken & Peggy
91 GV  U300 40'
DD 6v92
Build #3819
2023 Canyon Denali 4x4 crew cab

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #1 –
OK with proper safety stands before you do ANYTHING.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #2 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
OK with proper safety stands before you do ANYTHING.

  Small correction,  Brett.
No matter what brand jack:
Stands before wrenches!
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Moby –
  Small correction,  Brett.
No matter what brand jack:
Stands before wrenches!
I am confident that's exactly what Brett meant!
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #4 –
Thay work just fine, if you have air try the air one.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #5 –
Quote from: D.J. Osborn –
I am confident that's exactly what Brett meant!

Never assume a typed comment is 100% understood.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #6 –
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.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #7 –
Any kind of jack is for lifting or for a controlled lowering but not supporting.  Use jack stands suitable for the weight for safety.

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #8 –
Going to use 4x6 to block up while doing slide pins
Ken & Peggy
91 GV  U300 40'
DD 6v92
Build #3819
2023 Canyon Denali 4x4 crew cab

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #9 –
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
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #10 –
Quote from: kpbowser –
What is the consensus of using harbor freight 20 ton bottle jack good or bad.
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.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #11 –
Quote from: kpbowser –
What is the consensus of using harbor freight 20 ton bottle jack good or bad.
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.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #12 –
Quote from: kpbowser –
Going to use 4x6 to block up while doing slide pins
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
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"It goes without saying..."

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #13 –
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.
Ken & Peggy
91 GV  U300 40'
DD 6v92
Build #3819
2023 Canyon Denali 4x4 crew cab

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #14 –
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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Bottle jacks

Reply #15 –
On sale now hf 20 ton air 89.99.
Ken & Peggy
91 GV  U300 40'
DD 6v92
Build #3819
2023 Canyon Denali 4x4 crew cab