Jack options for a 150 series Prado VX plus a Cub Escape camper trailer

[Wizzbang]

I have been using a high lift jack for over 40 years with no incidents or near misses. Such a versatile useful device that saves weight by being multi purpose. I still think with proper training the high lift has a place. If anyone has seen the number of high lift jack accidents occurring per year I would be interested as I think there may be some myths created regarding the high lift jack safety.

[mat-with-one-t]

Thanks for the suggestion mat, the kojack baseplate, jack and extensions looks like a great system.

All sold out everywhere at moment though.....

[Tow2go]

Thanks for the suggestion mat, the kojack baseplate, jack and extensions looks like a great system.

[mat-with-one-t]

I bought the following items for the sort of scenarios that you describe mat-with-one-t:
• ‘ProLift’ 6000kg Hydraulic Bottle Jack - B-6000.
https://www.repco.com.au/en/tools-eq...000/p/A9279307

• ‘Roadsafe’ 4WD Ram Extension - Kit that includes three ram extensions from 75mm - 305mm with Flat & Axle style Top Plate Extensions)
https://www.4x4andcamping.com.au/pro...with-carry-bag

I haven’t used the combo in a ‘real life’ situation but I’m happy with the extra lift provided by ram extension kit with a solid steel base under the bottle jack in trial runs.

‘Roadsafe’ also make a Bottle Jack Ram Base Plate Big Boy 205mm x 460mm - SB112 that looks great but a bit expensive.
https://www.the4wdshed.com/big-boy-b...ack-base-plate

Have a look at Purpleline. I got one of their big-arse wheel clamps. They do a nice looking base plate for a lot less...
https://www.purpleline.com.au/kojack-baseplate/

[mat-with-one-t]

I have an exhaust bag "jack" in the garage somewhere. We used to go our coastal sand islands regularly in our old Series 90. Fortunately we never got to use in its intended use. I haven't heard of one for years. Do they still make them?

Yeah many versions around. Can inflate off a compressor or exhaust.....

[watsea]

I have an exhaust bag "jack" in the garage somewhere. We used to go our coastal sand islands regularly in our old Series 90. Fortunately we never got to use in its intended use. I haven't heard of one for years. Do they still make them?

[mat-with-one-t]

Thanks Tow. Yeah makes sense - look at height ranges and go from there. Looks like my trailer sits at 330 at the jack point - same essentially as the Prado. Also means flat = maybe 180 at lowest. So I suppose that means I need at least a 2T jack, lowest size under 170 (maybe allowing for a plank of wood or similar), tallest at about 380 min to be sure.....

[Tow2go]

Hi mat, best I leave the answers to your questions re lifting the Prado to those more knowledgeable than me.
However I thought I’d mention that,
(i) I bought the bottle jack primarily to change the tyres on my off-road camper trailer that has an ATM of 1410kg with the jacking points sitting at 580mm off the ground and
(ii) I chose the the largest in the ProLift range (6000kg) to get the maximum lift height (428mm) and the extra stability...
http://www.proliftproducts.com.au/Manuals/B6000.pdf

Having the Roadsafe Ram Extension Kit gives me the additional height I need for clearance instead of carrying heavy blocks of wood.

[mat-with-one-t]

Thanks Tow. I've heard ok things about Prolift (also see post above yours).

Actually on the subject of bottle jacks, a question for the Brains' Trust....

So my Prado is about # tonne give or take. Add maybe 500kg if lots of stuff onboard. Jacks are "rated" to lifting weight, however I assume this means total weight lifted. I assume that, when using a bottle jack to swap a wheel, by lifting one corner enough to clear a wheel, the load wouldn't represent anywhere near total weight. I recall something about maybe 1/3 total? That would mean, allowing even for some overkill, a 2 tonne bottle jack would be plenty? Am I missing something here? Maybe we just like a bit of "redundency" in these situations?

I also note clearance (on flat ground) is about 320mm at jack points. I have to assume this to be much lower with a flat tyre (would drop a further approx 150mm on a flat), thus minimum clearance needs to be maybe 170mm-ish? Is this right?

Then I'd need at least 150+ lift from the jack to clear the tyre to get the wheel off/on, and this assumes flat ground. Can use wood blocks underneath for a bit more lift and stability I suppose?

[Tow2go]

I bought the following items for the sort of scenarios that you describe mat-with-one-t:
• ‘ProLift’ 6000kg Hydraulic Bottle Jack - B-6000.
https://www.repco.com.au/en/tools-eq...000/p/A9279307

• ‘Roadsafe’ 4WD Ram Extension - Kit that includes three ram extensions from 75mm - 305mm with Flat & Axle style Top Plate Extensions)
https://www.4x4andcamping.com.au/pro...with-carry-bag

I haven’t used the combo in a ‘real life’ situation but I’m happy with the extra lift provided by ram extension kit with a solid steel base under the bottle jack in trial runs.

‘Roadsafe’ also make a Bottle Jack Ram Base Plate Big Boy 205mm x 460mm - SB112 that looks great but a bit expensive.
https://www.the4wdshed.com/big-boy-b...ack-base-plate

[mat-with-one-t]

I do indeed feel privileged! Thanks Gee.

[GeeWhizz]

Just had a look in the dark (you should feel privileged!). Mine is a "Pro-Lift" brand(!). I think I bought it from Repco about three and a half years ago. I don't know much about its quality. It has worked reliably every time I've used it. Always store your hydraulic jack upright - the oil can leak out if they're left on their side.

[mat-with-one-t]

Just chasing this one up. Any good experiences? I've read good things about Japan made Masada jacks. Assume I need a bit of extra lift in case on uneven ground and so on (will take a few blocks of wood as suggested). Jack point on Cub Camper seems to be at about 330mm off ground (see above pic). Thanks again all. Mat

[mat-with-one-t]

Thanks guys. Any particular models or suggestions? Are they all pretty much the same?

[GeeWhizz]

I bought a 4 tonne hydraulic jack which I've had to use on the (2 tonne) camper trailer and the Prado rear axle (twice). They fairly small and effective. As 404 says, carry a decent piece of wood to create a stable base when in the dirt. Remember - there won't be a nice level concrete pad when you pull off any road when that puncture happens.