What Size of Floor Jack Do I Really Need?

What size floor jack is good for a truck? How about for an SUV? It’s common to go after the highest weight capacity when picking a jack for your emergency kit. But do you really need the type that can lift up to five tons at a time? Let’s find out.

Picking a Floor Jack

If you want the simplest solution, you can just look for the jack with the highest tonnage capacity. If you own a sedan for instance, you’re definitely going to be fine with a floor jack made for trucks. If you can afford the larger jack and it will fit under your vehicle, it may be worth the investment. The larger the jack, the easier it will be to lift your vehicle.

You should also consider if the jack is too big to fit under your vehicle though. Some vehicles require a smaller profile jack, meaning a low-profile jack. Find out what kind of jack fits under your vehicle first and foremost. Then, if you want to save on a little cash (and weight), it’s best to check the exact weight of your vehicle and pick the floor jack with the corresponding weight capacity.

The larger the jack, the. easier it will be to lift the vehicle

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

While your floor jack will usually only need to lift half the vehicle’s weight, you don’t want to risk operating the jack at its maximum capacity. It’ll be harder to lift the car and also leave little to no room for error in terms of centering the vehicle’s weight and the jack itself. The jack’s linkage bars might distort at maximum weight when improperly centered, and this can lead to the jack failing entirely.

There are also multiple types of jacks out there other than floor jacks. Scout out your options and determine what you need.

Floor Jack Sizes

The size of a floor jack is also determined by how much weight it can carry. Larger jacks tend to carry more weight. However, these higher capacity jacks tend to be slower and weigh more. Here’s a chart showing the weight capacities and the average sizes of the jacks that can carry them:

How Much Does Your Vehicle Weigh?

To determine what size of floor jack you need, you’ll need to know how much your vehicle weighs. You can find your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) in the vehicle manual. The GVW also appears on the sticker in the driver’s door jamb. Many vehicles split the weight into the front and rear weights. It’s always best to purchase a floor jack that can carry the heavier of the two weights following the 3/4ths rule.

Following the 3/4ths Rule

When picking a floor jack that can support your vehicle’s weight, a good rule of thumb is to follow the 3/4 rule.

The 3/4 rule means your floor jack should be rated at no less than three-quarters or three-fourths of your vehicle’s gross weight. The rule will help you avoid operating at the limit of your floor jack’s ability and prevent potential accidents.

If you’re working on a 4,000-pound vehicle, use a floor jack with a rating of at least one-and-a-half tons (3,000 pounds). If you’re lifting an 8,000-pound vehicle, get a floor jack with a rating of at least three tons (6,000 pounds).

If you’re still unsure about what floor jack to pick, you can’t go wrong with choosing a large jack with the highest tonnage capacity. Just make sure that it can fit under your vehicle.

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Materials for Floor Jacks

The weight of the floor jack itself can make it more or less cumbersome to use. This weight depends not only on the size but also the material of the floor jack. Here are the different materials available for floor jacks:

Aluminum

Aluminum floor jacks trade durability and cost for weight. Aluminum jacks are the lightest floor jacks, but they cost the most and may need to be replaced sooner than other jacks. They’re great for an emergency roadside kit, the race track, and the occasional peek under the chassis. However, for the average automobile hobbyist or DIYer, the maneuverability might be worth sacrificing for a more durable material.

Steel

Steel floor jacks cost the least while also providing reliable service for years. Unfortunately, they’re also the heaviest. They’re mostly used by pros and mechanics in repair shops and service bays who generally don’t need to move their tools too far from where they’re working.

Hybrid

Hybrid car jacks made from steel arms and power units with aluminum side plates strike a good balance of weight and price. They’re great for mobile professional mechanics and serious DIYers eager to shave down the weight of their gear.

Picking a car floor jack is all about knowing your vehicle’s GVW and doing a little math. After that, you just need to make sure that the maximum height of your service jack is adequate for your vehicle and you’re good to go! Follow the 3/4ths rule, check which type of jack will fit under your vehicle, and you’ll be able to buy the right jack in no time.

How to Properly Jack Your Vehicle

Improperly using a floor jack can lead to costly repairs. Check out these videos on how to properly use a floor jack while working on your vehicle.