High lift jacks are an essential part of any off-roaders kit, as they make working on your vehicles easier at home or even on the road. This buyer’s guide will look at some of the best high lift jacks available.

Whether for servicing, repair, maintenance, off-road recovery, or inspection, there are numerous reasons you may need to lift your car, crossover, van, Jeep, or 4×4 high off of the ground—and when you do, a high-lift jack is the best way to do it.

Whether you’ve got to do an oil change, lift your Jeep off of a tree stump, remove a boulder from your path, a high lift jack can take many forms. Below, we’ll look at some of the best high lift jacks across several genres to help you sort through the shopping process.

Bottle Jack? Floor Jack?

Jacks come in all shapes and sizes, and each has its own set of pros and cons. The bottle jack tends to be considerably cheaper than a floor jack, as well as lighter, more compact, and able to lift heavier loads. However, they’re typically not suitable for use in lifting a lower, sportier vehicle. Floor jacks may be more maneuverable and easier to use, especially on a lower vehicle, but many aren’t ideal for use on dirty, sandy or soft surfaces. Some jacks come with height extenders that add further flexibility, too. Consider your needs, your vehicle, your workspace, and the likelihood that you’ll need to bring your jack with you, out into the wild, when making your decision.

Table of contents

1. Editor's Pick: Hi-Lift XT485 X-Treme Jack

hi-lift x-treme jack xt485

Primitive and proven, the Hi-Lift XT485 X-Treme Jack is the latest version of the original high-lift off-road jack and tops our list of the best high lift jacks you can buy. A vital tool that can be found in the off-road arsenal of enthusiasts across the globe, this top-line product flaunts construction in all cast metal, a powder-coated and zinc-enhanced surface for corrosion resistance, and a two-piece handle and socket for powerful and confident winching, clamping and spreading. This highly useful jack might be the number-one item to bring on any off-road adventure, and can be used by a single operator if required.

Owner reviews are largely positive, with most stating that the Hi-Lift XT485 X-Treme Jack gets the job done when it comes time to lift your Jeep or truck over an obstacle, or to use it as a hand winch to extract a stuck vehicle. Remember to consider the capacity of the jack against the weight of your vehicle (and any accessories), and to be sure you shop out any additional straps, chains, shackles and other provisions that may be required for your specific needs.

Though numerous imitations are available for lesser money, the original Hi-Lift branded jacks tend to have the most positive owner reviews. Here’s a great example of the original being the best, and that’s why this product makes our Editors Choice designation with ease.

  • Pros/High quality, safety-focused design, long lasting, easy to maintain, one-person operation is a cinch
  • Cons/Required chains and shackles are sold separately
  • Bottom Line/Editor's Pick for Best High Lift Jack
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    2. Best Money Is No Object Jack: ARB 48" Powerful Hydraulic Lift Recovery Jack

    ARB hydraulic recovery jack

    If the words compact and convenient are high on your list in your search for the best high lift jacks on the market, you can’t look past ARBs powerful 48″ Hydraulic Lift Recovery Jack. ARBs hydraulic lift jack features a body made from aircraft grade 6061 T6 aluminum that utilizes hydraulic technology on the inside to make lifting your off road rig easy. This hydraulic jack is capable of lifting 4,400 lbs. with simple pumping of an integrated handle that is incorporated into the body as are 9 different locating points for the adjustable hook. A two-stage descent feature allows for a quick, yet safe vehicle lowering and a 360˚ adjustable base allows users to get the pump handle in the safest and most convenient position for use.

  • Pros/Solid construction, hydraulic technology makes lifting easy, compact design
  • Cons/Extremely expensive
  • Bottom Line/If money is no object, this jack is for you.
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    3. Best Premium Pick for the Garage: Arcan ALJ3T 3-Ton Aluminum Floor Jack

    arcan aluminum floor jack alj3t

    Here’s another top-of-the-line service jack to keep in your garage or workshop if you figure you’ll treat yourself to a top-notch product. The Arcan ALJ3T 3-Ton Aluminum Floor Jack is pricey, but nearly perfect owner reviews across hundreds of shoppers suggest it’s well worth the investment. Fast pumping hydraulics and over 19 inches of lift make this one ideal for lifting taller vehicles and trucks, and a low-profile design and minimized weight make it easy to store just about anywhere.

    Special valves prevent overextension of the jack arm and also keep the jack from lifting vehicles that exceed its 3-ton lift capacity. For long life, the lift arm is reinforced, and all hydraulics are effectively sealed to prevent contamination and leaks. Maneuverability is a cinch thanks to caster wheels, and built-in handles on the side of the jack help aid with positioning and transport. The Arcan ALJ3T 3-Ton Aluminum Floor Jack is a pricey pick—but one that comes backed by over 90 percent of owner reviews in the 4 and 5 star range. It’s a no-brainer choice on our list of the best high lift jacks.

  • Pros/Portable, maneuverable, fully-sealed hydraulics, safety valves included, reinforced lift arm
  • Cons/Price, intended for garage use only
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    Read More: Review: CargoSmart S-Curve Loading Ramps

    4. Best for Compacts and Race Cars: Big Red 1.5 Ton Aluminum Racing Jack

    big red 1.5-ton aluminum racing jack

    If you’re driving a smaller compact, a lightweight sports car, a show truck, or otherwise don’t require the lifting power of a bigger, heavier jack, consider the Big Red 1.5 Ton Aluminum Racing Jack. Provided your vehicle is compatible with its capacity, this affordable and well-reviewed floor jack is a great pick for the shopper who wants a jack that’s compact, portable, light, and able to quickly lift a smaller car with ease. In fact, the Big Red 1.5 Ton Aluminum Racing Jack can achieve its maximum lift of nearly 15 inches with just 10 pump strokes!

    A roller teams up with a pair of swivel casters for maneuverability, and a knurled, non-slip handle ensures precise use. A rubber pad protects scratching or marring of the underside of the vehicle, and a saddle height of just 3.4 inches makes this one easy to store just about anywhere. A built-in side carry-handle makes it easy to carry just about anywhere, too.

    Owner reviews are largely positive, and back the Big Red 1.5 Ton Aluminum Racing Jack as one of the best choices going when you want to quickly lift a smaller vehicle or race car.

  • Pros/Portable, lightweight, easy to store and carry, quick lift action
  • Cons/Lower weight capacity than comparable products
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    5. Best Splurge Buy: Cooke Pro Eagle 3-Ton Big Wheel Off-Road Jack

    cooke pro eagle 3 ton jack

    Its $500+ price tag means that the Cooke Pro Eagle 3-Ton Big Wheel Off-Road Jack isn’t for everyone, but those looking to splurge on a high-end, high-utility jack will find it worth the investment. Featuring a three-ton capacity and special design implements for use in sand, dirt, snow and other extreme conditions, the Cooke Pro Eagle 3-Ton Big Wheel Off-Road Jack can transition easily from use in your garage to use out in the real world.

    Ideal for motorsports enthusiasts, off-roaders and do-it-yourself mechanics alike, there’s an 8-inch adjustable extension built in, to help lift even high-clearance machines high off of the ground. A built-in steel skid-plate keeps the Cooke Pro Eagle 3-Ton Big Wheel Off-Road Jack from sinking into sand and mud, and reduces wear on internal components. Large steel handles and rugged off-road wheels make this one easy to position on virtually any surface. The wheels also feature sealed bearings to prevent damage by use in sandy or dusty conditions.

    Further reinforcing its hefty asking price, the Cooke Pro Eagle 3-Ton Big Wheel Off-Road Jack was developed off the Pro Eagle 2-Ton Big Wheel Off-Road Jack, which was the winner of SEMA’s 1st place prize for “Best Off-Road Product of 2017”. A 2-year warranty is included, too. If money were no object, it’s hard to argue against this topping many lists of the best high lift jacks available today.

  • Pros/Perfect for dusty, snowy, muddy, or sandy conditions, built-in adjustable extension for maximum lift, rugged wheels with sealed bearings, award-winning product
  • Cons/Very expensive
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    Read More: Buyers Guide: The Best Recovery Kits for Off-Roaders

    6. Mophorn 3-Ton Inflatable 4x4 Exhaust Air Jack

    mophorn 4-ton inflatable air jack

    It’s a fairly specialized product that’s a little unconventional, but the Mophorn 3-Ton Inflatable 4×4 Exhaust Air Jack might just be the best addition to the off-road enthusiast’s toolkit for recovery purposes. Whether you’re stuck in a rut, hung up on a log, partially buried in sand, or otherwise need to lift a high-clearance vehicle on soft ground with no other equipment around, this exhaust-powered air jack will get the job done with its effective height of 21.3 inches.

    The Mophorn 3-Ton Inflatable 4×4 Exhaust Air Jack is basically a reinforced air sack made of 1000D nylon sandwiched between tear resistant PVC with an inlet that allows it to be filled quickly by the exhaust gasses of any nearby vehicle (or even the vehicle that needs lifting). Built to withstand abuse, the Mophorn 3-Ton Inflatable 4×4 Exhaust Air Jack includes a cover, adapters, valves, hoses and extensions, and everything else you’ll need for quick extraction. This jack is designed to be used as a last resort and is NOT suitable for making repairs beneath the vehicle, but in a specific set of circumstances, it makes a great emergency recovery tool. It can also be inflated with an air compressor, if desired.

    Weighing just 8.8 pounds, this inflatable jack can safely lift your vehicle in seconds and would be well worth keeping on hand if you like to play in the sand, mud or snow.

  • Pros/Deflates to store in small places, includes all adapters and accessories, great emergency extraction capability for the off-roader, great owner reviews
  • Cons/Not intended for repair or workshop use, may be damaged easily in certain situations
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    7. Reese Towpower 54” Farm Jack

    reese towpower farm jack

    Affordably priced and capable of dealing with up to 8,000 pounds, the Reese Towpower 54” Farm Jack can be used in a wide range of applications. Whether you’re lifting a heavy vehicle or a small building, pulling a disabled car into your garage, or winching a truck or tractor that’s stuck in the mud, the Reese Towpower 54” Farm Jack has your back. The 3-foot handle provides plenty of leverage, and it, as well as the top clamp clevis, can be moved to any position on the upright portion of the jack to handle a variety of jobs.

    All-steel construction and reasonable pricing makes this one a great pick with value-minded shoppers, though owner reviews are less than stellar. The Reese Towpower 54” Farm Jack may save you a few bucks, but note that some owners have reported questionable quality, breakage on the first use, and improperly fitting parts and accessories.

  • Pros/All-steel construction, handles 8,000 pounds, multitude of uses
  • Cons/Some owner reviews report quality control, premature failure
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    Read More: Buyers Guide: The Best Tire Deflators

    8. Torin Big Red Hydraulic 8-Ton Bottle Jack

    torin big red hydraulic bottle jack

    Floor jacks are all the rage in some circles, but for some shoppers, the ‘bottle-jack’ is a worthy alternative. Bottle jacks are typically cheaper than floor jacks, as well as smaller, lighter, and more portable. Further, they often have a higher weight rating, allowing your dollar to go further when lifting something heavy.

    Enter the Torin Big Red Hydraulic 8-Ton Bottle Jack: it’s affordable, has good owner reviews, and features a wide and rugged base for added stability and strength. Ideal for vehicles with plenty of ground clearance, it has a lifting range that exceeds 17 inches and comes with an adjustable screw-top extension adds further flexibility. Drop forged steel construction ensures a long life, and a one-year warranty is included. The glide-action pressure pump ensures ease of use, and with an 8-ton capacity, you’ll be able to lift anything from a small car to a heavy farm tractor.

    Owner reviews are mostly good, though some owners have complained that their Torin Big Red Hydraulic 8-Ton Bottle Jack arrived suffering from a messy hydraulic fluid leak, and that corrosion may be an issue if it’s used outdoors, or in a damp environment.

  • Pros/Huge lifting capacity, very affordable, easy pumping action
  • Cons/Some owners complain of leaks and rust, not ideal for low clearance vehicles
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    9. Mophorn Pneumatic 3-Ton Triple-Bag Air Jack

    mophorn pneumatic jack 3-ton triple bag air jack

    If you want to lift your vehicle in a jiff with minimal effort, then the Mophorn Pneumatic 3-Ton Triple-Bag Air Jack might be the perfect addition to your workshop. This air-powered lift slides beneath your vehicle easily, thanks to a built-in handle and rolling wheels for easy positioning. Once in place, simply connect an air-line, open the valve, and the pneumatic action lifts your vehicle up to 15.8 inches in about 2 seconds. No pumping, no work!

    An internal telescopic stabilizer keeps the load in place when lifted, and a pressure relief valve prevents over-inflation for maximum safety. Powder coating and zinc plating resist corrosion and a lightweight, compact design makes this one portable and easy to use. The design of the Mophorn Pneumatic 3-Ton Triple-Bag Air Jack makes it virtually maintenance free, and the unit can be installed on a frame rack or alignment machine if desired.

    Some 90 percent of owner reviews are in the 4 or 5 star range, indicating a solid and satisfying product. It’s clearly one of the best high lift jacks you can buy.

  • Pros/Fast acting, long lasting, easy to position and maneuver, lightweight, virtually maintenance free
  • Cons/Requires and air supply (sold separately), relatively expensive
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    Read More: Buyers Guide: The Best Vehicle Awnings

    What to Know Before Buying a High Lift Jack: Research

    Before investing in a new jack, be sure to determine the weight of your vehicle (including fuel and accessories) to avoid winding up with a jack that’s not powerful enough for the job. You’ll also want to determine the height between your vehicle’s lift points and the ground beneath, against the total lift height of the jack. Also, don’t forget to consider the lift height of the jack, and the height of your vehicle, against the ceiling clearance in your garage or workshop, to avoid unpleasant surprises that may arise if you lift your truck or 4×4 up too high.  Finally, be sure the jack will clear your vehicle, especially if you drive a lower car, a compact, or a sports car.

    Inspect it First

    Like many products, hydraulic jacks are machines built of parts and components that can wear out or break. In some cases, owners have reported jacks that have arrived with fluid leaks thanks to defective internal seals or other manufacturing defects. Inspect the package carefully when it arrives—and if a leak is detected, possibly evidenced by a shipping box that’s become soggy with hydraulic oil, leave the package outside on a surface that won’t allow the leaking fluid to soak into the ground, and make arrangements to return the jack as soon as possible for a refund.

    Safety is Key

    Depending on the application, some of the jacks listed above may be best used with additional accessories for maximum safety and peace of mind. Read the product description fully, consider any additional accessories, and contact the seller if you’re in doubt. Also, never exceed the working capacity of a jack by attempting to lift a vehicle that’s heavier than the jack is intended for. Further, keep all instructional literature handy, and follow any directions regarding regular inspection, adjustment and servicing of your jack to a ‘T’ for maximum safety.

    Spend It

    Given that your new jack will likely be tasked with keeping your vehicle elevated while you work beneath it, consider spending a few dollars more to invest in a high-quality jack from a reputable, familiar brand. Look for strong owner reviews and an included warranty as signs of top quality. There are many ways to save money, but buying a questionable jack isn’t a smart one.

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    Updated 5/11/2021: Updated product links, removed obsolete product, added new product (ARB Hydraulic Lift Recovery Jack and Cooke Pro Eagle 3-Ton Big Wheel Off-Road Jack), ranked product.