Best On-Board Jack for Flat Tire Changes

[HD_LS]

I don't have a good feeling about having to use the pathetic little post jack that comes with the vehicle, if I had to change a flat tire on the road. Antyhing other than a perfectly flat pavment surface may result in that thing not getting it done. What are your best recommendations about what jack setup to carry along, and how to safely secure it in or under the truck?

 

[TollKeeper]

Not had an issue with the post jack, as long as your remember to set the parking brake, and jack only one corner of the vehicle.

 

[donjetman]

On our long trips I always carry a Harbor Freight aluminum floor jack, breaker bar, and socket just in case.

 

[wsteele]

Floor jacks are so luxurious when you are out and about.

I carry a hefty bottle jack and a few 4x4 pieces along with the factory kit.

 

[Geotrash]

On long trips I carry a 2x6 plank that's 12" long to put the jack on, and I keep a couple of collapsible wheel chocks in my toolbox to keep the truck from rolling. And I agree with Brian, the factory jack has always worked fine for me. I also carry a tire plug kit and a compressor, which has gotten me going every time I've had a flat so far (fingers crossed), but I still remove the wheel from the car so I can get the plug in right.

 

[HD_LS]

Thanks, I appreciate all the great ideas! Rounding up a wood plank, wheel chocks, and will look at bottle jack options. Already have the plug kit, will get a high end compressor before my next road trip.

 

[Bill 1960]

I have a Viair compressor that I’ve been using for 15 years. It’s aired up countless tires because we’re often airing down for off-road and then reinflating.

Of course if you want really quick inflation a CO2 tank is the way to go. I treated myself to one this year. Airing up my 35” tires takes 22 seconds per tire.

I have never had a failure from using the factory jack, and I’ve changed a few flats. I HAVE twisted the pathetic lug wrench as well as a four way that was probably low quality. I always carry a socket and a good breaker bar.

 

[Fubar0715]

Having been stranded in the middle of Bum Fvk West Texas with a blow out and that crappy little jack, I learned to get a better wrench for the problem..I carry small 8ton bottle jack in the cubby hole for just such an occasion. My momma raised an ugly kid, not a stupid one!

 

[swathdiver]

I don't have a good feeling about having to use the pathetic little post jack that comes with the vehicle, if I had to change a flat tire on the road. Antyhing other than a perfectly flat pavment surface may result in that thing not getting it done. What are your best recommendations about what jack setup to carry along, and how to safely secure it in or under the truck?

I switched to LT tires and don't worry about flats anymore. I do however have confidence in the factory bottle jack if necessary.

 

[HD_LS]

Looking at compressors. Considering this one: https://www.viaircorp.com/portables/450p-auto

 

[Bill 1960]

Looking at compressors. Considering this one: https://www.viaircorp.com/portables/450p-auto

That’s the one I have.

 

[Geotrash]

Looking at compressors. Considering this one: https://www.viaircorp.com/portables/450p-auto

I carry this one. It's the 2nd one I've owned in 10 years and I love it. The first one is in storage in Denver but was still working when I put it in there last year. The power supply with inverter has come in handy so many times over the years, and it's powerful enough to start the Denali. Has a dual compressor - one for inflating the tires and one for inflating air mattresses, etc.

Amazon.com: Schumacher Rechargeable AGM Jump Starter for Gas Diesel Vehicles - 1200 Amps with Air Compressor and AC, 12V DC, USB Power Station: Automotive

Amazon.com: Schumacher Rechargeable AGM Jump Starter for Gas Diesel Vehicles - 1200 Amps with Air Compressor and AC, 12V DC, USB Power Station: Automotive

www.amazon.com

 

[HD_LS]

Thanks guys. Great to have real world experiance feed back on the pumps.

 

[houstontaylor]

I don't have a good feeling about having to use the pathetic little post jack that comes with the vehicle, if I had to change a flat tire on the road. Antyhing other than a perfectly flat pavment surface may result in that thing not getting it done. What are your best recommendations about what jack setup to carry along, and how to safely secure it in or under the truck?

Like some others, I've rarely had to use the jack and carry a small air compressor since most leaks are slow leaks from nails and I can always get to the shop after pumping it up.

 

[a4edwin]

i started taking my Milwaukee 1/2” impact gun on long road trips

 

[Charlie207]

I also have a Viair portable air compressor (Viair 88P) that I keep in my truck. I bought it back when I had a 2004 Xterra 4x4 5-sp, and it's been used to inflate 10,000 things, and keeps on trucking.

It's rated for 33" tires, but has worked fine for my Armada and it's 33s.

I'd drag around a dedicated floor-jack, but they eat up space, and instead have one of those bottle-jack/jack-stand combos. I think it came from The Homeless Despot. The last thing I want is a jack dropping on me on the side of the road, so the built-in jack-stand is a good thing.

 

[gooffeyguy]

I can't remember if it's our 2001 or 2012 that included 1 or 2 metal wheel chocks in where the jack mounts

EDIT: Yup, the 2012 came with chocks

 

[a4edwin]

My 03 had the wheel chocks. They’re supposed to help release the spare if it’s locked in. My 07 didn’t come with anything not even a spare.

 

[HD_LS]

i started taking my Milwaukee 1/2” impact gun on long road trips

That's a great idea too.

 

[HD_LS]

I ordered a VIAIR 450P Compressor. Went for the max compressor performance, since I don't have a need for backup battery power, etc (Dual alternators, dual isolated batteries, power inverter).