What Are The Best Jack Stands for Trucks
The heavier your vehicle, the stronger the jack stand you need and the fewer options there are in the market. If you drive a truck, this review is for you. We have come up with a list of the best jack stands for trucks, taking into consideration the fact that trucks come in different sizes, and fall into different weight ranges.
Light duty trucks such as the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma weigh between 3 and 4.5 tons. Medium duty trucks such as the Ford F-650 and Chevy Silverado 6500 weigh anywhere between 5 and 12 tons. Heavy duty trucks like the Ford F-750 and tow trucks weigh between 13 and 17 tons. You must keep these ranges in mind when buying jack stands.
With these figures in mind, you now know that 2 ton and 3 ton capacity jack stands are out of the question even if yours is a light duty truck. Here are some jack stands to consider.
Best Jack Stands for Trucks
Comparison table
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Torin T46002A 6 ton Jack Stand
Torin is one of the most reputable names in the industry. This company has been making jack stands and other similar tools for many years and it is safe to say they are good at it. You will find several models of Torin jack stands out there, all identical in appearance but with differences in their weight capacity.
This particular one, the T46002A has a weight capacity of 6 tons and is therefore appropriate for light duty trucks. It comes as a set of two stands, each with a weight capacity of 3 tons. The two should be used together to achieve the overall 6 ton capacity.
A double locking feature increases safety by 200%. You can raise it to a maximum height of 23.4 inches. A forged iron ratchet bar allows for precise height adjustments.
The large saddle provides increased surface area for contact between the load and the stand. This translates to increased stability. On top of that, the stand has a wide base measuring 10-13/16” by 9-7/16”
This product boasts of having met the strict ASME safety standards so you are certain it can handle the weight quoted. A 1 year warranty is available in case you have any problems with the stands within this time.
Key Features
- Comes as a set of 2
- Double lock protection
- Maximum height: 23.4 inches
- Forged iron ratchet bar
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Meets ASME safety standards
- 1 year warranty
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Hein- Werner HW93506 6 ton Jack stands
Hein-Werner jack stands are one of few brands which are made in the US. They come as a set of 2 stands which are ideal for light duty trucks like these pickup trucks that Find the Best Car Price features as some of the best..
A formed steel frame makes them strong and durable so you can be sure you will not need to buy another pair any time soon. A multi-position ratchet base adds to the stand’s strength and reliability.
The lift range available is between 16.25 inches and 25.75 inches. A wide base measuring 10 ½ inches by 13 inches makes sure the stand is always stable and would not sink into the ground even if it were under a heavy load. Side handles come in handy when you need to carry the stand around. Be prepared for a heavy lift with this one because it weighs about 41 pounds.
There are always questions as to whether the quoted weight capacity is for one stand or the two combined. With this brand, each stand has a weight capacity of 3 tons. If your vehicle weighs 6 tons or slightly less you must use the two at the same time.
In regards to cost, these stands are significantly more expensive than similar products in the market. If you opt for these, you will pay a premium but be absolutely certain that you have a good quality product.
Key Features
- Come in pairs
- Heavy (41 pounds)
- Made in USA
- Lift range – 25 – 25.75 inches
- Steel frame
- Wide base
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Side handles
- Multi-position ratchet bar
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Performance Tool W41023 6 Ton Jack Stands
Performance Tool is a manufacturing company which has made a name for production of heavy duty products. They make jumper cables, floor jacks and jack stands. Like many other brands, the W41023 come in pairs.
Each stand has a weigh capacity of 3 tons so the two used together can ably support a 6 ton load. This makes these stands ideal for you if yours is a light duty truck.
The steel frame makes these durable sturdy tools which is a big advantage. It however comes with the disadvantage of extra weight. It weighs 30.2 pounds so carrying it around may be a challenge. A wide base puts all stability questions to rest.
The minimum lift for this brand is 15.5 inches and they can lift your load to a maximum height of 23.5 inches. This gives you more than sufficient clearance to slide your body underneath the vehicle.
Key Features
- Come in pairs
- Weight: 30.2 pounds
- Steel frame
- Lift range – 15.5 inches to 23.5 inches
Pros
- Reputable manufacturer
- Inexpensive
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Omega 32066 Magic Lift 6 Ton Jack Stand
This jack stand is also appropriate for light duty trucks. Like the other stands discussed, the Omega 32066 magic lift jack stand has a weight capacity of 6 tons. It is made of steel. This should give you the assurance of a strong and sturdy stand. What stands out most about this product is the reason the word ‘magic is used in its name. What is ‘magical’ about it? A magic lift technology makes the jack stand rise on its own by simply lifting the handle. When you place the stand under the truck and lift the handle, it automatically rises to the appropriate height. This saves you the trial and error process of adjusting height of the stand when you place it under the truck.
The height range is a minimum of 15-3/4 inches and a maximum of 24-3/8 inches. This makes it a good option for taller trucks. A counter-weighted pawl ensures the ratchet bar is securely locked in place. The welded steel base adds to durability and stability.
When you take a look at this stand, you will notice a pin which is attached to a chain on the body of the stand. Many users have mistakenly thought this to be a locking mechanism. It is actually a storage pin meant to lock the stand when in storage or transportation.
Key Features
- Magic lift technology
- Steel construction
- Height range: 15-3/4 – 24-3/8
- Counter- weighted pawl
- One-piece, multi-position ductile iron ratchet bar
Pros
- Good for taller vehicles
- Welded steel base
- Storage pin
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OTC 1788B 12 ton jack stand
OTC Tools, the company which manufacturers these stands is known for strong, reliable products. The 1788B stand has a weight capacity of 12 tons which makes it appropriate for medium duty trucks. A circular base made from spun steel makes it strong and stable. It can be used on asphalt or sand and still maintain its stability.
This is a low stand so it is not appropriate if your truck is high. The height range is at a minimum of 19 inches and a maximum of 29 ½ inches. Don’t forget that this jack stand comes as one piece and not a pair. When it comes to usage, it is advised that you use two of them so you need to buy two. Where cost is concerned, this is undoubtedly one of the most expensive jack stands in the market.
This product is covered by the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty so you know where to go if you ever have any problems with it, no matter how long you have had it.
Key Features:
- Weight Capacity: 12 ton
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Comes as a single stand
- Low
- Spun steel circular base
Pros
- Strong and stable
- Lifetime warranty
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Sunex 1410 10 Ton Jack Stand
Sunex is yet another notable name in the industry. This 1410 stand has a weight capacity of 10 tons, making is ideal for medium-duty trucks. When you buy, you get a pair of stands which are designed to be used together.
This stand is taller than most with a minimum height of 28.1 inches and a maximum height of 46.5 inches. There are multiple locking heights and the height adjustment pin is attached to the stand to make sure it doesn’t get lost.
The support tube is made of heavy schedule pipe which ensures loads are well supported. A large saddle with locating lugs creates sufficient surface area for the load to rest while the V-shape on it helps to cradle the axle and other components under the truck. The steel base consists of 4 legs with a footprint measuring 15.7 inches x 15.7 inches.
Weighing about 69 pounds, this is one of the heavier stands in the market. It is also one of the more costly options.
Key Features
- Comes in pairs
- Weight capacity – 10 tons
- Weight 69 pounds
- High stand
- Height range: Minimum: 28.1 inches and maximum: 46.5 inches
- Steel base with 4 legs
Pros
- Large V-shaped saddle
- Multiple locking heights
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Omega 32225B 22 Ton Jack Stand
These come in sets of two stands. They are heavy duty stands appropriate for large, heavy duty trucks and tow trucks. With a weight capacity of 22 tons, there are few trucks it cannot handle.
It is made from sturdy, welded steel with a heavy gauge frame which prevents twisting and distortion when under pressure. A wide steel base measuring 9 ¾ inches by 9 ¾ inches gives it stability to handle massive pressure.
Considering heavy duty trucks are generally higher than average trucks, these stands have a minimum height of a little more than 13 inches and a maximum height of 19 inches. The locking mechanism used is a heavy duty pin with multiple locking heights. The pin is conveniently attached to the stand so you don’t have to worry about it getting lost or forgetting to carry it along.
A large saddle measuring about 3 inches x 3 inches helps to support the load securely. A 1 year warranty is offered from the date of purchase.
Key Features
- Comes in pairs
- Weight capacity : 22 tons
- Heavy duty steel construction
- Pin lock
Pros
- Wide base
- Large saddle
- Pin attached to stand
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Factors to Consider When Buying a Jack Stand for a Truck
Weight of your truck:
This is one of the most important details when buying jack stands. Every jack stand has a rating based on the weight it can comfortably support. However, this rating is only useful if you know what your truck weighs.
How can you come up with an accurate figure for this? First, check the owner’s manual to determine what it weighs. This is most likely the weight of the truck without any passengers or loads. This is called the curb weight.
As mentioned earlier, light duty, medium duty and heavy duty trucks all fall in different weight categories. It is important to know where your truck falls.
Weight capacity of jack stand:
This refers to the heaviest load a jack stand can support before it fails…and you don’t want your jack stand to ever fail on you. Standard measures are 2 and 3 ton capacity stands which are considered light duty. 6 ton, 12 ton and 22 ton capacity stands are considered heavy duty.
Make sure you buy a jack stand which can support the weight of your truck. In fact it is safest to buy a stand with a weight capacity higher than the weight of your truck rather than get a stand with an exact capacity.
One very important aspect to remember is that most jack stands come in pairs and the rating given may be in reference to one or both stands. Some manufacturers quote a weight capacity referring to the capacity of one stand and others quote it referring to the capacity of both stands used together. Although the latter is most common in America, it is something to check before you buy.
Height of jack stand:
Some trucks such as lifted trucks are quite high. In this case a regular jack stand may not be tall enough to fit under the truck. Make a note of how much clearance your truck has and use this figure as a reference when you go out to buy jack stands. Choose a stand which is tall enough to fit under your truck even before it is lifted.
Construction Material:
All jack stands are metallic though two main types of metal are used. These are aluminum and steel.
Aluminum jacks stands are generally used for stands which will not have to support very heavy weights. Steel jack stands on the other hand are usually heavy duty stands designed to hold weights as high as 22 tons.
Key characteristics are passed on to stands produced. Aluminum is light and resistant to corrosion so aluminum jack stands are relatively light in weight and you will rarely find rust on them. Steel stands have the advantage of tremendous strength, though they can be quite heavy. A very heavy jack stand makes the process of carrying it and positioning it more difficult and slower. Steel is also prone to rust.
Base of the stand:
The basic rule is ‘the wider the base the more stable the jack stand’ a wide base easily distributes the weight of the load and therefore supports it more efficiently. Take a second and imagine what would happen if a stand had a pointed base. It would very easily bore into the ground or sink in when the pressure of the load is placed on it.
Warranties:
Many companies which manufacture jack stands offer warranties. Some run for one year and others for 2 years. They are intended to give you the buyer confidence in the quality of the product as well as peace of mind. You are assured that if you have any problem with the product you can get it repaired or replaced.
Look out for warranties when you go shopping for jack stands. Rarely will a manufacturer offer a warranty on a substandard quality product. If you see a warranty it is unlikely that the stand is of poor quality.
FAQs
Can I use two hydraulic jacks in place of jack stands?
Never put your body under a truck held up by hydraulic jacks. They could fail. Always use jack stands or ramps.
Can I use jack stands to lift only one side of a truck?
If you have to do this, take some precautions. Put chocks or blocks under the wheels to prevent the truck from rolling off the stands.
Can I use jack stands on slopy ground?
It is not a good idea. Make every effort to lift your truck using jack stands on level ground. The truck could easily slip when on a slope.
What are ASME standards?
ASME stands for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This body develops about 600 codes or standards for technical areas like plumbing fixtures, pipelines, elevators, fasteners and other components. It also develops quality standards for jack stands.
According to ASME standards, a jack stand must be able to hold 200% of half of the quoted weight capacity. A stand advertised as having a weight capacity of 6 tons for instance, must be able to support 200% of half of 6 tons. This works out to be 6 tons.
How do I know if the truck is properly raised?
Give the truck a gentle shake once you are finished lifting it using jack stands. You should be able to tell if one side is not completely stable.
Are steel jack stands better than aluminum ones?
Steel is a strong metal so if you are looking for a heavy duty stand, steel is best. Aluminum is used to make jack stands which don’t have to lift very heavy loads. Even then, aluminum has its advantages. It is resistant to corrosion and is significantly lighter than steel. Aluminum jack stands are easy to move from one place to another.
Where do I place a jack stand under the truck?
Remember that you cannot place the stand at random points. The manufacturers included specific points called jack points which you should use for this purpose. They are non-slippery sections where the stand can attach to the vehicle firmly. Jack points are usually near the tires although exact positions vary from one truck model to another.
How high can a jack stand lift a truck?
Different jack stands have different lift ranges. This is the range between the minimum height and the maximum height it can lift the truck to. Tall trucks like lifted trucks cannot be left out. They need jack stands too. There are some ideal stands which are as high as 72 inches.
Do jack stand warranties really work?
If you bought your jack stands from a reputable company and a warranty was promised, it is unlikely that it would not be honored when need arises. Some manufacturers however, add that their warranties are only applicable if you can prove that you used the stand exactly as it is supposed to be used. If they have reason to believe otherwise, you may have a hard time getting a replacement.
How many jack stands do I need?
It depends on how many wheels you need to have off the ground. Always make sure to have one jack stand in place for each wheel that is off the ground.
Conclusion
Jack stands are an essential tool for holding vehicles up during maintenance. They are often ignored because it is assumed that a jack can serve the purpose but this is a misconception which has cost some dearly.
From our search for the best jack stands for trucks, the Torin T46002A 6 ton jack stand carried the day. It is surprisingly inexpensive and comes as a set of two stands. A forged iron ratchet bar and double lock protection makes it one of the most reliable brands in the market.
The fact that it meets ASME standards and comes with a 1 year warranty gives you peace of mind when you purchase it.