A flat tire or an unlevel RV can turn a great day into a frustrating ordeal. Having a reliable jack is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a critical component of vehicle safety and preparedness. The right scissor jack provides the stability and lifting power you need, whether you’re performing an emergency tire change on the roadside or stabilizing your camper for a comfortable night’s sleep.
The market offers a wide array of jacks designed for different vehicles and purposes, from compact car jacks to heavy-duty RV stabilizers. Selecting the best one depends on your vehicle’s weight, your specific needs, and the features that will make the job easier and safer. This roundup will guide you through some of the top-rated options available to help you make an informed decision.
Our Top Picks for Car and RV Jacks
- ROCKMAN RV Camper Trailer Stabilizer Leveling Scissor Jacks
- Weize Camper RV Trailer Stabilizer Leveling Scissor Jacks
- Scissor Car Jack 3 Ton Tire Changing Kit with Lug Wrench
- ROCKMAN RV Camper Trailer Stabilizer Scissor Jacks
- Beaiguna Portable Car Jack Kit, 2 Ton Scissor Jack
- LIBRA Set of 4 9K lb Heavy Duty RV Stabilizer Jacks
- Powerbuilt 3 Ton Bottle Jack and Jack Stands in One
- Torin T83006W Blackjack Hydraulic Trolley Service Jack
- BIG RED AT10152BR Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack Car Kit
- Pro-LifT F-2315PE Grey Hydraulic Trolley Jack
ROCKMAN RV Camper Trailer Stabilizer Leveling Scissor Jacks
This comprehensive set from ROCKMAN is engineered for RV and camper owners who prioritize stability and convenience. With a robust 7,500-pound total capacity for the set of four, these jacks are built to handle the substantial weight of your trailer, keeping it level and steady on the road or at a campsite. The wide bow-tie base is a key feature, designed to prevent sinking and provide a firm footing even on softer ground.
Beyond the heavy-duty steel construction, this kit includes thoughtful accessories to streamline the setup process. A 3/4″ hex magnetic socket allows you to use a power drill for rapid raising and lowering, saving significant time and effort. The included 3-bubble magnetic level is another practical touch, helping you achieve a perfectly level position for maximum comfort inside your RV.
Weize Camper RV Trailer Stabilizer Leveling Scissor Jacks
The Weize stabilizer jacks offer a reliable solution for trailer owners seeking to reduce movement and sway. This set of two jacks provides a 6,500-pound capacity, making them suitable for a wide range of camper and RV models. They adjust from a compact 4 inches to an extended height of 24 inches, offering the flexibility needed for various leveling situations.
Performance is enhanced by the tooth gear design on the scissor arms, which ensures a straight, vertical extension and retraction without wobbling. This results in smoother operation and increased stability. The crank handle is designed for easy turning, and like other premium models, the bow-tie base provides a stable platform on uneven or soft terrain.
Scissor Car Jack 3 Ton Tire Changing Kit with Lug Wrench
This product is more than just a jack; it’s a complete emergency tire-changing kit designed to give you peace of mind on the road. The centerpiece is a 3-ton (6,610 lbs) scissor jack with a lifting range from 4.33 to 15.74 inches, making it versatile enough for both low-profile sedans and higher-body SUVs.
What sets this kit apart is its all-inclusive nature. Along with the robust scissor jack, you receive a ratchet wrench, a four-way lug wrench, a pair of gloves, a pencil tire pressure gauge, and a convenient storage bag. This means you have every essential tool required for a tire change in one compact package. The corrosion-resistant construction ensures the kit remains reliable through different weather conditions.
ROCKMAN RV Camper Trailer Stabilizer Scissor Jacks
An excellent option for those needing a full set of stabilizers, this ROCKMAN package includes four steel jacks with a collective capacity of 5,000 pounds. They are built specifically for the task of stabilizing and leveling RVs and trailers, effectively minimizing bounce and movement when the vehicle is parked.
The design focuses on utility and ease of use. The wide bow-tie base ensures stability on various surfaces, a critical factor for safety. This kit also includes the convenient 3/4″ hex magnetic socket, enabling you to connect a power drill for faster adjustment, which is a significant advantage when setting up or breaking camp.
Beaiguna Portable Car Jack Kit, 2 Ton Scissor Jack
The Beaiguna scissor jack is designed with user efficiency in mind. It features a 2-ton capacity and an adjustable height range from 4.33 to 15.75 inches, suitable for most standard cars and smaller SUVs. Its compact size makes it easy to store in a trunk without taking up valuable space.
This model utilizes a two-way lifting technology and an elongated lever double-turn structure, which allows both sides of the jack to move up simultaneously. This design can result in a faster lift compared to traditional single-side mechanisms. Paired with a labor-saving ratchet wrench and a reinforced, enlarged base plate for stability, this jack aims to make emergency tire changes a less strenuous task.
LIBRA Set of 4 9K lb Heavy Duty RV Stabilizer Jacks
For owners of larger, heavier trailers, the LIBRA stabilizer jacks are a formidable choice. Boasting a true heavy-duty 9,000-pound capacity per set, these jacks are constructed from 11-gauge steel, making them some of the strongest stabilizer jacks on the market. They are built to provide unwavering support for large RVs and fifth-wheel trailers.
This is a complete installation kit. In addition to the four jacks and a power drill socket, LIBRA includes all the necessary mounting hardware: screws, a matching socket, a drill bit, and even drilling guide stickers. This thoughtful inclusion means you have everything required to permanently mount these stabilizers to your trailer frame.
Powerbuilt 3 Ton Bottle Jack and Jack Stands in One
The Powerbuilt Unijack offers a unique and space-saving design by combining a 3-ton bottle jack with a built-in jack stand. This all-in-one functionality simplifies the lifting process and enhances safety, as the integrated ratcheting safety bar locks the unit securely in the raised position, eliminating the need for separate stands.
Its wide base provides exceptional stability, which is particularly beneficial on softer surfaces like gravel or dirt. This makes it an excellent tool not only for standard vehicle maintenance but also for leveling RVs and trailers off-road, where a stable footing is crucial.
Torin T83006W Blackjack Hydraulic Trolley Service Jack
This Torin hydraulic trolley jack is a professional-grade tool ideal for home mechanics and enthusiasts. Constructed from heavy-duty steel, it offers a 3-ton (6,000 lb) capacity and a generous lifting range from just under 6 inches to almost 21 inches, making it suitable for SUVs and trucks with higher ground clearance.
Maneuverability is a key benefit of this floor jack. It is equipped with two large steel casters and two 360-degree swivel casters, allowing you to easily position it under a vehicle. The hydraulic operation provides smooth and controlled lifting, which can be faster and require less physical effort than a scissor jack.
BIG RED AT10152BR Torin Steel Scissor Lift Jack Car Kit
This Big Red scissor jack from Torin is a reliable and compact option, perfect as a replacement for a factory jack or as an extra utility jack to keep in your trunk. With a 1.5-ton (3,000 lb) capacity, it is well-suited for most passenger cars and smaller vehicles.
Its drop-forged alloyed steel construction ensures quality and durability for long-term use. The jack features a lifting range of 4-1/8 inches to 15-1/8 inches, providing adequate clearance for tire changes. Its collapsible design allows it to store in a small space, making it an unobtrusive yet vital piece of emergency equipment.
Pro-LifT F-2315PE Grey Hydraulic Trolley Jack
The Pro-LifT F-2315PE is a robust 3-ton hydraulic trolley jack designed for dependable performance in a home garage or shop. Its grey finish and solid construction give it a professional appearance, while its hydraulic mechanism provides the power needed for lifting cars, SUVs, and light trucks with ease.
As a trolley jack, it offers the advantage of a low starting profile to slide easily under low chassis points, coupled with a high maximum lift to provide ample working space. This type of jack is a favorite for those who perform their own vehicle maintenance because of its speed, power, and stability compared to smaller scissor jacks.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Scissor Jacks for Cars
So, you’re looking for a new scissor jack. I get it, the one that came with your car is probably a bit wobbly and slow. Having a good, reliable jack in your trunk is one of those things you don’t think about until you really need it. Let me walk you through what I consider when I’m picking out the best scissor jacks for cars.
First up, let’s talk about weight capacity. This is the big one. You need a jack that can handle your vehicle’s weight. Check your car’s owner’s manual for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Your jack’s capacity should be at least 1.5 times the weight of your car to be on the safe side. For most sedans, a 1.5-ton (3,000 lb) jack is fine, but for an SUV or truck, you’ll want to look at 2-ton (4,000 lb) or even 3-ton (6,000 lb) models. It’s always better to have more capacity than you think you’ll need.
Next, consider the lifting range. This is the distance from the ground to your car’s jack point when the jack is closed (the minimum height) and when it’s fully extended (the maximum height). If you have a low sports car, a low minimum height is essential to get the jack under the car in the first place. If you have a lifted truck, you need a jack with a high maximum height to actually get the tire off the ground. Measure your car’s jack points to know what numbers you’re working with.
The build quality is something you can often feel. A good scissor jack should feel solid, not flimsy. Look for jacks made from hardened steel or alloy steel. I also pay close attention to the screw mechanism. It should turn smoothly without binding. A poorly made screw can strip under pressure, which is a scary thought. Some jacks come with a longer handle or a removable crank, which gives you more leverage and makes lifting much easier on your arms.
Finally, think about stability and the saddle. The saddle is the part that actually touches your car. A wide, flat saddle with a rubber pad is ideal because it grips the jack point and prevents your car from slipping or getting damaged. While no scissor jack is as stable as a floor jack for long-term work, a well-designed one with a broad base will feel much more secure for a quick tire change. Don’t forget to check how portable it is; a compact, lightweight design is a major plus for storage in your trunk. Taking a few minutes to consider these points will help you find a jack that’s safe, effective, and right for your specific vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scissor jacks safe to use?
Scissor jacks are safe for their intended purpose, which is typically changing a tire on a level, solid surface. They are designed for emergency use, not for long-term repairs where you need to get under the vehicle. The key to safety is using them correctly. Always set your parking brake and use wheel chocks on the opposite wheels. Make sure the jack is positioned on a flat, paved surface and is correctly engaged with your car’s designated jack point. Never get under a vehicle that is supported only by a scissor jack.
Can I use a scissor jack for my SUV or truck?
Yes, you can, but you must be very careful about the weight capacity. Many standard scissor jacks are rated for 1.5 tons, which is fine for a small car but might be borderline or insufficient for a larger SUV or truck. You need to check your vehicle’s weight and get a heavy-duty scissor jack rated for 2 or 3 tons. Also, because SUVs and trucks sit higher, you need to check the jack’s maximum lifting height to ensure it can actually lift the tire clear off the ground.
Why is my scissor jack so hard to crank?
If your scissor jack is hard to crank, there are a few common reasons. The most likely culprit is a lack of lubrication on the central screw mechanism. Over time, dirt and grime can build up, causing friction. A quick clean and some light lubricating oil can often make a world of difference. The other possibility is that you are lifting a vehicle that is very close to or exceeds the jack’s weight capacity, which will naturally require more effort. Using a longer handle or a wrench for extra leverage can help, but be careful not to apply too much force and damage the mechanism.
What’s the difference between a scissor jack and a hydraulic floor jack?
The main differences are stability, speed, and intended use. A hydraulic floor jack uses a pump handle to lift a large saddle very quickly and has a wide base for excellent stability. It’s what mechanics use in a garage. A scissor jack is operated by turning a screw with a crank, which is slower, but it has a much smaller, more compact profile. Scissor jacks are made for portability and emergency tire changes, while floor jacks are better for more extensive work in a controlled environment. For most drivers looking for a reliable tool to keep in the trunk, finding one of the best scissor jacks for cars is the most practical choice.
How often should I inspect my car’s scissor jack?
You should give your scissor jack a quick visual inspection every time you check your tire pressure or rotate your tires, which I try to do every few months. Look for any signs of rust, cracks, or bending in the metal. Make sure the screw mechanism turns freely and isn’t seized. It’s a great habit to do a quick test lift in your driveway once a year to ensure it’s working properly. The last place you want to find out your jack is broken is on the side of a busy road.