48” Hi-Lift X-TREME & Accessories

by

Words and photos by Mathieu Godin

A Hi-Lift jack is a must have recovery item for any off-road enthusiast. It’s a bit heavy, and must be treated with respect, but it’s a critical item to have in your recovery kit. Even using your winch, in some instances it’s preferable to lift the vehicle a few inches so you can fit recovery ramps or rocks under the tires, so you don’t drag your rig out creating more damage. And, it can also be used to pull your rig back or sideways.

The Hi-Lift X-TREME is Hi-Lift’s top of the line jack and can be recognized by its charcoal metallic powder-coat finish. The hardware, handle and special top winch-clamp-spreader attachment are covered with a gold zinc-coat for greater rust resistance.

One of the X-TREME’s most interesting features is its winch-clamp-spreader attachment that makes this jack even more versatile. It allows the jack to lift, winch, spread and clamp up to 5000 pounds. It includes two shackle holes as well as a 3/8-inch chain slot for winching. You can even turn this jack into a Jaws of Life tool.

I usually attach my X-TREME to my BajaRack with BajaRack’s special attachment, which fits perfectly on the side of my roof rack. There are a plethora of solutions from a number of manufacturer’s to mount your jack, just be aware it’s not something you can keep tossed in your vehicle; it needs to be properly secured.

Hi-Lift X-TREME features:

  • All-Cast Construction
  • 7000lb (3175.14kg) Tested Capacity
  • Available in 48", & 60" Heights. (122, & 152cm)

hi-lift.com

Hi-Lift Lift-Mate

Unless you have off-road bumpers or sliders, you likely won’t have any secure jacking points. This is when the Hi-Lift Lift-Mate comes to the rescue. This item was designed so you can lift your vehicle directly from a wheel (depending on the wheel design). It will also reduce the amount of travel required by the jack to lift your vehicle if for instance, you have very large tires and a lift kit.

Lift-Mate features:

  • Lift Capacity: 5000 lbs. (2273 kg)
  • Rubber-Coated hooks to protect the wheel
  • Rubber pad for protecting the tire and wheel

hi-lift.com

The JakJaw Hi-Lift Adapter is engineered from heavy-duty laser-cut steel and can fit on any jack model. It can be used to lift a vehicle by its bumpers, sliders or any round or square tubing. It fits perfectly underneath my sliders–providing me with secure jacking points.

JakJaw features:

  • The weight is 1 kg (2.3 lbs)
  • Color options: Powdered coated safety red
  • Fits all Hi-Lift brand farm jacks
  • 3/16” mild steel, hot rolled, P/O

The Hi-Lift Off-Road Base is made of heavy plastic and will provide better support as well as reduce the risk of your Hi-Lift jack sinking into soft ground. While there are more aggressive models out there that might provide better grip on rocks, this one is Hi-Lift’s original equipment so you know you can count on it. I have found it to be quite stable.

The Hi-Lift Handle-Keeper is made of polyurethane will eliminate the jack rattling during its transport by retaining the Hi-Lift handle to the upright steel bar. The only inconvenience is that you will need to remove the X-TREME’s winch-clamp-spreader attachment to install or remove it. However it easily slips on and off the other regular jack models.

The Hi-Lift Off-Road Kit can be used as a winch. It’s going to be a slow process but it will get the job done if it is your only option. The kit comes with everything you need except 25ft of 3/8” chain with holding hooks. The extra chain with holding hooks is an essential item. Without it, you won’t be able to take full advantage of the kit and will be limited to using a combination of tow straps, winch extension straps, and tree savers for your recovery (you don’t want to use a kinetic strap/rope for winching).

Off-Road Kit includes:

  • 1 - Winch Jack Attachment Bracket
  • 1 - Winch Tensioner Attachment Bracket
  • 2 - 3/8” Grab Hook w/ Clevis Pin
  • 1 - 3/8” G40 Chain (26-link)
  • 1 - 3/8” G40 Chain (15-link)
  • 1 - ½” Bolt and Nut
  • 1 - Quick Release Pin (Replaces cotter pin that secures Hi-Lift Jack base plate)
  • 1 - 5/8” D-Ring Shackle
  • 1 - 2” Nylon Tree Strap (8’ length)
  • 1 - 5/16” Bolt and Nut
  • 2 - 3/8” Bolt and Nut
  • 1 - Hi-Lift® Gloves
  • 1 - Hi-Lift® Gear Bag

On a final note, don’t get a knock-off version of the Hi-Lift jack–it’s just not worth it. For your safety, get a real Hi-Lift jack–they have been around since 1905 for a reason. I won’t go on an off-road adventure without mine!

jakjaw.com

hi-lift.com