Before leaving on a family vacation, I always make sure I have an Arcan floor jack in my RV. Having a proper floor jack on hand is vital for both emergencies and peace of mind.
“Be prepared” is the motto of the Boy Scouts of America. It is also my motto for family vacations. Accordingly, I always prepare my recreational vehicle (“RV“) for travel. After all, it will be my home away from home.
I check all the fluid levels to include water, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Next, I check the brakes, tire pressure, wiper blades, belts, and hoses.
Equally important, I prepare myself. I tell people where I am going and when I expect to arrive. Then, I make sure I get a good night’s sleep the night before traveling.
Image via Flaticon
I pack water, snacks, blankets, pillows. And, I also check that I remembered to bring a map and any travel brochures I need. Similarly, I bring movies and audio books.
Likewise, safety is of the utmost importance. I make sure I have a working spare tire, a first aid kit, jumper cables, and road flares. Additionally, if traveling in winter, I make sure I have tire chains.
Last but not least, I check to make sure I have my Arcan floor jack (or another comparable brand would work, too).
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Arcan ALJ3T, Aluminum Floor Jack |
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Arcan Quick Rise Professional |
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Yellow Jacket Low-Profile Super-Duty Jack |
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Blackhawk B6350 |
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JEGS 80006 4000lb Low-Profile Aluminum Floor Jack |
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Floor Jack Basics
Before we go any further, let’s take a moment and talk about the basics. Also referred to as an auto jack, car jack, or garage jack, floor jacks are a mechanical device designed to lift heavy loads.
Using a floor jack is simple.
First, you wheel the jack under the car. Once in place under a designated lift point, you pump the arm of the jack repeatedly. The pumping action pulls oil out of the jack’s oil reservoir and forces it into the lift chamber. That causes the saddle arm to rise, which lifts your RV.
To reverse the process, you slowly turn the pressure release valve, and your RV will slowly and safely return to the ground.
Floor jack pros and cons
There are several advantages to using hydraulic jacks like the Arcan floor jack. They are extremely easy to use as they do not require a large amount of physical effort to lift an RV.
Additionally, they have a high maximum weight and height capacity. Lastly, the wheels on the trolley make it easy to position the jack under the RV.
The main downside to using a floor jack is the fact that they are heavy and large. That, in turn, means that they are not as portable as other types of jacks.
Buying a floor jack
Finding the right floor jack can be tricky with so many brands, models, and features to consider. That is why we created this Arcan floor jack review, to make it easier for you to decide which floor jack is right for you.
The Arcan Aluminum Floor Jack
- LIGHTWEIGHT AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM: Allows For Easy Maneuverability
- LIFTING CAPACITY: 6,000 lbs.
- DUAL PUMP PISTONS: Quickly Raises The Floor Jack Saddle To Load
The Arcan Aluminum Floor Jack has a 3-ton lift capacity and a lifting range from 3-3/4 inches to 18-1/8 inches. This Arcan floor jack weighs 56 pounds and has the following dimensions in inches: 30(L) by 13-1/2(W) by 8(H).
Constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum, this floor jack is lightweight, which allows for easy use. And it is designed with dual pump pistons, a reinforced lift arm, a side-mount handle, and bypass and overload valves. Also, the rubber saddle and foam handle bumper protect your RV from any scrapes or dings.
Most importantly, the Arcan Aluminum Floor Jack passed a voluntary and rigorous safety certification review. That includes the ASME PASE-2014 Safety Standard for Portable Automotive Service Equipment.
Price range
This Arcan floor jack had an unusually wide price range starting at about $200 to $300. But to give you extra peace of mind, Arcan stands behind this product with a one-year limited warranty.
Customer ratings
Amazon customers rate this floor jack 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. With over 700 customer reviews, 77 percent of reviewers gave this product 5 stars.
Customers praised this floor jack for its ease of use, sturdy design, and decreased weight due to its aluminum construction. A couple of customers wrote they had issues with customer service not responding fast enough.
Pros and cons
There are several pros to think about when considering this Arcan floor jack. For instance, its light-weight aluminum construction offers lightweight portability. Similarly, its low profile design fits under the lowest RVs.
The ball bearing-mounted rear swivel caster wheels and wide track front wheels provide easy maneuverability and jack stability under a load. Its reinforced lift arm increases strength, chassis torsion control, and durability.
Additionally, its dual pump pistons provide fast floor saddle to load time. Incredibly, this Arcan floor jack raises to full extension in only six strokes without a load.
This floor jack also comes equipped with a rubber saddle and foam handle bumper to protect your vehicle. Finally, its bypass and overload valves prevent over-extension of hydraulic ram and jack use beyond its rated capacity.
Its price was the only negative that we could find regarding this Arcan floor jack. But considering its features, that does not eliminate this product from consideration.
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Arcan Quick Rise Professional Service Jack
The Arcan Quick Rise Professional Service Jack is the next Arcan floor jack in our review. It has a 3-1/2 ton lift capacity and a lifting range from 3-1/2 inches to 21-3/8 inches. This Arcan floor jack weighs 99 pounds and has the following dimensions in inches: 28-1/4(L) by 11-1/4(W) by 8-1/2(H).
This Arcan floor jack is made with rugged steel, making it an ideal choice for professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike. Designed with dual pump pistons, thick side plates, a reinforced lift arm, this floor jack is a workhorse.
It includes bypass and overload valves as well. It also has all bearing-mounted rear swivel caster wheels and wide-track front wheels for maneuverability and stability. Last, but not least, this jack complies with all 2014 ASME PASE Safety Standard for Portable Automotive Service Equipment.
Price range
This Arcan floor jack ranges in price from $160 to $200. And, Arcan guarantees this product with a one-year limited warranty.
Customer ratings
Amazon customers rate this floor jack 3.4 stars out of 5 stars. However, 81 percent of reviewers gave this product 5 stars.
Customers wrote of being happy with this Arcan floor jack for its low profile, smooth operation, and sturdy construction. Customers complained about this floor jack’s size and weight.
Pros and cons
There are several positive points to consider regarding this Arcan floor jack.
First off, its rugged steel construction makes this a durable option. Its low profile makes it ideal for heavier RVs that sit lower to the ground.
Next, this is our highest rated floor jack with a lifting capacity of 3-1/2 tons. It comes with ball bearing-mounted rear swivel caster wheels and wide track front wheels, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
The floor jack also comes with a reinforced lift arm and thick side plates making it a durable option. Another essential feature is its dual pump pistons which provide rapid lift time. Indeed, it only takes eight strokes to raise this floor jack to its full height without a load.
Lastly, it comes with bypass and overload valves to prevent over-extension and jack use beyond its rated load capacity.
There are a couple of negative points to consider regarding this Arcan floor jack. First of all, it lacks a rubber bumper on the trolley or handle to prevent marring. Also, its 99-pound weight could be a factor for many regarding its ease of use.
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Comparison with Other Jacks
Image via Flaticon
Now it’s time to see how the Arcan floor jack compares with other brands.
The features of each floor jack, the price, and the consumer reviews were all considered when making our selections for this floor jack review.
We have no financial or business ties to any of the brands included in this review. Most importantly, our goal is to help walk you through the information available to help you choose the right floor jack.
Yellow Jacket Low-Profile Super-Duty Jack
- Fast lift system features 2-stage, extra-large pistons to speed lift times by up to 75%
- Double pump design reaches maximum rise height in under 5 pumps (no load)
- Low-profile design fits easily under a wide variety of vehicles
The Yellow Jacket Low-Profile Super-Duty Jack has a 3-ton lift capacity and a lifting range from 4 inches to 23 inches. This floor jack weighs 113-1/2 pounds and has the following dimensions in inches: 31-5/16(L) by 15-11/16(W) by 9-9/16(H).
This floor jack is made of durable steel, making it perfect for heavy-duty lifting. It comes with a fast lift system that features 2-stage, extra-large pistons to speed lift times. Its double pump design reaches maximum rise height in under five pumps with no load.
Additionally, its profile provides a large, stable platform, and an oversized saddle offers more surface area to help stabilize the load. This floor jack also comes with easy-rolling swivel casters with ball bearings for easy maneuverability. This scale fully complies with ASME PASE 2014 standards.
Price range
This floor jack ranges in price from $180 to $250. Best of all, this floor jack comes with a four-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Customer ratings
Amazon customers rate this floor jack 3.7 stars out of 5 stars with 67 percent giving it 5 stars. Customers praised its durability and swift lift time. They complained about it bulkiness and heavy overall weight due to its steel construction.
Pros and cons
There are several positive points to think about when considering purchasing a Yellow Jacket Low-Profile Super-Duty Jack.
Firstly, its 4-year limited warranty is hard to beat. Secondly, its heavy-duty steel construction makes this a durable floor jack. Next, its ball-bearing swivel casters make it easy to position this jack.
Third, this jack comes with an oversized saddle which provides increased stability, ideal for a heavy load such as your RV. Lastly, it comes with a heavy-duty handle with a bumper to prevent damage to your RV.
There are some negatives to consider as well. For instance, weighing in at nearly 114 pounds, this is by far the heaviest floor jack in this review.
Additionally, it does not come with bypass or overload valves to prevent over-extension and jack use beyond its rated load capacity. Finally, as per its product manual, you are required to perform a system air purge before use.
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Blackhawk Fast Lift Floor Jack
- Lightweight jack stands are used to support your vehicle after lifting with a jack; Wide pyramid foot base provides...
- This car jack stand is constructed of high-grade forged steel with a welded frame design for durability, it handles a...
- The pair of jacks for car has adjustable height ranging from 11-1/4" to 16-3/4" with a 3 ton (6,000 lb) load capacity
The Blackhawk Fast Lift Floor Jack has a 3-1/2 ton lift capacity and a lifting range from 5-1/2 inches to 22 inches. This floor jack weighs 85 pounds and has the following dimensions in inches: 28-1/2 (L) by 13-3/4 (W) by 6-1/2 (H).
This floor jack features heavy-duty steel construction along with rolled side frames to provide strength and rigidity. The Blackhawk Fast Lift also features a bypass device that prevents damage from over pumping. And, it comes with a built-in internal safety valve and vent plug to ensure safe operation.
Similarly, it has a swivel saddle that provides you with easy jack positioning and user safety. The handle bumper protects your RV from knicks and dings. Lastly, it meets or exceeds ANSI/PALD-2009 safety standards.
Price range
The price for this floor jack ranges between $175 and $250 and comes with a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Customer ratings
Amazon customers rate this floor jack 4 stars out of 5 stars. With over 200 reviews, 60 percent gave it a rating of 5 stars.
Customers praised this floor jack’s solid construction and ease of use. They complained about the fact that the handle doesn’t lock in place. That means you cannot wheel this floor jack around using the handle.
Pros and cons
There are several positive features to keep in mind when considering this floor jack. For example, its heavy-duty steel construction makes this a durable option for both professional mechanics and do-it-yourselfers.
Next, this jack offers quick lift performance to save time, Plus, its swivel saddle and rear casters provide easy positioning for this jack. Lastly, it offers quick lift performance to save time and includes features for safety and convenience.
There are some negatives to consider as well. For example, this floor jack has the worst height minimum at 5-1/2 inches. More important, its safety rating is based on ANSI/PALD-2009 safety standards and not the newer ASME PASE 2014 standards.
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JEGS Professional Low-Profile Floor Jack
- LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION allows you to roll jack around with ease
- LOW PROFILE DESIGN lifts from 3 ½ to 19 ¼ inches
- 360 DEGREE ROTATING SADDLE allows for easier movement
The JEGS Low-Profile Floor Jack has a 3-ton lift capacity and a lifting range from 3-1/2 inches to 19-1/4 inches. This floor jack weighs 58 pounds and has the following dimensions in inches: 26-1/2(L) by 13(W) by 6-1/2(H).
This floor jack features durable, lightweight aluminum construction along with dual pump pistons. The low-profile front rollers allow for quick, accurate placement and a rotating rubber saddle pad prevents marring.
Equally important, its dual side handles and rear swivel caster wheels make positioning this floor jack easy. For the safety conscious, it includes bypass and overload valves to prevent this jack from being used beyond its rated capacity. Lastly, it meets ASME PALD 2014 standards.
Price range
This floor jack ranges in price from $200 to $300 and comes with a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Customer ratings
Amazon customers rate this floor jack 4.5 stars out of 5 stars with 80 percent giving it 5 stars. Customers praised its lightweight construction and heavy lifting power. A couple of customers complained that the wheels were uneven, that one wheel was too high.
Pros and cons
There are several positive features included with this floor jack to consider. First, it is one of only two jacks that we reviewed constructed using lightweight aluminum. Next, it has one of the lowest minimum height ranges of all the floor jacks we discussed.
It also has a rubber saddle pad and a handle guard to prevent damaging your RV. Lastly, the rear swivel caster wheels and low-profile front wheels provide easy maneuverability.
The biggest negative for this floor jack is the problem with the wheels not being level. There were enough negative comments included in the customer reviews to raise concerns.
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Is an Arcan Floor Jack the Best Choice?
Before we give you our conclusion regarding the Arcon floor jack, we would like to offer a couple of useful suggestions regarding safety.
To begin, we strongly recommend you get some heavy-duty jack stands to help support the weight of your RV. Floor jacks are great for lifting your RV. However, jack stands provide an additional layer of safety.
Equally important, you should stop to consider your location before using a floor jack on your RV. For instance, if you are on a highway with traffic buzzing by at 70 mph and you are on a soft shoulder, you might want to consider calling for roadside service.
Finally, we arrive at the moment of truth. Is an Arcon floor jack the best choice or not? It comes down to what you are looking for in a floor jack.
The Arcan Aluminum Floor Jack is a great option if your concern is portability. Weighing only 56 pounds, it is the lightest floor jack we reviewed. At 58 pounds, the JEGS Low-Profile Floor Jack is a close second.
The Arcan Quick Rise Professional Service Jack is another good choice for a couple of reasons. First, it has the highest load capacity and second, it has the lowest price range.
Lastly, if you want the floor jack with the best guarantee, the Yellow Jacket Low-Profile Super-Duty Jack comes with a four-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Is there a floor jack you like that we did not include in our Arcan floor jack review? If so, let us know in the comments section below!
Featured Image via Pixabay
Last update on 2023-05-06 at 08:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API