Curious what type of jack everyone is carrying for handling flat tires? Just the factory unit? A floor jack? or a bottle jack?
Thanks in advance.

 

My truck came with a 4 ton hydraulic jack, but I have a 20 ton bottle jack in the tool box. Which one I will use will depend on which is easier to get out or fit under the truck. The last time I had a flat was on a motorcycle in 1984.

 

I carry a 2 ton, aluminum floor jack in my truck bed - handle removes (2pcs) and jack and handle stow in a canvas carry bag - weighs aprox. 35 lbs. When I tow my RV, I throw in a cordless impact gun w/ sockets. (bottom of carry bag is 1/4" rubber mat for use under jack is ground is soft)

 

The factory jack. Have only had to use a spare once in 28 years if driving.

Depending on where you think you may need to use a jack a board to put under the jack might be helpful.

 

Interested to find out where you bought that jack and bag combo...or just the brand and model number.

 

Bought mine on Amazon a few years ago - saw the same jack at Harbor Freight recently for about 1/2 the price I paid - canvas carry bag and bottom pad from a surplus store. I also crafted a 4" spacer to fit on the jack lifting pad as the lift height is about 14" - Jack itself is only about 4" tall - about 22" long and weighs about 35 lbs.

 

AAA Card.

Seriously, the factory kit, plus a 1/2 inch breaker bar, and 21mm socket

 

Factory unit. A little slow but does a great job.

 

I don't think the jack in my 2011 was ever used. I pulled the bag out for the jack in my '19 just so I could lower the spare out of the way when installing the auxiliary backup camera. I have roadside insurance, so I call and have someone come out and do the work for me. Even with that, they bring their own jack. But I don't think I ever had a flat on any of my Super Duties. I threw a tread on my 2003, but it never went flat. And I think I did change that one, but only because I had my son with me.

 

Maybe I am just being a little paranoid. LOL We do a lot of trips back and forth from Ohio to Florida and just want to be a bit better prepared. I already carry a M18 Fuel impact and sockets. I did find a nice 2 1/2 ton jack that comes in a hard case, just not sure if its really worth it.

 

A side note, related though...my new 2019 came with the spare mounted with the air valve pointed up, so its inaccessible to check. I dropped it and flipped it over so I could check it as part of routine. It had ~30PSI in it from factory, was supposed to be 70+.

Also, in my previous F250, I never paid much attention to the spare....until I had to, and I discovered my spare tire winch mechanism was totally hosed. That mechanism has a tendency to rust since it never gets used and could make your attempt to the drop the spare a failure. I suggest every couple years drop the spare and spray the mechanism with something to prevent rust so it will work when you need it.

 

I drop mine every other oil change and lube the beck out of the cable. I've seen way to many vehicles that the cable has to be cut for the spare to be removed,

 

Another consideration for DRW trucks is corrosion that can occur between the inner and outer wheels (inner wheel is steel/ outer wheel is aluminum) that makes separating them a chore (especially living in the rust belt). Applying some anti-seize on the mating surfaces can help.

 

So, I broke down and bought a nice little 2 1/2ton jack in a case from Auto Zone. Probably never need it, but if I ever do its cheap insurance.

 

Changing any flat, anywhere, on anything, is a PITA........my decision to carry a portable floor jack and cordless impact gun is/was to make the process as painless and efficient as possible, and it does! If you've ever messed around changing a flat on an RV with a bottle jack and lug wrench / breaker bar....you know what I mean. I've changed flats on my RV in 15 minutes and never put anything more than my knee on the ground,