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Jeeps will always be the popular choice for serious off-roading. Being ready for anything is about more than just a big set of tires and a high suspension lift. It’s also about being prepared to get out of sticky situations. This is why recovery is so crucial to four wheeling, and it all begins with an optimal hi-lift jack and some accessories.
When off-roaders think of recovery systems, chances are they think of winches and tow straps. Not many would think of a jack as an item that can help get your Jeep unstuck and continuing down the trail. Recovery jacks have been around for decades and can be real time savers when you get hung up on the trial.
At first these rachet-type hi-lift jacks appear odd; the single-post jack has a very primitive operating style. Its design is narrow and tall, and this is what makes it so versatile. They can fit into tight spots and lift the vehicle as high as needed. If your Jeep needs to be lifted higher than the jack can complete, you’re probably going to need a crane.
As the name entails, these devices are primarily used to jack up a vehicle. They work just like any other Jeep jack: you place it on a flat and strong surface with the jack pad under a structural point, and simply use a lever to lift the jeep.
The name also uses the word “recovery,” which may raise an eyebrow or two, and can be mistaken as just another fancy term for marketing purposes. But the name is for good reason. Let’s say you're stuck, and you nor your friends have a winch readily available. With the use of some tow straps, these jacks can double as a hand-operated winch.
You basically use the recover jack horizontally, with the top end attached to the stuck Jeep via tow strap, and the other end around an anchor, also via tow strap. Get rid of any slack in the lines, and ratchet your vehicle out of wherever it’s stuck. It takes longer than a winch, but it simply works. And yes, this “recovery” jack has a purpose in the “recovery,” so it’s not just marketing speak.
Recovery jacks are not small; some can be 60-inches tall, which can cause storage issues. But the aftermarket has addressed this and provides multiple recovery jack storage devices.
First is a popular and rugged-looking location: above the headlights. This may look odd on the street, but it’s effective off road due to super easy access when stuck on the trails. Out back, you can mount them across the bumper, whether that bumper is square or a tubular type. Or you can actually replace the spare tire mount with one that doubles as a storage area for your recovery jack. The recovery jack storage mounts can also be attached to the roll bars on the jeep; if you’re running topless you can keep the jack just above your dome.
Aside from the recovery jack and storage devices, you should consider some additional accessories to help during a time of recovery. Begin with strong tow straps. Also remember that recovery jacks are super desirable, and thieves can easily snag yours while you’re not looking. Be proactive and pick up a lock system for your external recovery jack storage unit.
These jacks are tall and narrow, which creates some limitations. Jacking up a Jeep on a flat surface with a regular floor jack can be risky—let alone using a narrow jack where surface areas are limited. Also, when used as a winch, loads of stress is placed on the recovery straps. Here are some safety tips to consider while using a recovery jack.
When you’re hung up on a rock in loose gravel, or in a deep puddle, using a recovery jack becomes much more dangerous. Don’t get excited and try anything crazy. If you’re hung up on a rock and need to make extra clearance, remain calm and find a flat surface to use. The last place you need to find yourself is between your rig and a boulder. If your surface is wet or lacks traction for the bottom of the recovery jack, use a jack pad. These are super cheap and could be total lifesavers. Throw it in the cart when you’re grabbing locks and straps; you’ll thank yourself later.
Recovery is a little less scary, but risk factors exist due to the high tension on the tow straps. Again, it’s all about keeping a level head and taking your time. The jack is extremely strong and can handle the stress, but if your tow straps give way due to fragile connecting points, you don’t want to be anywhere near the recovery jack.
Recovery jacks are a wise investment, and easily transition a bad day of off-roading into a good day. And the best part is the price point--you get the convenience of a jack and winch in one device, though winching requires some added effort.