Whether you own a Silverado 1500 or any other vehicle, it’s expected that you often have to slide under your car for maintenance. That’s why lifting your wheeler to a safe height is of significant importance. Presumably, you’re looking for a floor jack and feeling confused.
As you already might’ve expected, floor jacks differ in sizes and whatnot. Leaping out for the seemingly best one will only drain your pocket and offer unsatisfactory service. So you’re better off researching the exact size of the floor jack you need for your elegant Silverado 1500.
What Size Floor Jack for Silverado 1500
The size of the floor jack depends on several factors. Just knowing the capacity rate will not give you an overall impression of what a floor jack is capable of. Here we’ve emphasized the details to make it easier for you.
Required Capacity
For a Silverado 1500, what you need is a floor jack with a capacity of 2-3 tons. This is something where overkill is not an issue you’ll have to worry about.
Check Clearance
A minimal amount of ground clearance of the floor jack is something you’ll need to look out for. Including the plastic chambers, check the clearance under your car. Get yourself a jack that is low-profile and has a higher lift.
Check Lift Height
Although the reach isn’t much of an issue, it’s something you have to put into consideration if you opt for a jack of 1-1/2 ton and have to take your jack to places. But in the case of Silverado 1500, such sizes won’t do. For a 2-3 ton jack, you have the option of utilizing the jack pad to gain more lift.
Check the Weight
Considering the weight of a Silverado 1500, the weight of your floor jack should be 1/4th of the vehicle’s overall weight. Usually, a Silverado 1500 weighs around 7000lbs and so your floor jack should weigh around 1750 lbs. Weight is an issue when you consider portability so keep your check on that.
Look Out for the Build
Regarding the build of the floor jack, look for the one manufactured with heavy-duty steel or sturdy aluminum. You may also want to check for metal wheels and casters, instead of plastic. Choose a nicely built and smoothly finished fancy-looking jack as it’ll last longer.
If you’ve to move your floor jack around a lot instead of putting it at the back of your garage, then choose an aluminum build. Otherwise, go for a 3 tons crude-iron jack.
Check the Price
Generally, the higher the capacity, the higher is the price. If you’re not planning to use your floor jack much often, then opt for a low-cost option. But keep in mind that lower sized jacks offer a lower lift.
Safety Requisites
As far as safety is concerned, going for the one with higher capacity is a safer choice. Expending behind higher sized jacks will get you through much easily in the future.
Product Suggestions
As for the product, you may want to check out Powerbuilt 2 Ton Xtra Low Profile Floor Jack. This is an extra low-profile floor jack with a rough lift of 15.5 inches, perfect for your Silverado 1500.
Other than that, Powerzone 3 Ton Aluminum and Steel Garage Jack is what you need if you own a garage. With its excellent capability, this floor jack works like a charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much weight can a 2 tons floor jack lift?
Ans: A 2 tons floor jack can lift approximately 4000lbs. For most of the small and middle-sized cars and trucks, a 2 tons floor jack is just about efficient and economic.
Q: Will choosing a bottle jack instead of floor jack be a good idea?
Ans: Although bottle jacks can lift more weight and significantly cheaper compared to floor jacks, they have stability issues. Moreover, bottles jacks have a minimum lift height than the floor jacks. On the other hand, floor jacks are easy to operate and provide superior manual handling.
Q: How do I ensure safety while using a floor jack?
Ans: Whenever you’re lifting your vehicle, make sure it’s not supported by the floor jack only. You should use blocks at all four wheels to prevent rolling and lift them. Wear safety gloves and helmets to protect yourself before lifting.
Epilogue
In short, as your Silverado 1500 is a light-duty truck, an average-sized floor jack should work perfectly as long as it’s well-built and sturdy enough. Going extravagant will not be a good idea just as opting for a cheap one with lower capacity won’t do. Reflect on the above-discussed considerations, take action based on them and you’re sure to lead yourself to apposite one.
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