Can an Ultra-Fab Leveling Jack be Used to Change a Tire

Question:

Been kinda busy lately. Finally got to browse your website. For my BMW X5, would the Powerbuilt ALL620470 have the lift capacity I need to use for tire changes (one wheel at a time)? According to the owner's manual it has designated lift spots. I prefer to use an axle or other suspension point so the jack doesn't have to extent so far. Also I need a lug wrench for 17mm. The PTW1 is the type I perfer. I do have recessed lug nuts so the the exterior size of the 17mm end can't be too large. Let me know if you think these will work, I want to order the correct parts so I don't have to return them.

asked by: Jim M

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have better options because leveling jacks like the Ultra-Fab # UF48-979006 shouldn't be used to raise a vehicle. They're only for stabilizing despite their weight capacity.

Instead you want something like the Powerbuilt bottle jack, part # ALL640405. It has plenty of capacity at 4,000 pounds and is for raising a vehicle like your X5 to change a tire. It's also pretty compact and not very expensive.

Another option that's a bit of a step up is an electric scissor jack like part # PTW1609. It serves the same purpose and has the same capacity is the bottle jack except it's electric; running off your BMW's 12 volt power connector and taking the work out of jacking up the vehicle.

expert reply by: Charles S

Jim M.

1/1/0001

Charles S.

3/26/2020

Well there's definitely a lot going on right now. The Powerbuit # ALL620470 has a max capacity of 4,000 pounds and your BMW X5 weighs, at the most, just over 5,000 pounds so it has plenty for lifting one tire at a time. I definitely agree in using an axle or somewhere else to raise a vehicle so you don't have to crank it forever like you do on the factory jack locations. I've actually considered getting this jack myself. The # PTW1 will probably work for you but I can't say for sure if it'll fit into the wells for your lug nuts. It does fit 17 millimeter lugs though. I can attest to the Powerbuilt Billy Club, part # ALL642250. It's what I use and I have no issues getting to the deep lugs on my Jeep but I still can't be sure on your BMW. Your best bet might be to get a 17 millimeter thin walled socket at an auto parts store and using that.