traveller2 replied:

Personally I wouldn't especially with the relatively high centre of gravity of a troopy high roof camper. Airbags can be very unstable as can highlifts.
They are also prone to puncturing by sharp objects under the vehicle as well as hot exhausts.
You would be better to get yourself a good thick piece of ply (19mm or more) at least 300mm square as a jack base and a good quality 4.5 tonne hydraulic jack.
The standard Toyota jacks are pretty good but you really need two as lifting aladen troopy with a flat tyre can be difficult in some situations.
I carry two bits of ply and both the standard jack and a 4.5t hydraulic and have needed both to change a tyre on my troopy.

MEMBER - Darian (SA) replied:

I have one in the kit, but unused to date - it's there as a backup for the occasions when it is difficult to find space to get a conventional jack in under the car - bogged, flat tyre etc. in soft ground / rocks etc. A high lift jack might be a better option for your chariot - no need to jack from the underside when you have meaty chassis / bull / and towbar points.

Member - Kiwi Kia replied:

I have a hi-top Troopy. I have an air bag jack and a hydraulic jack.

Contrary to what some people think these vehicles do not have a high centre of gravity as the top is all fibreglass. There is less weight up there then you would find on most vehicles carrying gear on a.

If you want to change a tyre then you need to lift the suspension and wheel at the same time so you are best to use the hydraulic jack under an axle or spring. If you use the air bag under the chassis you will lift most of the vehicle but the springs and wheels droop down and will be the last items to lift. You will have to have an air bag that has goes very high to lift a wheel off the ground and as some air bags are rather narrow they are not very stable.

Airbags do have there place in very soft ground but on firm ground I would use a hydraulic jack. Repco have them for about $65.

Hairy replied:

Gday
Like any tool they can be dandgerous if not used properly, just use common sense and they are fine. the only time I would use one instead of a hi-lift is in sand or mud, so it depends on what sort of driving your doing weather you need one or not.
One word of warning though, Ive seen one blow up! Not only scare the crappers out of you but they come down in an awful hurry!!!!( no common, but possible)

Cheers

PradoTrev replied:

Hi Meri

I have a air bag used once playing on the beach to make sure i knew how to use if i realy needed it.

Lifted the prado so high i was wondering if it was going to tip.

For the price it is s good option to have as a second or back up. on flat soft sand great but due to the hight it raises to would e potentially unstable on a hill climb or the like.

down side two man operation (revs need to be around 1500 rpm)
you need to carry carpet or the like to protect it from wholes and if you have a turbo it is not recommended at all.

There are far easier and safer methods on jacking

TM2CW
Trevor

Member - Troll 81 (QLD) replied:

I have one in the back and have used it a couple times and yes it’s very unstable but it’s good to know it’s there incase I need it

Member - cuffs (SA) replied:

Owning a mono constructed 4wd the air bag is recomended as a high lift jack can twist the chassis.

Member - Kim M (VIC) replied:

Meri

I have airbag jack which I don't use. Your welcome to it at no charge if you live in Melbourne.

Regards

Kim

mattie replied:

i bought one and have only used it twice and can not speak well enough of, like any jack u just need to keep an eye on it whilst jacking u may find u have to let it back down and reposition it etc. this is of no imposition as up and down can be as quick as u like or as slow as u like.
All u need is a square of carpet that i use on the ground and under the car, but if u do a lot of extreme off road then u might have traction rubber mats and these will also double as ground protection for the air jack.

MATTIE