What is this yellow thing on top of my spare?

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

The Mercedes bottle jack is just one of many options. Offers no advantages over others. And there is no need to modify saddles on others. All bottle jacks weep oil when kept laying. Nature of the beast. So if you don’t want to deal with that, store it standing. R1 has no shortage of storage space. Torin Big Red 10-ton is slight over half of the cost. And the $60 free ARB jack base adds the extra height (and stability) you need to get wheel off ground. At least two jack pucks on market have recesses in them to fit right over the tip of the jack’s ram, without modifications. Harbor Freight 12-ton Daytona bottle jack cost the same as the MB jack, less with coupon (when available) and has higher max lift than the Torin. With a flat saddle, you can even use a shorter bottle jack if you lift from under lower suspension arms, under where the dampers meet it. Factory jack points and pucks aren’t the only way. Just less mistake-prone.

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[Eeyore]

I bought that particular bottle jack because I'm thrifty. I also thing that the bottle jack takes a little less effort to use than the scissor jack. I meant to order the spare tire when I ordered my R1T, but apparently I missed doing that. When the spare tire kit finally was available on the gear shop, I had already figured out my own solution.

The full size spare tire in the gear shop includes the jack and stuff needed to do a tire change. Like all things in the gear shop, it's really expensive IMO. I don't think they ever sold just the jack kit.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I bought that particular bottle jack because I'm thrifty. I also thing that the bottle jack takes a little less effort to use than the scissor jack. I meant to order the spare tire when I ordered my R1T, but apparently I missed doing that. When the spare tire kit finally was available on the gear shop, I had already figured out my own solution.

The full size spare tire in the gear shop includes the jack and stuff needed to do a tire change. Like all things in the gear shop, it's really expensive IMO. I don't think they ever sold just the jack kit.

Torin Big Red, which JackPucks.com recommends is $40 rounded up.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Torin Big Red, which JackPucks.com recommends is $40 rounded up.

You're already perfectly set up with the ARB base! Just add two final pieces for a complete lifting solution:

1. Torin Big Red 10-Ton Bottle Jack (Amazon's best-value heavy-duty option)
2. Our magnetic jack pucks (for guaranteed safe lifting points)

With this combo, you'll have professional-grade equipment at a fraction of shop prices. Many Rivian owners swear by this exact setup. My set-up is below, and fits under the rear seat. I do have a tire plug kit as well. Wife's R1S set-up is the second photo.

 

[Major Payne]

Torin Big Red 10-Ton Bottle Jack

Really appreciate all the feedback. From everyone.

Does this bottle leak? I read in another thread about leakage when the bottle jack isn't stored upright, but you're showing on its side. Is that why you have a towel under it? And I'm still curious, why a bottle jack as opposed to a scissor jack?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Really appreciate all the feedback. From everyone.

Does this bottle leak? I read in another thread about leakage when the bottle jack isn't stored upright, but you're showing on its side. Is that why you have a towel under it? And I'm still curious, why a bottle jack as opposed to a scissor jack?

They tend to leak laying down. How much depends on how well each was made.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Really appreciate all the feedback. From everyone.

Does this bottle leak? I read in another thread about leakage when the bottle jack isn't stored upright, but you're showing on its side. Is that why you have a towel under it? And I'm still curious, why a bottle jack as opposed to a scissor jack?

We store ours in resealable ziplock bags for extra protection. The one in my R1T has stayed completely dry for 3 years, and the R1S's hasn't leaked either—but since leaks can still happen, we keep both bagged just in case.

 

[zymolysis]

The Mercedes bottle jack is just one of many options. Offers no advantages over others. And there is no need to modify saddles on others. All bottle jacks weep oil when kept laying. Nature of the beast. So if you don’t want to deal with that, store it standing. R1 has no shortage of storage space. Torin Big Red 10-ton is slight over half of the cost. And the $60 free ARB jack base adds the extra height (and stability) you need to get wheel off ground. At least two jack pucks on market have recesses in them to fit right over the tip of the jack’s ram, without modifications. Harbor Freight 12-ton Daytona bottle jack cost the same as the MB jack, less with coupon (when available) and has higher max lift than the Torin. With a flat saddle, you can even use a shorter bottle jack if you lift from under lower suspension arms, under where the dampers meet it. Factory jack points and pucks aren’t the only way. Just less mistake-prone.

The Mercedes bottle jack is a particularly good option for those who have sliders installed - the curved saddle can grip the slider structure.
Not all bottle jacks leak, but all bottle jacks *can* leak. If the bottle jack you keep in your vehicle leaks, it can be messy. If it leaks a lot, you don't have usable jack in an emergency. Refilling with jack oil should be all that's needed, but it won't help you if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere.
P.S. keep the jack piston/ram clean. Always keep the ram retracted when not in use, so that it doesn't become rusty, pitted, or damaged. The condition of surface of the ram, and the rubber material of the seal is what keeps the oil inside the jack.

 

[Major Payne]

Not all bottle jacks leak, but all bottle jacks *can* leak. If the bottle jack you keep in your vehicle leaks, it can be messy. If it leaks a lot, you don't have usable jack in an emergency. Refilling with jack oil should be all that's needed, but it won't help you if you are stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks for that confirmation. Leaking and since I still don't know why a bottle jack would be preferred over a scissor jack, I bought this scissor jack.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Try both and you’ll immediately realize why you made mistake ignoring advice.

 

[Major Payne]

Try both and you’ll immediately realize why you made mistake ignoring advice.

The first time I asked why a bottle jack is preferred over a scissor jack, your response was:

They tend to leak laying down. How much depends on how well each was made.

If that was when you offered advice to help me make an informed decision, thanks.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

The first time I asked why a bottle jack is preferred over a scissor jack, your response was:



If that was when you offered advice to help me make an informed decision, thanks.

And that was taken as not to get one?! It was: be aware what could happen if you store them laying horizontal and that there are no shortage of space in the R1 to store one standing up. I also said some leak more than others (pending QC). Others chimed in saying theirs don’t leak. Scissor jacks are mechanical and take longer to lift. They are also often not make with high quality steel (usually with pot metal). I have used and witnessed this type of jack bend and buckle. The work in a pinch and that is really the bare minimum they are made for. My god, man. There are probably a gazillion YouTube videos demonstrating basic pros and cons of different types of jacks.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Thanks for that confirmation. Leaking and since I still don't know why a bottle jack would be preferred over a scissor jack, I bought this scissor jack.

"I'll be honest—this is the first time I've seen someone choose a scissors jack over a bottle jack, but you're thinking outside the box, which is fine. The model you picked looks heavy-duty, and that low-profile design is a smart feature. It won't be as quick or easy to lift, but that is okay.

One quick note: Those two ribs on the pedestal might interfere with a jack puck if they're spaced closer than 3" apart. If they are, a quick grind to flatten the surface would ensure perfect contact.

Excited to hear how it works out for you—please keep us posted on your setup!

 

[csharp]

I got a good chuckle from this...
-Asks the community what people recommend for jacks
-EVERYONE says bottle jack over scissor jack
-Proceeds to buy scissor jack because one specific question wasn't answered by people that can be easily googled / youtubed.

 

[zymolysis]

Thanks for that confirmation. Leaking and since I still don't know why a bottle jack would be preferred over a scissor jack, I bought this scissor jack.

That looks like a good, heavy duty scissor jack. Rivian includes a scissor jack with the spare tire kit. I haven't used it, but it looks much less robust than the jack you bought.
Despite what folks are saying, scissor jacks can be quick to operate, using the crank (or a cordless driver). Keep the screw threads clean and lubricated.

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