6 Farm Jack Storage Solutions That Prevent Rust and Rattles
Protect your farm jack from rust and eliminate rattles with these 6 storage solutions. Find the best mount for your vehicle or garage to keep it secure.
There’s no sound quite like a loose farm jack rattling in the back of a truck on a washboard road. It’s a sound that grates on your nerves and signals a bigger problem: a tool that’s slowly being destroyed by vibration and weather. Finding a secure, quiet home for your jack isn’t just about convenience; it’s about making sure this critical piece of equipment works when you desperately need it.
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Why Proper Farm Jack Storage Is Essential
A farm jack, or high-lift jack, is an indispensable tool for lifting equipment, pulling fence posts, or getting a vehicle unstuck. But if it’s just tossed in a truck bed or barn corner, it quickly becomes a liability. Moisture and dirt work their way into the climbing pin mechanism, leading to rust that can seize the jack solid.
The bigger issue is safety and readiness. A jack that’s been banging around can have bent components or a compromised baseplate. More importantly, an unsecured, 30-pound steel bar becomes a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or rollover.
Proper storage solves three problems at once. It protects the jack’s mechanism from the elements, prevents the annoying and damaging rattles, and keeps the tool safely secured to your vehicle. This ensures it’s always where you left it and ready to perform the moment you need it.
Hi-Lift Jack Hood Mount HM-825 for Jeeps
For those of us running an older Jeep around the property, hood mounts are a classic solution. The Hi-Lift HM-825 is designed specifically to bolt onto the existing hood hinge points of many Jeep models. This puts the jack in a location that’s out of the way and doesn’t take up valuable cargo space.
The primary advantage is accessibility. The jack is always on the vehicle, ready for use without having to dig through a cluttered truck bed. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it system that ensures you never leave this essential tool behind.
However, there are tradeoffs. Mounting the jack on the hood exposes it to constant weather, making a protective cover almost mandatory. It can also create a minor visual obstruction depending on your driving position and may not be ideal if you frequently drive on public roads where theft could be a concern.
Smittybilt Roll Bar Jack Mount for UTVs
UTVs and side-by-sides are practically made for navigating tight spots on a small farm, and their roll bars offer prime real estate for tool storage. The Smittybilt Roll Bar Jack Mount is a simple, effective clamp system that secures a farm jack to any roll cage tube. This keeps the jack high, dry, and out of the mud.
This mounting style excels at keeping the jack secure on extremely rough terrain. The clamp design holds it tight, preventing the vibrations that can damage the jack’s components over time. It’s an ideal solution for a dedicated farm vehicle that doesn’t share its space with other cargo.
The main consideration is placement. You need to choose a spot on the roll bar that doesn’t interfere with your line of sight, passenger comfort, or the operation of a dump bed. Always measure your roll bar’s diameter before ordering to ensure the clamps will fit securely.
Tuff Stuff Adjustable Tube Mount for Bumpers
If you don’t have a Jeep hood or a UTV roll cage, an adjustable tube mount is your most versatile option. The Tuff Stuff mount, and others like it, uses adjustable brackets that can clamp onto a wide range of round or square tube bumpers, roof racks, or brush guards. This flexibility makes it adaptable to almost any farm truck or tractor with the right attachment point.
This is the go-to choice for custom applications. You can mount the jack horizontally on a front bumper or vertically on a headache rack behind the cab. This allows you to position the tool exactly where it makes the most sense for your workflow and vehicle layout.
The key is having a sturdy mounting point. These brackets need to be attached to a solid, frame-mounted bumper or rack, not a thin piece of decorative trim. A poorly chosen location can result in the jack breaking free under stress, which is far more dangerous than having no mount at all.
BOLT J-Mount for Truck Bed Rail Systems
Modern farm trucks often come with factory-installed bed rail or track systems, and the BOLT J-Mount is engineered to take advantage of them. This mount locks directly into the utility rails, providing an incredibly secure and clean-looking storage solution along the side of the truck bed. It keeps the jack accessible but out of the main cargo area.
The standout feature of the BOLT system is its "one-key" technology. The lock on the mount can be permanently programmed to your specific truck ignition key, meaning you don’t have to carry an extra key just for your jack mount. This is a small detail that makes a big difference in daily use.
This system is fantastic, but it’s vehicle-specific. It only works if your truck has the compatible bed rail system from the factory. If you have a simple, unlined truck bed, you’ll need to look at other options.
Daystar Jack Handle Isolator Stops Rattles
This isn’t a mount, but it’s arguably the most important accessory for any farm jack owner. The Daystar Jack Handle Isolator is a simple, heavy-duty rubber piece that slides over the jack’s main steel I-beam. It has a cradle that holds the loose handle firmly in place, completely eliminating the metal-on-metal clatter.
No matter how securely you mount the jack itself, the handle will always rattle against the beam without an isolator. That constant vibration is not only annoying but also wears down the paint, inviting rust to form on both components. For just a few dollars, this simple part solves the single biggest complaint about carrying a farm jack.
Think of it as a mandatory upgrade. Whether your jack is mounted on the hood, a roll bar, or a bumper, an isolator is the finishing touch that makes the setup silent and stable. It’s the best money you can spend on your jack storage system.
Hi-Lift Jack Neoprene Cover for Protection
Like the handle isolator, a good cover is a critical accessory, not a replacement for a mount. The Hi-Lift Neoprene Cover is designed to slide over the entire running gear and lifting mechanism of the jack. This provides a crucial barrier against rain, dust, mud, and road grime.
The primary job of the cover is to protect the most complex part of the jack—the climbing pin assembly. Keeping this area clean and dry is the single best way to prevent the rust and grit buildup that causes jacks to jam. A seized jack is just a heavy steel bar, so protecting the mechanism is non-negotiable for any externally mounted jack.
While a cover is essential, it can also trap moisture if the jack is put away wet. It’s good practice to occasionally remove the cover after a heavy rain to let the mechanism air out. This small step ensures the cover is protecting your tool, not inadvertently accelerating corrosion.
Choosing the Right Mount for Your Farm Vehicle
There is no single "best" mount; the right choice depends entirely on your vehicle and how you use it. The decision comes down to three factors: your vehicle type, your available mounting points, and your priorities.
Start by assessing your equipment.
- Jeep or similar vehicle? A hood mount is a purpose-built, convenient option.
- UTV or tractor with a roll cage? A roll bar mount is secure and makes great use of space.
- Truck with a heavy-duty bumper or rack? An adjustable tube mount offers the most flexibility.
- Modern truck with a bed rail system? A dedicated rail mount like the BOLT J-Mount is the cleanest solution.
Finally, don’t forget the accessories. No matter which mount you choose, pair it with a handle isolator to stop the rattles and a neoprene cover to protect the mechanism from the elements. A complete system includes the mount, the isolator, and the cover—together, they turn your farm jack from a noisy liability into a silent, reliable partner.
Ultimately, a properly stored farm jack is a tool you can trust. By investing a small amount of time and money into a secure mounting system, you’re not just buying silence and organization. You’re buying reliability and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your most important recovery tool will work flawlessly when you need it most.
