The other day, I got my hands on a QuickJack—the much-hyped portable car lift system—and I was pretty excited. I picked up the BL-7000SLX model because I needed something tough enough to lift my Ram 1500 pickup. On paper, this lift had everything I wanted: a 7,000-pound lifting capacity, heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders, and the convenience of home garage use. Unfortunately, what started as a promising addition to my garage quickly turned into a frustrating experience.
Let me walk you through exactly what happened and give you the kind of real-world review I wish I had seen before buying. Hopefully, it helps if you’re thinking about picking up a QuickJack for your own projects.
Table of Contents
First Impressions
When the QuickJack arrived, it showed up quickly—Costco shipped it fast, and I had it within a week. But this thing is no lightweight. Each side of the lift and the hydraulic pump are super heavy. If you have back issues like I do, be prepared to move with caution or get someone to help you. The good news? The hydraulic cylinders looked solid. They were already filled with hydraulic oil, which may mean they were tested before shipping—or possibly returned. That’s where my doubts began.
The pump came pre-filled with what looked like transmission fluid. Again, not necessarily a problem since that’s an acceptable fluid type, but it raised a red flag. It made me wonder whether I had received a returned unit. Despite those concerns, I hooked everything up and tried it out.
QuickJack Performance… Briefly
The first few times, the QuickJack performed like a champ. It lifted my Ram 1500 without any struggle. I thought I had found the perfect solution for my home garage. But then… nothing. On the third or fourth lift, the pump still made noise, but it wasn’t building pressure. The lift simply wouldn’t rise.
I tried not to panic and hoped it was just an issue with air in the system. I reached out to QuickJack’s customer support, and to their credit, they responded with a troubleshooting routine. They suggested I try priming the pump, a common issue when air gets into the lines. But after trying multiple times, I got nowhere.
The Letdown and the Refund
So, I gave up. After hauling these heavy units out, struggling to make it work, and then wasting time troubleshooting, I decided it wasn’t worth the effort. I boxed up the lift and started the return process. Costco made the return fairly simple, but the disappointment stuck.
To be fair, I’ve heard from lots of car guys that their QuickJacks worked like magic. I honestly believe this was just a defective unit. Unfortunately, when something costs this much and fails this fast, it leaves a bad taste.
Should You Buy a QuickJack?
This isn’t meant to discourage anyone from buying a QuickJack. I still think the idea behind it is smart, the build quality of the frames is great, and the company seems responsive. But in my case, the pump failure turned an exciting new garage tool into a heavy metal headache.
If you’re planning on buying a QuickJack, just be prepared for a bit of setup, some weighty lifting, and the possibility of needing tech support. When it works, it really is a game-changer for home mechanics. I just happened to pull the short straw.
- 7,000 lb Capacity with Extended Frames: Ideal for longer vehicles like trucks, SUVs, and cars with extended wheelbases, providing secure and stable lifting. Ideal for garage, shop, or mechanic use.
- Compact & Portable Car Lift Design: Built-in wheels make it easy to move, this car lift is ideal for home garages, shops, and workspaces. It’s a space-saving design that is portable and stores flat.
- Durable and Reliable Construction: Built to securely withstand regular use in professional or home settings, ensuring long-lasting performance and safety.
- User-Friendly Car Lift Operation – Quick-connects ensure fast, effortless setup, getting your lift ready in no time. Enjoy the convenience of safe, smooth, hydraulic-powered lifting.
Last update on 2025-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What My QuickJack Experience Taught Me
In the end, my QuickJack journey wasn’t exactly what I had hoped. I wanted a fast, portable solution for lifting my truck, but what I got was a short-lived victory followed by a long return process. Still, I learned a few valuable lessons about shopping smart, checking gear thoroughly, and managing expectations with even the most epic products.
Would I try a QuickJack again someday? Maybe. But for now, I’m keeping both feet on the ground—and maybe my truck too.
