What this tool answers
You need a first-pass bottle-jack capacity before buying a hydraulic bottle jack for a truck, SUV, pickup, or heavier equipment. The calculator estimates minimum rating from GVWR × 0.75, then names the smallest class on this site’s ladder (6, 12, or 20 ton — 13,228 / 26,456 / 44,092 lb) that clears the estimate. Complementary to FloorJack (passenger/light floor-jack ladder vs this higher bottle ladder). It is not a lift procedure, axle-weight study, or substitute for manufacturer instructions.
The 3/4 GVWR screening rule
Consumer jack guidance often screens capacity at about three-quarters of Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — required_lb ≈ GVWR × 0.75. That rule is the same 3/4 screening used on FloorJack. Always use GVWR from the door sticker when available, not empty curb weight alone.
Why jack stands still matter
A bottle jack is a lifting device, not a support. Hydraulic seals can fail; a jack can creep down. Before you put any part of your body under a raised vehicle, place rated jack stands under solid jacking points on firm, level ground and lower the vehicle onto the stands. Never work under a jack alone. Keep the jack as a redundant support only if the manufacturer allows it — never as the sole support.
Class ladder on this site
Classes are returned as ton ids with rated capacities in pounds: 6 ton = 13,228 lb, 12 ton = 26,456 lb, 20 ton = 44,092 lb. The tool picks the smallest class whose rated_lb is greater than or equal to required_lb. Terrain is not used — only GVWR in pounds.
When the answer is NO_MATCH
If required capacity exceeds 44,092 lb (for example GVWR 70,000 → required 52,500), this site returns NO_MATCH for its published class ladder. Typical next steps: a higher-rated industrial jack or professional lift equipment. Do not force an undersized consumer bottle jack.
Safety notes
Lift only at manufacturer-approved points. Confirm the jack’s minimum and maximum height for your chassis. Chock wheels. Work on solid, level pavement. Keep people clear of the vehicle path. This site does not certify lifts or stand placements.
Sources
Same 3/4 GVWR screening pattern as FloorJack / VEVOR-oriented jack capacity education. Garage and automotive media discussing jack capacity vs vehicle weight. Manufacturer safety culture around rated equipment and not relying on improvised supports — applied here as a jack-stand disclaimer. VEVOR US bottle-jack product pages for rated classes dated in products.json (checked 2026-09-10).