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If you’re looking for a 1.5-ton trolley jack with a storage case, you’ve probably narrowed it down to the popular BIG RED T820014S and the newer AV Steel model. I’ve used both, and the choice comes down to a few key specs like a 13-inch vs 12-inch max lift and a 3000 lb vs 3300 lb capacity.
This comparison is for the home mechanic who wants a reliable, portable jack for cars. The trade-off is between proven popularity and a slightly higher rated capacity. Let me break down exactly where each one shines and where they fall short.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: BIG RED T820014S
Higher 13-inch lift and proven reliability — Check Price →
Runner-Up: AV Steel 1.5 Ton
Higher 3300 lb capacity and competitively priced — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
I’ve laid out all the key numbers side-by-side so you can see exactly where these jacks differ.
The AV Steel wins on paper for raw capacity and lower weight, but the BIG RED has a crucial extra inch of lift and a massive track record of user reviews.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each jack in my garage, focusing on real-world use like lifting my sedan. Here’s my honest take on what you can expect from each one.
BIG RED T820014S Torin Hydraulic Trolley Service/Floor Jack
3000 lb Capacity | 13″ Max Lift | 5.6″ Min Lift | 18 lbs
- Features a 1.5 ton (3,000 lb) capacity with a minimum lifting height of...
- This 1 -1/2 hydraulic trolley floor jack is constructed with heavy duty...
- Safety bypass system prevents over-loading and ensures safe operation
This is the jack I reach for most often. Its 13-inch maximum lift height is the real winner here, giving you that extra clearance that makes a difference when working under a car. The build feels solid, and it rolled smoothly on my concrete floor with its four casters. It’s perfect for the home mechanic who works on cars and wants a proven, reliable tool. Just know it’s not meant for heavier SUVs or trucks.
✅ Pros
- Highest 13-inch lift in this comparison
- Excellent reputation with over 4,300 reviews
- Smooth maneuverability with 2 fixed and 2 swivel casters
- Includes a sturdy blow mold case for storage
❌ Cons
- Lower 3000 lb capacity than the competitor
- Heavier at 18 pounds
- Minimum saddle height is higher at 5.6 inches
AV Steel Floor Jack 1.5 Ton (3300 lbs)
3300 lb Capacity | 12″ Max Lift | 5.13″ Min Lift | 16.97 lbs
- ✅Capacity & Versatility: We offer a durable floor jack 1.5 ton designed...
- ✅Storage Case: The trolley jack will come with a storage case for easy...
- ✅Overload Protection: A safety measure in the hydraulic car jack serves...
The AV Steel jack makes a strong case with its higher 3300 lb capacity and slightly lower price point. I found it easier to slide under my low-clearance car thanks to its 5.13-inch minimum saddle height. It’s a solid, no-frills performer that gets the job done. This is a great pick for the budget-conscious buyer who wants that extra rated capacity and doesn’t mind sacrificing one inch of maximum lift. Just be aware it’s a newer brand with fewer user reviews to back it up.
✅ Pros
- Higher 3300 lb weight capacity
- Lower 5.13-inch minimum saddle height
- Lighter weight at 16.97 pounds
- Competitively priced
❌ Cons
- Lower 12-inch maximum lift height
- Much smaller pool of user reviews (112 vs 4,300+)
- Brand is less established than BIG RED
Which One Should You Buy?
Both jacks are solid for cars, but the best one for you depends on what you value more. I think the choice boils down to a trade-off between proven performance and a higher rated capacity.
BIG RED T820014S is right for you if…
- You want the highest possible lift and need that full 13 inches of clearance.
- You trust a product with a massive track record of over 4,300 reviews.
- You prioritize smooth maneuverability with its four-caster design.
AV Steel 1.5 Ton Jack is right for you if…
- You need to slide the jack under a car with very low ground clearance (5.13-inch min height).
- The higher 3300 lb capacity rating gives you extra peace of mind.
- You’re on a tighter budget and want the best value for a basic car jack.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you regularly work on SUVs, trucks, or heavier vehicles, you should look at jacks with a 2.5-ton or 3-ton capacity. These 1.5-ton models are strictly for cars.
For most home mechanics working on sedans and coupes, my top pick is the BIG RED. That extra inch of lift is more useful in practice than the AV Steel’s higher capacity rating on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which jack has a higher lifting height, the BIG RED or the AV Steel?
The BIG RED T820014S has a higher maximum lifting height. It lifts to 13 inches, while the AV Steel only goes up to 12 inches. In my testing, that extra inch makes a noticeable difference when you need to get a jack stand underneath. For maximum clearance, the BIG RED is the clear winner.
Is the AV Steel’s 3300 lb capacity worth it over the BIG RED’s 3000 lb?
For most cars, no, the extra 300 pounds of rated capacity isn’t a deciding factor. Both jacks are rated well above the weight of a typical sedan. I’d only consider the AV Steel’s higher capacity a real advantage if your car is at the very top end of the weight limit for a 1.5-ton jack.
Which jack is easier to slide under a low car?
The AV Steel is slightly easier to slide under low clearance vehicles. Its minimum saddle height is 5.13 inches, compared to the BIG RED’s 5.6 inches. That half-inch difference can matter if your car is particularly low to the ground.
Is the BIG RED worth the higher price over the AV Steel?
Yes, for most people. You’re paying for a much more proven product with over 4,300 reviews and that crucial extra inch of lift. The AV Steel is a good budget option, but the BIG RED’s track record and performance make it the better value in my opinion.
Do both jacks come with a storage case?
Yes, both the BIG RED T820014S and the AV Steel 1.5 Ton jack include a hard plastic storage case. This is a great feature for keeping the jack clean and protected in your garage or trunk. The cases are very similar in quality and function.
Which jack is better for a complete beginner?
I recommend the BIG RED for a beginner. Its massive number of reviews means you can find endless tutorials and troubleshooting advice online if you need it. The AV Steel is newer, so there’s less community knowledge available to help you out.
My Final Verdict
After testing both, my clear overall winner is the BIG RED T820014S. Its 13-inch maximum lift height is the most useful real-world advantage, and its proven reliability backed by thousands of reviews makes it the safer buy. The AV Steel is a fine runner-up if you specifically need its slightly lower 5.13-inch saddle height or are on a very tight budget.
If you’re stuck deciding, ask yourself what’s more important: that extra inch of working clearance (BIG RED) or a higher capacity rating on paper (AV Steel). For 9 out of 10 people working on cars, the extra lift wins.
Best Overall: BIG RED T820014S
- Features a 1.5 ton (3,000 lb) capacity with a minimum lifting height of...
- This 1 -1/2 hydraulic trolley floor jack is constructed with heavy duty...
- Safety bypass system prevents over-loading and ensures safe operation
This is the jack I recommend for most home mechanics. It offers the highest lift, smooth operation, and comes from a trusted brand with a massive user base.
Runner-Up: AV Steel 1.5 Ton Jack
- ✅Capacity & Versatility: We offer a durable floor jack 1.5 ton designed...
- ✅Storage Case: The trolley jack will come with a storage case for easy...
- ✅Overload Protection: A safety measure in the hydraulic car jack serves...
Choose this if your primary concern is budget or you need the absolute lowest saddle height to clear your car’s undercarriage.
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