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Hardtop hoist

9K views 55 replies 44 participants last post by  sined240 
#1 ·
Wanting to buy a hoist for my hardtop. Any suggestions?
 
#6 ·
I got the Lange power hoist. The instructional DVD is good in some parts but tends to skip around a bit. At $400+ this isn't the cheapest solution. Honestly, it's kind of a rip off but it works well and I had money burning a hole in my pocket so...

I'm NOT handy at all and was able to install it pretty easily. I had trouble finding ceiling joists bc my garage ceiling is plaster with metal mesh underneath so the stud finder was useless....Otherwise I'd go ahead and say it's very easy to install by one person.

Once installed it works GREAT. Here's a pick of my top stored:
 

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#8 ·
I have the Lange as well. Works great. Pricey, but once installed, I've never had a problem.

I'm only moderately handy and was able to easily install by myself. I have a standard drywall garage, so finding studs wasn't an issue.

The hang-a-milk-jug solution Lange provides for keeping the hoist balanced with no top attached is silly, but it does work.
 
#9 ·
Has anyone had any scuffing or warping issues? I have a heavily insulated garage, but obviously the higher storage means more heat exposure. I'm considering building a storage platform that is hoisted.
 
#10 ·
I've had my Racor up for over a year, been a great setup to store the hard top and other items during the winter months. I had my hard top hoisted up almost all of last summer (except for a few rain days) and had no warping or anything with my hard top. Perfect seals this past winter.

Few older threads to help you out as you consider options.
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/jku-hardtop-hoisting-question-145905.html
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/jku-hard-top-hoist-lift-system-969978.html
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/hoist-recommendations-555321.html
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/racor-hoist-questions-1187433.html
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/racor-ceiling-rack-hard-top-hoist-692586.html
 
#13 ·
DIY if you can

I found a deal on ebay for $200 but you will be underwhelmed by the parts that this thing requires. If you are handy at all or even know someone who is, I suggest a 6pk of beer and a few hours to build one yourself. While your at it make yourself a set of door hangers and you will be all set. A must for all hard top owners though.

Cory C.
 
#14 ·
Thanks Y-Guy - appreciate the feedback. Last thing I want to do is pay $$$ and then warp it. Winters are cold enough around here without a leaky hardtop.
 
#16 ·
Installed my Lange crank hoist this weekend. My only beef was the need for another pulley in order to mount on wall that didn't come with my hoist. Seems odd. I mounted the crank to the ceiling, which keeps it out of the way. Of the garage walls. Only plan on using it twice a year.
 

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#18 ·
If you plan on storing the top for long lengths of time, a bestop cart is handy to store it, but also move it in and out of your way, or out of the garage when you're working on a project -
Purchase a Qualifying Bestop Product, Receive up to a $50 Gift Card





..
I just got the HOSS Bestop cart myself. I like the fact that I can strap the cart to the back of the top while it's on the jeep and just back it off, drop to the floor and done!

A hoist would be nice to get it off by myself but I still wouldn't want it hanging in my garage for 6 months every year. The cart is perfect for seasonal hardtop use.
 
#23 ·
I think a couple kayak hoists work better than ratchet straps
 
#28 ·
As long as it's enough to clear the jeep you're probably fine; whether it's high enough to walk under, etc, is a different story - as a ballpark, I'd figure you're going to get the top about 12" from the ceiling (maybe a bit less depending on how you configure it) -- measure the height of the top and add a foot to it, and that's how far down from the ceiling the bottom is going to hang at full lift.
 
#31 ·
Thanks for the info AHP..... Not sure if the Lange is going to work for me, I really like the design. I may go with the Harkin Hoister, it looks as though it will suit my garage set up and as a bonus, it is a little cheaper
At the end of the day.... if the top comes off without a second set of hands and is hidden in my garage, I will be happy!
 
#32 ·
Thanks for the info AHP..... Not sure if the Lange is going to work for me, I really like the design. I may go with the Harkin Hoister, it looks as though it will suit my garage set up and as a bonus, it is a little cheaper At the end of the day.... if the top comes off without a second set of hands and is hidden in my garage, I will be happy!
Sounds like a good plan, and right for your set-up. You will really like the convenience of being able to take off and put on with little effort.
 
#33 ·
Hoist lift. Easy install. It is an electric hoist. $300.00 it's what I wanted.
 
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