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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hey AHP, I see you have it cranked up pretty high..... What is the measurement from ceiling to bottom of hard top. I'm concerned about headroom in my tiny garage. Thanks
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.
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.
The ceiling in my garage is not that high but I can pull my JK right in underneath the lifted hardtop. It nestles neatly justa few inches over the hood.
This pic is a little dark and I was still adjusting things, so the top isn't very level, but this should give you an idea...
I just installed the Harken this weekend. So far I've taken the top on and off four times in under 5 minutes myself (I guess I'll note that I'm 5'4" and 120 lbs). Once you get the hang of how to position the rope and where to park the Jeep you are good to go!
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!
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!
I'm about to pull the trigger on the racor hoist. You guys feel confident using 2 ratchet straps? It's obviously working fine, just makes me nervous. I may add an extra ratchet strap or 2 just for piece of mind.
I previously used the ratchet straps for 3yrs ... lots of people do. I converted over to Harken Hoister, incredible difference ... super fast, easy, and 4" from ceiling.
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