A quick look at what I think is the most convenient way to raise, lower and store your Jeep hardtop.
4XTRAIL Amazon Associates links:
Hoist: https://amzn.to/3ohMnfP
Straps: https://amzn.to/3ouXPVS
Newer Wireless Hoist: https://amzn.to/3y7Ay04
Purchasing through these links is the same price for you but helps support future 4XTRAIL content!
Here’s the detailed how-to video for installing your own hoist! https://youtu.be/rj2jh6OCesE
#jeep
#hardtop
#diy
#hardtophoist
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4XTRAIL thank you for sharing a great way to hoist the hardtop with a simple solution to keep the hoist out of sight while ending with a professional appearance. The PVC adapters really give a nice look vs just holes cut in the sheetrock. I installed this over the last few days with my son and we couldn’t be happier to no longer need 2 people to remove the top and it preserved my garage floor space where the top used to sit during the summer months. So glad we went this route and for only ~$200 total, so much cheaper than many of the alternative hoists or ways to store the top.
A few modifications I made due to my situation and sharing with others in case it is helps:
• Built a frame with 2x4s to secure on the rafters in the attic vs just stacking 2×4’s to give a bit more clearance for the hoist. I wanted 11” above my rafters due to some of the insulations in my garage ceiling. Frame should be stronger, and it also required less lumber vs just staking 2x4s for the height I needed.
• Used 9 foot sling straps to gain more clearance in my 10’3” garage ceilings. I wanted to ensure I could walk under the top when lifted to the ceiling. I saw a few others and myself asked some questions regarding clearance and with this set up using a 2” ring on the hoist hook, 5.5” carabiners and 9’ sling straps the top raised to leave ~2 foot gap from ceiling to top of hardtop and ~4 feet from the ceiling to the bottom of the hardtop when fully raised off the Jeep. In my garage with 10’3” ceilings I have 6’3” from the garage floor to the bottom of the hardtop when lifted, enough to walk under.
• Since already up in the attic I ran the electric power cord up there and just drilled a small 1” hole right next to my garage door opener outlet in the ceiling and dropped the power cord there, this kept the cord out of sight, and no one can see it running to the outlet.
• Winch I bought had a 6’6” corded remote control cord so I was able to drill the hole for this far enough to the side from the hoist opening to allow the cord to hang directly down and still gives 9” of clearance from touching the side of the hardtop so the remote control cord will never touch the hardtop during the process or while the top is lifted up for the season. Also this kept the remote control within reach without needing a ladder or step.
Well I just did exactly what you did and it ripped the fiberglass in the corner of my door. I can no longer take the top of my jeep off. So the first time I removed my top was the last time I removed my top. I'm assuming it's several thousand dollars for a new top. I'm totally bummed right now. I'm not saying this is a bad method but it ruined my jeep top.
I just used your plan to build mine and I love it. I did use roofing flanges to dress up the holes in the ceiling but man what a cool system. Thanks!!!
Finished this install at my new home and it went smooth. Thank you for making these videos on what is needed and how to accomplish! What a space saver and so much easier having this hoist compared to always asking a friend to help lift the jeep top each time you want to change it.
Brilliant solution. Should have gotten the wireless. Other than that, outstanding execution production well done!
I did very much the same thing and with the same equipment, only I used a slide rail so that I could slide the lift and the roof into a storage space in the apex of the loft space. The hoist is also used for lifting boxes and other items into storage, it really works very well.
Used your setup with the wireless remote. Haven’t used it for my top removal yet but pretty sure it’s going to be perfect for me. Thanks for the video and the links!
Where did you get the straps and what is the length of each strap?
This is just what I was looking for, thanks! Would you show me the setup you have in the attic space? I'm going to be doing this same thing in a few weeks.
I'm impressed with your garage. My garage has a lawn mower, John Deere Tractor and trailer, pressure washer, snow blower, several ladders, kayak, garbage bin, recycle bin, two chairs saws, various motor oils, & bar chain oils, garden hoses, additional FEMA firefighter gear (yes, I am a firefighter/EMT) , car wash buckets, rakes, shovels, jumper cables, plus two cars!!
Great Job!!! Quick Question. I see another viewer asked about the height. You stated you Have 10ft ceilings. Can you tell me the distance between ceiling and top of the roof fully lifted? How close can you get the hardtop to the ceiling understanding that you have to account for the straps? Adding that distance with the height of the hardtop will give me an ideal of headroom. I have 12ft ceilings. I hope that with your awesome rig idea, I can walk underneath without hitting my head (and I'm 6'2").
Also, I have no attic space as there is a Bedroom overtop. I would have to mount to the ceiling joist or I am thinking of a sidewall mount with pulleys. Thanks in advance.
I'm rigging a similar hoist, spent about 260$ on Amazon.
AWESOME video!! Will be utilizing the affiliated links to purchase items. Thank you!!
What are the straps called, and where;d you buy them, I need the same thing but for my lawn mower.
Lol that static line won't hold that top. No way they meet the load to hold not to mention catch it
Works great!
He did that like a BOSS
this is perfect… the most ingenious and effective way to remove and store the hardtop.. nice work dude
Where did u buy O RING
Can you close the glass with those straps?