BEST HARDTOP HOIST FOR YOUR JEEP?? // SIMPLE DIY ELECTRIC HOIST SYSTEM

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: amzn.to/3ohMnfP
Straps: amzn.to/3ouXPVS
Newer Wireless Hoist: 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! • HOW TO INSTALL AN ELEC...
#jeep
#hardtop
#diy
#hardtophoist

[@mikehoffman3690]

Love the idea of mounting the hoist inside the attic. Provides an additional foot of lift. 😎

[@bpizzuti]

Did this same set up over the weekend except I did the hoist w wireless remote- WORKS GREAT! THANK YOU FOR SHARING! And for making a video with no cheesiness- just straight up here’s what you need and how to make it work. GOOD STUFF! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@4XTRAIL]

Glad to hear! Thanks for the comment

[@JWard2]

How has yours held up now that it's been two and a half years?

[@PilotVolunteer]

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!!

[@4XTRAIL]

Most of that was behind my camera 😅

[@zeropointenergy1574]

Just what I was looking for. Big thanks. Awesome Jeep.

[@4XTRAIL]

Hey! I’m glad it was helpful! Thanks

[@dennispilipuf7452]

Love your setup for the hoist. My question... have you noticed any negative side effects with using the straps? Warping of the top? Weather strip damage? Thanks

[@briankinlein9817]

This. THIS! This was exactly what I was looking for! Great content. Looking forward to more soon, and checking out all your other stuff too. Thank you!!!

[@4XTRAIL]

That’s awesome Brian! Glad to hear it. Two years on and I’m still loving this system to remove my top. Hope the install goes well for you!

[@jreich20]

Dope setup. Thanks for the breakdown ...Now, I just need a garage 🙃

[@4XTRAIL]

Glad you enjoyed it! And the garage is an important part of this set up for sure LOL

[@jenkssocal]

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.

[@4XTRAIL]

Love it! Thanks for sharing 👊🏼

[@camhilliard4429]

Can you attach a picture of how the setup looks from inside your attic? I want to install something like this, but am looking for a little guidance as to how to attach the lift to the rafters.

[@camhilliard4429]

I see the attached video now. thanks!

[@joeybaltz582]

this is perfect... the most ingenious and effective way to remove and store the hardtop.. nice work dude

[@4XTRAIL]

Appreciate it Joey! Glad it was helpful.

[@socalnsx]

cool.... just went and got a 2000lb Badland wench from Harbor Freight $54 and cheap 12v lawn and garden battery from Walmart $24 and did this....works great!!

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome!

[@user-wd2mo5vb8t]

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!!!

[@4XTRAIL]

Love it!

[@Wheniamweakiamstrong]

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!

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome!

[@rsanford446]

Great job. Perfect solution for me I have lights and cabinets running where the other cable based set ups would run. Thank you !

[@4XTRAIL]

All the best with the project!

[@user-ie4ec6mi6r]

Spin solved using double line method. You can do on the joist he mentions. Also it’s rated at 400 using the double line NOT single line. Single line still ok at 220pds. Just an FYI. Working on the tilt part now.

[@denishood7258]

Great system! and thanks for no music in background

[@4XTRAIL]

Right on! 👊🏼

[@hd1lady]

Awesome! I am doing that to my "She Shed Garage" Great Advice!

[@panteratime]

Thank you so much for your video! I showed my husband and we ended up doing your method.. we did not go into the attic but everything else we did just like you did! Thanks again! When I try it out when it gets warmer I'll let you know how it all works out......

[@4XTRAIL]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for the comment.

[@regmartin688]

Awesome best setup i've seen Thanks.

[@lordodin1973]

He did that like a BOSS

[@4XTRAIL]

Practice 😅😅😅

[@raytrejo3033]

Nice! I have been looking for a long time to find a great setup like yours!. I have always wanted to do a hoist setup but struggled with cabling or a pulley. The straps you used were genius. I just finished installing a hoist to my garage ceiling using a unistrut. Thanks for your video!!!!

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome Ray! Using unistrut is a great idea!

[@chrisgrenfell2975]

Works great, man. You’ve inspired me to do this for my hard top. 👍🏻

[@4XTRAIL]

Glad to hear! Hope the project goes well, I think you’ll enjoy the end result. Here’s the link to my actual install video if it’s helpful for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJuVm5tshKiYqac

[@Threedog1963]

I used to have a manual system to store my canoe in the garage similar to this. My system involved nylon rope and pulleys. I like yours much better, because, if I dropped my canoe, no big deal. I'd hate to drop the top of my wife's Wrangler. Thanks for the video. I'll buy through your link.

[@4XTRAIL]

That’s great, yeah the wrangler top can be an awkward thing to hoist but this system works well. Here’s a how-to install video that might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJuVm5tshKiYqac

[@Threedog1963]

Jeep is being built... still. Ordered the hoist and straps through your link. I can put this in before Jeep is delivered.

[@daveoom7965]

Great system. Video was well done and suited my learning perfectly. Ordered the parts, few tweaks on my end (nothing major) and when parts were in, had this installed in about 2 hours. Cable for safety is a great tip, and one that all should follow for a few extra bucks. Thank you!

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome to hear Dave!

[@bricespencer4911]

Great idea and video. I would love to see the set up above the ceiling as well but maybe I can figure that out myself. Thanks!

[@4XTRAIL]

Hey Brice! Glad it was helpful. Here’s a link to the full install video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJuVm5tshKiYqac

[@edge540steve]

Thanks man, great video. I had a similar idea but definitely putting the winch in the attic now.

[@4XTRAIL]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment.

[@alfredolopez714]

Great looking and cleanest set up !!! I'm ready to do it. Thanks for the video

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome Alfredo, links for hoist and straps are in the description if you're interested. All the best with the project!

[@alfredolopez714]

@@4XTRAIL Thanks , I really would like to see your attic set up.

[@4XTRAIL]

@@alfredolopez714 Will send you an email!

[@alfredolopez714]

Cool thanks again

[@johntarnofsky1740]

Absolutely awesome. I copied exactly!!! Next, I am gonna copy the tires and wheels

[@4XTRAIL]

I love it! Glad it was helpful 👊🏼

[@lia_w1233]

This is the best setup we've seen! Thanks for sharing! We will be doing this very setup tomorrow morning.

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome Lia, all the best with the project!

[@h4ggs]

Can you please post a video of what it looks like on the inside of the attic? Great setup man.

[@4XTRAIL]

Send me your email and I’ll forward you an attic view vid. Thanks for the comment!

[@mclaughlin138]

@@4XTRAIL can you send the pics my way as well? [e-mail]

[@timothymattingly7511]

Could you please send me the attic view also? Thank you! [e-mail]

[@crow11ad]

@4XTRAIL Can I please have one as well? [e-mail]

[@guscabo3073]

Great info bud… but question here… why the O ring ?? Can the large carabiners be connected straight to the hoist hook??? Having a hard time finding an O ring for overhead load. ( all I find are not recommended for that).

[@4XTRAIL]

Hey good Q - yeah you can definitely clip the carabiners directly to the hoist hook if there’s enough room. In my case, to get carabiners that were rated for a high enough weight I didn’t have clearance to connect them directly to the hook.

[@conekiller1988]

How does yours stay level and not spin? I have the same setup and I have a hard time keeping it level and not spinning in circles

[@darker360]

I wanted to thank you so much for this video. I made something very similar and it was heavily based on your designs. Cheers!

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome, glad to hear! Thanks for the comment!

[@vaz80]

Thanks so much for this video...I got mine all set up

[@4XTRAIL]

Love hearing that! Hope it works well for you.

[@Anvil67]

Watched the video and replicated the system. Very easy to do. I purchased the 880lbs with wireless remote. I have a Smittybilt Roof Rack and the system works perfectly! Thanks for the video and idea!

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome! Glad to hear it 👊🏼

[@Doingdadthings]

I appreciate you creating this video AND linking those straps (I used your link to buy). Great idea putting it in the attic. I just did this in my garage/attic this weekend and it was pretty easy. I bought my motor at harbor freight and I think it may be the same as yours; Pittsburg. I plan on removing the Jeep top tomorrow and testing it out!

[@4XTRAIL]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 that’s awesome!

[@chadtravis9253]

Great video. I used your system and ordered the same lift and straps you recommended. Just tried it out for the first time tonight, have a couple minor tweaks to make to mine but works excellent. Thanks.

[@4XTRAIL]

Great to hear!

[@kelliekessen525]

What did you use to connect the straps together to connect to the winch? I’m struggling to find a carabiner or shackle that works

[@DarkWhippy]

AWESOME video!! Will be utilizing the affiliated links to purchase items. Thank you!!

[@4XTRAIL]

Appreciate it! Glad to hear 🙌🏼

[@ClintCalhoun-ys6hd]

Would have been nice to see more of the hoist set up

[@royallison5412]

Awesome work ....I'm doing the same thing for my wifes jeep...I have a question the ring that you have connected to the hook what size is it or can you post a link?...thankyou in advance

[@Bosstone95]

Have the same question!

[@Levi52482]

Great clean setup. You should put an eyebolt on both sides of the freedom panels so you can just hook a bungee across them. That way they can't fall if you bump them. Just an idea.

[@4XTRAIL]

Great idea - thanks for the comment!

[@antmon123]

this is absolutely brilliant

[@4XTRAIL]

👊🏼💥

[@JohnSigler]

Installed mine - looks & works great. I have a 2 door JK and 8 ft tow straps were much better length than the 10’ for a JKU.

[@4XTRAIL]

Love it! Thanks for the feedback and helpful info for the 2 door owners.

[@JohnSigler]

8' is just a little tight for connecting things - but brings the top up a little higher when hanging which I like better. I used these: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z8R7T3Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . Next up, paint the inside of the hard top... thanks for these videos!

[@4XTRAIL]

@@JohnSigler You’re welcome!

[@mattkirsch6332]

Thanks for the info! Any issues with the 2 door top hanging level/balancing in the air?

[@4XTRAIL]

@@mattkirsch6332 great question...anyone on here have any experience with this?

[@saraparker4082]

Great solution! I’m setting this up for sure.

[@4XTRAIL]

Thanks for the comment! Glad it was helpful.

[@jaywhited1174]

Nice job. I watched a few similar vids and they were pretty crude efforts. Yours looks great and bolting the hoist above the attic floor floor is definitely a much safer way to do it. I don't think you need the safety strap, but if it makes you feel safer, and I see you have kids so I get it.

[@4XTRAIL]

Thanks for the comment! Glad it was helpful. If you’re interested in a full install video for this setup here’s a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJuVm5tshKiYqac

[@jeffmcclenahan8449]

Could you mount the hoist on a side wall and put a heavy duty lag screw in the ceiling and attach one of the hoist hook/pulleys to it and the other to the ring to lift the hardtop?

[@4XTRAIL]

I think I'm following... The line lifting the hardtop should probably be run through a pulley but then I don't see why that wouldn't work!

[@jeffmcclenahan8449]

4XTRAIL do you think the swivel pulley, (not the one attached to the cable), that is included with the hoist would cause a problem hooked to a large eye bolt in the ceiling?

[@4XTRAIL]

@@jeffmcclenahan8449 My apologies, I thought I had replied to this already! Yeah, that's a great idea. I don't see any issues with using the included pulley. Let me know how it goes!

[@Mike-hb4pc]

Nice! That's the same idea I was having. It would be nice (especially for the price of the vehicle) if they provided a hook or something that you could hook onto to use the electric hoist to make it simpler, especially for HC and/or weaker people.

[@4XTRAIL]

For sure!

[@dennismorrow4298]

Looks like a great setup. I will be doing it. Thanks

[@4XTRAIL]

Right on! 👊🏼💯

[@kell733]

super clean...need to do something similar for my JT top

[@Rebernus]

Been reading a lot about long-term storage. Any warping issues? What’s the longest you’ve had it hung up for? Typical weather where you’re at? Sick system.

[@4XTRAIL]

Nope! No issues at all. We are in AZ now but back when we were in MO where this video was filmed the longest I stored it was about two months. I did the same set up in our new garage and still love it. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching.

[@arthurshavit452]

What a great system and video. This is what I have been looking for! I like your idea of running the line through PVC while the hoist is secured above the ceiling with multiple joists.

[@4XTRAIL]

Thanks Arthur, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@thomascasey6429]

Sure beats the manual ratchet straps I used. Thanks!

[@4XTRAIL]

For sure! 🙌🏼

[@jaybeecool9752]

Great DIY! Thank you!

[@4XTRAIL]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment.

[@BobHemerick-wq2iz]

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 2x4’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.

[@4XTRAIL]

Great write up, Bob! Thanks for sharing this.

[@RichTones]

Great setup and you’ve got a tough looking Wrangler. Nice work. I made a ratchet set up but plan to modify since it’s harder to lower with the ratchets.

[@4XTRAIL]

Rich Hoffman Thank you bro 👊🏼

[@RogueMech]

Brilliant! Thanks man, gonna do this soon.

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome 🤙🏼

[@chrisboyd9318]

Question: first appreciate the vid. With the extra ihooks, did u have to have the length if the safety wire long enough to allow for letting the roof down to the jeep??

[@treydrier3169]

Super helpful!! Thank you.

[@4XTRAIL]

Glad to hear!

[@69THGILF]

Thanks for sharing this great video. I just ordered via your link.

[@4XTRAIL]

Have been off grid so I’m late in replying but glad this was helpful! Thanks

[@jpaige574]

Set mine up this weekend. Mostly awesome but how do you keep your top from leaning forward? Mine is not level like yours.

[@user-ie4ec6mi6r]

I did mine this was but is spin slowly and it also leans forward. BUT I rewired my Remote and it’s like 20ft long lol

[@g3o5d]

Pertaining to the "Safety Cables", Rigging should be rated for 3x the weight of the object. If the topper weighs 150#, the Eye bolts, Carabiners and Cables should EACH be rated for at least 500#. As well as the Hook and Ring.

[@4XTRAIL]

Thanks for the comment!

[@Captain-Awesome]

Just a note, It would have been nice to know what “winch” you used or pulley system.

[@4XTRAIL]

Hey Danny, the hoist is linked in the description!

[@Captain-Awesome]

4XTRAIL Thank You sir!!

[@Bennysnamehere]

Great video brother!

[@4XTRAIL]

Appreciate the comment!

[@CCT.8B]

Awesome!!! Going to definitely do this. Do the straps warp or damage the rubber gasket linings on the hard top?

[@4XTRAIL]

Haven’t had any issues with the weather stripping!

[@kelliekessen525]

Trying to scroll through comments to find the answer, but what kind of carabiner or O ring did you use? Do you have the link? Thanks!

[@Captain-Awesome]

That is one clean garage!!

[@4XTRAIL]

Behind the camera is less clean! Lol

[@Captain-Awesome]

4XTRAIL mine use to be pretty clean but as of today looks like a junk drawer 🙄

[@Captain-Awesome]

4XTRAIL I am working on this to help my 17yr old son take the top off his Jeep without any help. Something like this seems to be “mostly” fool proof. If you have a minute I have a few questions. I did look it up via the link, thank you! How tall is your garage ceiling? Does the unit make much noise or vibrate? I would have to mount the unit from the ceiling which might make it to low. I was thinking maybe it could be mounted on the wall and use a pulley on the ceiling to get the top higher once removed. Last question how do you feel about the rubber seal on your top being affected by the strap. Thanks again for your help!

[@4XTRAIL]

@@Captain-Awesome Good questions. My garage is 10' but this can be used on a lower ceiling as well, the only benefit to higher ceiling is you can pull in forward underneath the raised top. If you are fine with backing in each time (when the top is raised) then all you need is to raise it a few inches or enough to clear the spare tire/rear of the vehicle. No vibrations and minimal noise. The wall mount/pulley option is a great idea! Someone else on here did that same approach I believe. No negative affects to the weather stripping seal!

[@Captain-Awesome]

@@4XTRAIL Your like made me realize I hasn’t responded back. We got it up and running but he hasn’t gotten much use out of it just yet. As summer approaches I am sure he will be using a lot. We used the harbor freight winch and the pulleys just like yours, it works great!! Thank you for the suggestion and responses.

[@022rty]

Have you had any issues with the straps damaging the weatherstripping on the back at all?

[@michaelspellman5171]

I really like the way you have your system set up. Only question I have is with the way you're running the straps and how they sit (pull) on the rear window rubber seal. Have you had any issues with water leaking in from the corners of windows where the straps sit on the rubber seal? Thanks

[@4XTRAIL]

Hey Michael, sorry for the delayed reply on this! No issues with the weather stripping whatsoever. The seals didn’t seem to mind the straps.

[@ryangreenlaw11]

Thanks for the video. I replicated the set up and its great! Just need to figure a way to lift the hoist higher off my beams so I could have another foot or 2 of height. Have you noticed any issue with the straps putting pressure on the rear window weather stripping (leaving indents, messing up the original shape etc)? I have dual tops and plan to leave the hard top hanging during the summer and use the soft top (I live in Maine so that only actually about 12 weeks) but want to make sure it doesn't mess up the rear window top seal.

[@4XTRAIL]

That’s great! Here’s a video I just did that shows more of the install process. Might give you some ideas on how to get some extra height: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJuVm5tshKiYqac No, I haven’t haven’t had any issues at all with the weather stripping. I think the lip of the fiberglass around the rear window takes the majority of the lifting weight which helps.

[@jeswinraj1180]

Hi Kaleb - can you please post the link to the security cable that attaches to the two eye hooks? Thanks

[@4XTRAIL]

Apologies for the delay! I don’t have a link for that one but you can find ones at Home Depot - both pre made and materials to make a custom length one! Hope that helps.

[@BobbyLouxMusic]

Just an absolute brilliant idea. due to my lights and attic door on ceiling the typical pullies style hoists will not work. I'll be going with your idea. I see you've sent a few folks additional photos of what you did in attic, you mind sending those this way for reference?

[@4XTRAIL]

Have been off grid so I’m late in replying but I’m glad this was helpful! All the best with the project! 👊🏼

[@kevincurbow9715]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to make it. Quick question, what is on your cable to close off the PVC pipe?

[@4XTRAIL]

Hey Kevin, glad this was helpful! That’s just a rubber disc that trips the hoist shutoff lever when fully raised. It came on the hoist cable.

[@CraneGuru]

Great video I would "2 part" the cable so the speed will be reduced by half

[@IaMCdN1]

Does the back window shut with those straps? I’m tight for space

[@joenocchi5421]

Excellent video. I'm going with this design except my kids bedroom is above the garage so I have to mount using a square tube attached to ceiling. Way cheaper than going with the kits deigned for Jeeps by $100s. I have question about the hoists - do they have a manual crank of some sort in case the motor goes belly up? Concerned my top will get stuck hanging there.

[@4XTRAIL]

That’s great, I’m glad this helped! That’s a good question, I don’t think mine has a manual crank option but there might be a free-spool adjustment on the hoist housing to where you could let out cable in the case of a seized motor. Not sure though.

[@ammoretuo]

Hey.. How long are the bands? When it lifts, doesn't it tend to turn around? Link bands? Thank you

[@alfonsonieves1921]

Can you tell me what kind is that one ring?

[@michaelchow4654]

Thanks for the great idea, I've made the same lift according to your video. But how did your hardtop sit so level when lifted? My tilts to the back as it's heavier on the back side.

[@4XTRAIL]

Hey Michael, it takes a little tweaking of the straps to get the weight bias right. Since these hardtops are heavier in the rear you have to slide the straps so that the hoist is lifting more toward the rear of the top. If you keep the straps perfectly centered it won't lift level. Hope that helps!

[@kevinskillin9340]

Thanks for this, I wanted to make a cheap pulley system but it wouldn't work in my garage so I think I'm going to go with pretty much this same thing. I want to get a secondary strap or something like that too but my ceiling is like 12 feet up so I wont be able to access it easily

[@4XTRAIL]

Glad it was helpful! With 12’ ceilings the extra clearance underneath will be great too. Thanks for the comment! 👊🏼

[@lucitort]

I’m definitely going to do this! I need to see the attic set up though.

[@4XTRAIL]

Awesome - send your email and I will forward the attic view.

[@lucitort]

@@4XTRAIL [e-mail]

[@1224ryon]

Very clean setup. I’d love to see the attic setup too, if you don’t mind. [e-mail].

[@4XTRAIL]

Just sent to both of you! All the best with the project 👏🏼

[@1224ryon]

@@4XTRAIL much appreciated!

[@woof3598]

been 4 years, any thoughts ? still using it >?

[@brentonmaddox6981]

Any chance you can share what the hanger looks like that you built to connect to the floor joists?

[@4XTRAIL]

For sure, I'll do my best to explain: so these electric hoists hang via two "U" clamps. So You'll need a rod or in my case I used a small piece of square tubing-something strong enough to support the weight of the hoist and whatever you're lifting obviously. So in my case I have the floor joists/rafters running this way | | so I could have just run a rod across them, through the hoist "U" clamps, secured the rod to the rafters and been done but I wanted the hoist itself to be higher than my rafters (not sitting between them) so I built up two stacks of 2x4s running this way = (hopefully my use of dashes is making sense lol) across the joists in the attic. I laid the 2x4s flat and screwed them together as I went so that it was very secure. Once high enough, I ran two 2x6s parallel to my rafters this way | | on top of the stack of 2x4s. Then ran my square tubing across the top this way - then through the hoist "U" clamps and anchored the square tubing to the two 2x6s. The easiest is just to run a rod or square tubing across your rafters (or you can even hang the hoist inside the garage, below the ceiling). I just needed the extra height because of the spacing of my joists and some other factors. Hope that helps!

[@brentonmaddox6981]

@@4XTRAIL This is perfect. Thank you! Great Video and great install

[@myroadtours6147]

This is really clean!

[@4XTRAIL]

My Road Tours 👊🏼

[@myroadtours6147]

@@4XTRAIL I just bought a new home and the garage is unfinished. So I'm working on finishing it and wanted something cleaner than the typical cable/pulley system running along the walls for removing the top. This fits the bill perfectly!

[@4XTRAIL]

My Road Tours that’s awesome! All the best with the new home and garage project!

[@danethurmond9807]

Awesome video! I essentially have the set up the same and was curious where you got the metal ring? I wanted to find one rated for the rig you have but, wasn’t sure what you were using.

[@4XTRAIL]

Thanks for the comment! I believe I found the ring at Home Depot in the chain isle.

[@SuperZippyzoo]

Best setup I've seen! One question, can you close the rear window with the yellow straps between the window or are the straps too thick to close the rear window? I'm only asking because I have limited space behind the Jeep to keep the window open.

[@4XTRAIL]

zippy zoo Thank you, glad it helped! Yes, I can close the glass on mine w/straps in place.

[@protocols8015]

Awesome job! Definitely noting this for a quick weekend job. Do you have any DIY recommendations for the door hangars, or just something similar to the freedom panels?

[@4XTRAIL]

Thanks! My dad does some welding and actually welded some door hangers (you can see them in the background on the back wall of the garage). They look like an “E” that’s missing the middle line and they have holes the same diameter as the Jeep door mounting posts. A simple solution is to hang them by the upper window frame (with window rolled down) using a 2x4 bracket or lean them against the wall and use heavy duty ladder hooks underneath like I have for my freedom panels. Just some ideas!

[@protocols8015]

@@4XTRAIL gotcha, I was thinking thats what those were for. Appreciate the quick reply!

[@kalebkruegerunlisted717]

@@protocols8015 Sure thing! Thanks for the comment.

[@carlosomeyers8900]

The link you placed is no longer in stock, is a 440lb hoist all we need for the hard top?

[@4XTRAIL]

Carlos O Meyers Ah, sorry about that. Yes, 440 is fine. The top is about 150lb (that’s high) so any hoist that’s 200lb or above should be fine.

[@ward4251]

I like this idea, and just set up exactly like yours. I’m having an issue though…. In angles to the rear due to the weight, as in it’s not level. Any thoughts?

[@4XTRAIL]

Yes, strap bias front / rear has to be adjusted to offset the weight. So length of straps coming out of the front of the top should be different than rear (longer in front if memory serves but you’ll have to play around with it).

[@danhamilton6921]

Great video! And Thank You! I purchased the straps that you suggested from Amazon. I have not been able to find any large carabiners that are strong enough, so I used short lengths of chain. Could you tell me where to get the large carabiners? Thank again.

[@4XTRAIL]

Glad it was helpful! Home Depot here in the states is where I found the large carabiners.

[@Mirza-519]

Awesome Thank you for sharing Cheers 🍻

[@4XTRAIL]

Right on! 👊🏼

[@Sergeantcruz1216]

Brilliant solution. Should have gotten the wireless. Other than that, outstanding execution production well done!

[@4XTRAIL]

Appreciate it!

[@patrickbeverly6761]

Can you link the ring and carribeaners you used for the straps?

[@4XTRAIL]

Apologies for the delay here! I found them at Home Depot but don’t have a link. Hopefully that helps!

[@brainards11]

Works great!

[@4XTRAIL]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TimAldredge]

Sweet rig!

[@4XTRAIL]

Appreciate it!

[@austinmontes5946]

What size or kind of straps did you use

[@thejeepdude4578]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@4XTRAIL]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@tmdilg1]

Great video! Thank you! What did you attach your straps to? Just the hook of the electric hoist? If you attached it to something else can you include a link on where to purchase it? Also, did you say you attached caribiners to the straps? If so can you link to the ones you use? Thanks again!

[@4XTRAIL]

Hey Tim! Sorry for the delay we’ve been moving 😅 yes, carabiners to the ends of the straps and clipped them to a metal ring on the hoist hook. I purchased both the carabiners and the ring at Home Depot (largest ones they carry). Hope that helps!

[@jimfields4422]

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.

[@4XTRAIL]

Hey Jim! We have since moved and haven’t reinstalled the hoist yet so I can’t measure exactly. I’d say you can get it to be around 2-3’ of distance between the ceiling and top of your hardtop. I’m 6’ and I could almost walk under it with 10’ ceilings so I’d imagine you will be good! Also wall mount w/a pulley overhead is a great idea. That’s probably what I’d have to do at my new place as well. Cheers 🤙🏼