Hoist for RTT?

Wotan · Nov 11, 2017

Has anybody built a hoist for their rooftop tent? Mine will be here in about 1.5 weeks, and I need a means to mount and unmount on top of Ruby (Wrangler RUBicon). With the added weight and surface area, I plan on only mounting the RTT when traveling; for day to day driving, I want the rack free...

Thinking about using 2 or 3 pulleys to get the weight down to something a bit more manageable... Just lift off the Jeep and let the tent hang there, then drive the Jeep underneath to mount again.

Alternatively, are there any commercial hoists that could be mounted on the rafters of my workshed?

Winterpeg · Nov 11, 2017

My buddy used a pulley system and a cheap electric winch in his garage for his jeep hardtop.

JK_pix · Nov 11, 2017

I made one out of steel c channel strut available at any Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, etc. and an inexpensive electric winch from Harbor Freight. I use this hoist for both my RTT and the hardtop on my JKU.

LandPirate · Nov 11, 2017

I'll be doing this soon as well. I'd love to see some photos of people's setups if they have time. Cheers.

JK_pix · Nov 11, 2017

I did this many years ago. I based it partially on some directions on JK Forum. I couldn't find those exact directions but these seem to be close. I didn't bother with making a shelf. Also, instead of the hand winch, I went with a cheap electric winch. I've been using the setup for 9 years without any issues.
https://www.jk-forum.com/how-tos/a/...o-build-a-hardtop-hoist-storage-system-407359

I'll try to take a pic tomorrow of my setup so you can see how I get around building a shelf to set it on.

LandPirate · Nov 11, 2017

Thanks!

Wotan · Nov 12, 2017

JK_pix said:
I did this many years ago. I based it partially on some directions on JK Forum. I couldn't find those exact directions but these seem to be close. I didn't bother with making a shelf. Also, instead of the hand winch, I went with a cheap electric winch. I've been using the setup for 9 years without any issues.
https://www.jk-forum.com/how-tos/a/...o-build-a-hardtop-hoist-storage-system-407359

I'll try to take a pic tomorrow of my setup so you can see how I get around building a shelf to set it on.

Sounds awesome. Thanks!

Alain (‘Alan’) via OB Talk on iPhone

JK_pix · Nov 12, 2017

Sorry for the low quality photos. Instead of a wooden shelf, I put some hooks into the ceiling (into the joists to support weight) and use swing chain to support the weight of the RTT in storage.

If you want to use this hoist setup to lift a hardtop or RTT, then you'll need to deviate in one specific way from the directions I posted. The square u-bolts in the directions are cut to make hooks that latch on to the hard top. However, I found they were way too short for use with the RTT. So I had to find much longer u-bolts. I would recommend these instead (Part Number: 426-10542)- http://www.jegs.com/vpt/Superlift-Suspension-Systems/Axle+U-Bolt

Wotan · Nov 12, 2017

JK_pix said:
Sorry for the low quality photos. Instead of a wooden shelf, I put some hooks into the ceiling (into the joists to support weight) and use swing chain to support the weight of the RTT in storage.

If you want to use this hoist setup to lift a hardtop or RTT, then you'll need to deviate in one specific way from the directions I posted. The square u-bolts in the directions are cut to make hooks that latch on to the hard top. However, I found they were way too short for use with the RTT. So I had to find much longer u-bolts. I would recommend these instead (Part Number: 426-10542)- http://www.jegs.com/vpt/Superlift-Suspension-Systems/Axle+U-Bolt

Thanks for the directions and pics. Looks like something I should be able to tackle :)...

Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

PapaDave · Jan 25, 2020

I know I’m reviving an old thread, but I moved and had to redesign my hoist system. My Tacoma has a lift and won’t fit in the garage with my iKamper and rack on, so I made a pergola style hoist. It uses a $99 Harbour Freight winch and ceiling mount style pulleys to route the cables around to lift all four corners. My rack and tent come off as one unit so it’s very fast and easy. My little side area faces the street so I tried to make it look quality.

diabetiktaco · Jan 26, 2020

PapaDave said:
I know I’m reviving an old thread, but I moved and had to redesign my hoist system. My Tacoma has a lift and won’t fit in the garage with my iKamper and rack on, so I made a pergola style hoist. It uses a $99 Harbour Freight winch and ceiling mount style pulleys to route the cables around to lift all four corners. My rack and tent come off as one unit so it’s very fast and easy. My little side area faces the street so I tried to make it look quality.

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No, thank you for reviving an old thread. I haven't put my 23zero walkabout 72 on yet. Main reason is because I can't fit in the garage and it's winter. I also can't hang it from my roof because I won't be able to pull out of the garage. The tent weight 160 lbs. I can probably get it down myself but I'll never get it back up there. I was thinking ramps w/ rollers but that's still a bit of a stretch. I'd love to see anyone else's ideas. My truck has been garage kept (dirty, salty, whatever) since day 1. I'd like to keep it that way.

PapaDave · Jan 26, 2020

diabetiktaco said:
No, thank you for reviving an old thread. I haven't put my 23zero walkabout 72 on yet. Main reason is because I can't fit in the garage and it's winter. I also can't hang it from my roof because I won't be able to pull out of the garage. The tent weight 160 lbs. I can probably get it down myself but I'll never get it back up there. I was thinking ramps w/ rollers but that's still a bit of a stretch. I'd love to see anyone else's ideas. My truck has been garage kept (dirty, salty, whatever) since day 1. I'd like to keep it that way.

I saw one guy who built a hoist out of square tube that fit into his hitch and then would swivel. So you pick it up from right behind the truck, hoist it up high enough, and swivel it around to lower it onto the back of the truck. Takes some welding but it works, just have to balance the tent when hoisted

diabetiktaco · Jan 26, 2020

PapaDave said:
I saw one guy who built a hoist out of square tube that fit into his hitch and then would swivel. So you pick it up from right behind the truck, hoist it up high enough, and swivel it around to lower it onto the back of the truck. Takes some welding but it works, just have to balance the tent when hoisted

I saw that. I can't weld and don't have a welder but it was def. an interesting option.

PapaDave · Jan 26, 2020

diabetiktaco said:
I saw that. I can't weld and don't have a welder but it was def. an interesting option.

I went to a local garage and paid a guy on the side to weld up my fridge slide. Simple cut off wheel to make the cuts and took over the items to weld and an hour later BAM, done.

2manytoyz · Feb 12, 2020

I'm another one using a Harbor Freight attic hoist. I used it several years in a previous house, and another 9 at this house. I use it for all kinds of heavy lifting. I put a couple of cross braces in the attic, and put it in place. I did extend the control pendant since I have to stand to the side when lifting the hard top off our 2006 Wrangler Unlimited (long wheel base) Jeep. Unlike the newer Jeeps, this top is all one piece, and takes 3 adults to lift it safely... or one goober with a hoist.

I later welded up a basic cage, and use it as an elevator to move the MANY boxes of seasonal decorations my wife collects. I'm getting too old to haul those boxes safely up/down the folding stairs. When I need to use it as a simple hoist again, the cage is simply unclipped, and set aside.