DIY Hard Top Ratchet Hoist

[HealthRebel]

Hey guys. I just wanted to post some pictures of my hard top ratchet hoist that I just installed. I considered a lot of options, including the Top Lift Pro.

Cost me $56.68 plus tax... Premium Lockdown ratchet straps (4) from Amazon ($39.99), 4 stainless steel screw eyes 3/8” x 4.5” from Lowes ($2.68 ea) and a blue swim noodle (of course blue to match my Ocean Blue JLRU) from Walmart ($5.97). Everything is heavy duty. I held on to each anchor separately... 180lbs in each corner, so I know it safely supports a 100 lb. top, with roughly 25 lbs. in each corner.

I saw a video showing the right front strap connecting to the right rear strap and the left front strap connecting to the left rear strap. I liked this idea better that just hooking the strap hook in each corner. I felt like that setup might potentially snap the corner off.

The swim noodle gave and excellent cushioned support and helped to distribute out the weight in each corner.

To let the top down, just back up underneath it and gently lower each corner. I purchased the Premium Lockdown ratchet straps because they have a large rubber handle and release mechanism.

Anyway, I just wanted to post this and maybe this helps you as well.

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[Jimmy_jak]

Looks great

 

[Iwantfullauto]

I did mine almost the same, but I only used two ratchet straps running front to back. Works great! Used the pool noodles also!

James

 

[Rahneld]

Nice job Jerry! Now can you have the top automatically sit itself on the rig and tighten the bolts?

Something like this perhaps....nothing fancy

 

[shekmark]

That looks great but I'm an idiot with those ratchets. Used them for years with my motorcycles and still never got the hang of it. I would probably wind up dropping it on my head trying to un-ratchet! LOL

 

[HealthRebel]

I did mine almost the same, but I only used two ratchet straps running front to back. Works great! Used the pool noodles also!

James

Ohhhhh... that's an idea just using 2 straps instead of 4. Hmmmmm... I may have to try that, except I cut 7 ft. off of each strap.

 

[HealthRebel]

Nice job Jerry! Now can you have the top automatically sit itself on the rig and tighten the bolts?

Something like this perhaps....nothing fancy

Damn it. They stole my ideas!

 

[Iwantfullauto]

With four you can lift it more evenly, straight up and level doing little by little at each corner. With two its a little more simple, but the front comes up a little more then the rear as I have the ratchets toward the front of the jeep. Does not really cause any problems. Only real draw back with this whole set up is releasing the ratchets while lowering the top back down, but the top is pretty light for what it is, so it is pretty easy to control. I also store my freedom panels in there bag on top of the top while it is hanging. Doors are hung on the wall.

James

 

[HealthRebel]

I did mine almost the same, but I only used two ratchet straps running front to back. Works great! Used the pool noodles also!

James

You got me thinking about how you did it with only 2 ratchets. I know on mine, I can only ratchet a certain amount before the spool is full and won't except any more, and that's with 4 ratchets. I am thinking with only 2 you would have to perhaps put twice the amount of strap rolled up on the ratchet spool. Did you use a larger ratchet with a larger spool? Pictures?

 

[Iwantfullauto]

You got me thinking about how you did it with only 2 ratchets. I know on mine, I can only ratchet a certain amount before the spool is full and won't except any more, and that's with 4 ratchets. I am thinking with only 2 you would have to perhaps put twice the amount of strap rolled up on the ratchet spool. Did you use a larger ratchet with a larger spool? Pictures?

Hey, the ratchet straps I used were around 20 feet long if I remember correctly. I purchased them at lowes.

Once everything is set up and ready to lift the top I dont have much extra strap. I only lift the top 4 or 5 inches, just enough to drive out from underneath.

 

[Sierra]

How do you bring it back down SLOWLY rather than just unlocking the ratchet straps and just dropping?

 

[IronScott]

How do you bring it back down SLOWLY rather than just unlocking the ratchet straps and just dropping?

Very carefully.

That’s why it’s better to use cam buckle straps. They are much easier to lower slow and smooth.

 

[Sierra]

 

[Ward]

Got those Forearm Forklifts and had a tailgate extender bar sitting around from when I owned a truck

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