Hoist-A-Top

[Dingo]

All-

This past fall, I purchased a hardtop for my wrangler. With spring coming on, I figure I may want to go back to the soft top.

Does anyone have any experience with the "Hoist-A-Top" (power or not) - and if so, what are your thoughts? Worth it? I'm also curious about any special requirements that might be needed. My garage is a pole barn with 2x4 rafters that are 4' apart. Does anyone think that might be a problem from an installation perspective? Thanks in advance.

 

[xt master]

I have no experience with hoist a top.I did make my own lift for my pick up.A couple pulleys and some rope cost me under $50 to make.Made a little block and tackle so the weight was easier to handle.As far as your rafters,I would beef them up some just so the roof doesnt cave in.4' is a far spread on rafters.Easy way to spread the weight of the top is to get a nice piece of steel over 8' to spread it out amongst the rafters.

 

[big t dog]

I,ve removed the back glass and was able to get help from lady and walked it off the back I stored it in the back once under a tarp but I don,t suggest this because it became a nesting place for insects, the last time I removed it, my wife and I carried it to the basement, I asked a similar question once and a guy said buy a six and get two friends to come and help take that thing off.

 

[trailjeep]

I made my own hoist for cheap. I used eye-bolts through the celing joist. Used locking ratcheting straps. I just have to raise the hard top about 2 inches and drive the Jeep out.

 

[jaydub]

I have a hoist-a-top set up. I bought the manual version.

The bracket that holds the top itself is made of multiple pieces (obviously just to make it less costly to ship). It works fine, but a welded piece would be nice.

After figthing with the come-a-long syle ratchet for a year, I bought an 880 pound Hoist from Harbor freight for about $79. I love the electric hoist option. by myself, I can install/remove my hard top in half the time it takes me to do the soft top. I almost never use my soft top now.

My top hangs about 3/4 of the year. I have been doing this since 2004 with notop distortion af any type.