2 Foot Extension Kit for 2 Post Lift?

[inane2]

Good morning all.

Just ordered a Challenger E10 two post lift, 10k. It is set up for right at 12 feet tall.

I can order the 2 foot extension kit to put me right at 14'. This will get the cut-off bar up a little higher.

I'm 6'2" tall and will be working on full size half-ton trucks (F150, 1500's) and full size SUV's (Expeditions, Tahoes). This is not a commercial application by any means, just a back yard garage.

Do you guys anticipate any of these vehicles hitting the cut-off bar or should I go for the two foot extension kit? I realize my rise height is limited but I'd like to be able to work comfortably under the vehicles.

Also, on my 14' ceiling ...... where my lift will be installed, it will cross two trusses (6' OC). The bottom chord of my trusses are 2x8. Measured from concrete up to the bottom and got 13' 11'.

So technically, even if I need the 2 foot extension, I don't think I can make it work without notching two trusses slightly. What are your thoughts on doing so? The location of any possible notches would be 14-15' away from the inside header at the posts.

Thanks for any info / advice. I've seen there are several lift owners on here!

 

[volaredon]

A typical cab isnt 8' tall; and take away the space from the ground to the frame contact points (your lift arms go to the frame not under the tires) I woud think that a 12' lift would be PLENTY!! I am 6' tall myself and have no issue working under a 12' hoist.

 

[inane2]

Thanks for the input.

The shop I work in has a pit for the larger trucks / trailers and a 30,000k four post. I have no experience working under a two post. On the four post we have, I can take it up higher than I can reach and ceiling height isn't an issue with the metal beam construction.

I was thinking the same thing on the frame engagement. The E10 has the screw type pads and I can use adapters to take as much space out as possible.

 

[pattenp]

My 2 post is 12' and a few inches and I've never have had an issue with a full size PU or SUV hitting the safety bar when all the way up. I would not notch the truss bottom cord for any reason.

 

[inane2]

Thanks pattenp.

I agree on the trusses, best left alone!

It sounds like I may not need the extension kit. It would obviously be better to install that with the initial install. But, it sounds like I may not need it and it doesn't look like I could make it work safely.

 

[JMartens]

If the extensions don't give you any more lift, I don't see them being worth it. The lifts I'm looking at all seem to max out at 72 inches. My slightly lifted truck tops out out 72 inches so I'll be able to lift just under full, probably just one lock. Extensions wouldn't be worth it my case.

I read in another post that buy what you will use 60-70% of the time and I think it good advice. Spending money for the what ifs or 30 % is probably not worth it.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I have a Challenger CL10-V3 and added the 2' extension on mine. Is is right at 14' but with a 15'-8" ceiling height, I had plenty of clearance. If you plan on lifting a high top van or somthing like an expedition with a tall equipment roof rack, you will understand why I went with the extension, the bottom of the car/truck will be the same but the height above the lift for those two will tap a 12' lift bar when at full lift height.

Edit, the 14' height is to the top of the cross bar on mine, the shutoff bar hangs down about 3" from there.

 

[inane2]

Hey Georgia,

How do you like your CL10V3? I visited Challenger and they had several lifts on display, including that one. It looked like a beast!

Great advice JMartens!

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Never regretted buying it and still get a grin everytime something goes up on it. Very versatile, heavy duty and should outlive me by a lot of years.

WIth an F-150 getting the rear rebuilt

Wired up to temp power right after the install

 

[cyamaha2007]

Sprinter vans could use the extra height but i have gotten by just fine with the std height lift.

 

[inane2]

Great looking lift and garage. Thanks for sharing.

I really like the 3 stage rear arms on the CL10V3, plus the front arms fold back.

It was a tough decision between the E10 and CL10V3.

 

[inane2]

Sprinter vans could use the extra height but i have gotten by just fine with the std height lift.

Good example, so many ads for the extended height lifts show Sprinter vans being lifted.