Should I get mobile column lifts over a 2 post? Unique garage dimensions

[discotwo]

New house build - just finished rough-in. It's a 3 car garage (but tight) with two in the front (21.5x21.5 - 13' ceiling), and one in the back (17' W x 27' - 9' ceiling), see attached drawing. Using the back 1 car garage for shop space and trying to keep the front 2 car area pretty clean so I can fit two cars and a snowblower in the winter.

My vehicles:
- 2024 F350 Crew Cab long bed 6.7 with a popup camper. I can fit it in by going nose in with the front of the truck partly into the rear 1 car garage.
- 2002 Land Rover Discovery 2, off road truck heavily modified
- 2024 Land Rover Defender V8
- 1993 F250 long bed 7.3 IDI turbo (she lives outside)

Work I do:
- 4x4 off-road related work on the Discovery, suspension, welding, etc
- considering to DIY a Carli Lift on the Super Duty if I get the right shop lift.

While I did pour the slab in the 2 car garage 7.5" thick for a possible 2 post lift, the more I'm using the garage I feel like a mobile lift will work better for me and give me more flexible use of the space. I'm only lifting a few times a year. If I put in a 2 post I'd probably lose the ability to park the F350 in there.

I sent an inquiry into Ari-Hetra about pricing on their latest 9k column lift. Any experience with them? I know they're a lot more expensive than a 2 post.

 

[zkdiesel]

Suspension work on a collum lift *****…. ***** alot.

I’m all for 2 post, but they eat space when you place them in a good spot to work around them

I’d say do the two post and it Is what it is or you do a Max jack removable lift and do f350 maintence on the ground…….

 

[discotwo]

Suspension work on a collum lift *****…. ***** alot.

I’m all for 2 post, but they eat space when you place them in a good spot to work around them

I’d say do the two post and it Is what it is or you do a Max jack removable lift and do f350 maintence on the ground…….

Why does it ****? Ari-hetra, for example, sells frame lift adapters. How is it any different than a 2 post? And with the columns and a solid frame you can even lift from rear+front instead of the sides.

 

[zkdiesel]

Why does it ****? Ari-hetra, for example, sells frame lift adapters. How is it any different than a 2 post? And with the columns and a solid frame you can even lift from rear+front instead of the sides.

Do what you want then, I’ll show myself out

 

[discotwo]

Do what you want then, I’ll show myself out

Jeez, I'm just asking so I can learn. I've never owned a lift before.

 

[67King]

Do what you want then, I’ll show myself out

I'd be curious to know, as well. Seems a legit question to me. I have a 2 post, and am thinking about another lift for my workshop garage. It isn't quite as roomy as I wanted, so the plan to buy a 4 post along with installing the 2 post is pretty much out the window. Wondering about a second lift of some kind.

 

[kngelv]

I'm pretty confused on your build. The back garage size-wise is ideal for a lift except the ceiling is too low while your front garage has a high ceiling but no room if you want to park cars there on a daily basis. Column lifts take up a ton of space. Also those frame adapters are not just plug and play. On a super duty sized truck they are not feasible front to back so you'd be stuck trying to align and level four of them with two on each side. Also you will need a lot of space to store them when not in use. A two post will be a tight squeeze based on the width of your door and your wanting to park a car next to it. You won't be able to drive straight in for the lift with another car in there. I'm not trying to be an *** about it but it looks like a very nice and costly house so I'm just not clear on why you did not take this into account before you built it.

James

 

[discotwo]

I'm pretty confused on your build. The back garage size-wise is ideal for a lift except the ceiling is too low while your front garage has a high ceiling but no room if you want to park cars there on a daily basis. Column lifts take up a ton of space. Also those frame adapters are not just plug and play. On a super duty sized truck they are not feasible front to back so you'd be stuck trying to align and level four of them with two on each side. Also you will need a lot of space to store them when not in use. A two post will be a tight squeeze based on the width of your door and your wanting to park a car next to it. You won't be able to drive straight in for the lift with another car in there. I'm not trying to be an *** about it but it looks like a very nice and costly house so I'm just not clear on why you did not take this into account before you built it.

James

You're not wrong. Long story short... I did foresee the issues, but site and building constraints led me to doing the best I could.

Yeah, four column's would be out of the question. Aren't only two needed to lift it by the frame on the sides? Similar to a 2 post...? Obviously lifting by the tires 4 are needed.

 

[kngelv]

You're not wrong. Long story short... I did foresee the issues, but site and building constraints led me to doing the best I could.

Yeah, four column's would be out of the question. Aren't only two needed to lift it by the frame on the sides? Similar to a 2 post...? Obviously lifting by the tires 4 are needed.

I looked at the videos on their site and it looks like they only lift them on the ends. Remember most frames are not straight on the sides. Pretty much every truck will slope down from the rear to the front. How wide is that garage door?

James

 

[discotwo]

I looked at the videos on their site and it looks like they only lift them on the ends. Remember most frames are not straight on the sides. Pretty much every truck will slope down from the rear to the front. How wide is that garage door?

James

It's a 16' wide door.

One thing not on the plans is I was able to reduce the width of that wall separating the front and rear garage (in the middle). Those plans show 10'1" (10'9.25" - 8") but I actually have 11'4" clear. So maybe I should take another hard look at seeing if I can fit a 2 post and still park 2 cars side by side. I know without doing the math that it wouldn't be enjoyable, one of the posts will have to be shoved as close to the wall as possible

 

[mikedodge]

Can you get a 4 post lift through the door between spaces? Looks like you could? If so that's what I'd get. Keeps the bigger area clear but you can move it in there if you need more height.

 

[discotwo]

Can you get a 4 post lift through the door between spaces? Looks like you could? If so that's what I'd get. Keeps the bigger area clear but you can move it in there if you need more height.

As mentioned before, I don't know a lot about lifts, but from my understanding 4 post lifts are more for storage and 2 post are far superior for suspension work / lifting by the frame?

 

[rsanter]

For that dedicated single car space in the back I think I would do a 2 post hands down and be done

personally I think the best 2 posts are the type that do into the ground, but they are way more expensive than the above ground type

 

[mikedodge]

As mentioned before, I don't know a lot about lifts, but from my understanding 4 post lifts are more for storage and 2 post are far superior for suspension work / lifting by the frame?

4 post lifts are used for service work all the time. You would need a jack for it tho and and the runners you drive on can get in the way. But the huge plus is they're movable. It looks like your garage isn't wide enough to put a 2 post in and not be in the way when you want to be able to get both cars in there.

 

[firebirdparts]

2 post really really just does not work with a 16' door, not ever. Forget it. I mean, it'll make your front garage a 1 car garage.

 

[kngelv]

You do not have room for a permanent lift and the ability to park two cars side by side. You really only have a few options:

1. Use the back garage for a low two post lift like a MaxJax you will only be able to do things lying on a creeper and mobile low or angled seats.
2. Put a MaxJax or a similar taller two post lift where you can remove the columns and put them against the wall when not needed.
3. Redo your front garage situation by putting two separate centered doors.

Good luck.

James

 

[firebirdparts]

It seems like column lifts would take up a lot of space, in use or out. I think maybe a 4 post lift makes the most sense.

 

[txvwnut]

If the mobile column lifts you are enquiring about are the ones I have experience with you‘d better sit down when you get the price. Also I wouldn’t use anything made by ARI-Hetra. Had eight of their mobile column lifts and they were total garbage. The ones I had were screw lifts not hydraulic and failed constantly, usually with a 30k pound vehicle on them and in the air. Hetra’s customer service was of we’ll fix it which was followed by an epic ghosting. I now have a set of Stertil-Koni and they have been awesome and in service for close to 20 years or more.

 

[67King]

2 post really really just does not work with a 16' door, not ever. Forget it. I mean, it'll make your front garage a 1 car garage.

Actually, it can......with a caveat. I had one in my old house, but I had to make it narrower than normal. Took about 12" out of it, but I could still use it and have both bays. Granted, I did not use it for trucks, but cars. My new house is unfortunately narrower than I'd like, but since it is 42' deep, I can have the lift at the back and still use both bays.

 

[dave*99]

one of the posts will have to be shoved as close to the wall as possible

Keep in mind the lift mounting bolts are required to be some minimum distance from the slab edge.

 

[kngelv]

A 4-post lift will not fit that space if he wants to park two cars in there. The door is too narrow. Personally I'd give up the idea of parking the newer F-350 in that space. Just remote start the thing to warm it up in cold weather. I get that there were construction limitations but it really is a poorly laid out garage for what the OP wants to do.

James

 

[dave*99]

So maybe I should take another hard look at seeing if I can fit a 2 post and still park 2 cars side by side.

I had very similar dimensions in my old garage. 22' wide garage with a 16' door. I tried desperately to find a way to put a 2 post lift in there. Mindful of the requirement to keep the other bay open for my wife's car. Had I done it, the lift post would encroach on the other bay making it difficult to open the car door.

I eventually added another bay and Rotary SPO-A10 lift. I prefer 2 post - and that debate rages on here on GJ. Do keep in mind if your lift is too close to a sidewall, you can't pull an axle or swing a big hammer or prybar.

 

[discotwo]

I'd like to keep the 350 there - only in the winter - to prevent the camper water system from freezing.

A removable 2 post lift sounds very promising. I'd only tear it down for the ~5 months of winter when I need to keep 2 cars in there. The rest of the year I'd only keep 1 in there, often none.

Any recommendations on removable 2 post lifts? And how "removable" exactly are we talking? Like I said I'd probably remove it once a year.

 

[discotwo]

Maybe the portable 7k maxjax make the most sense and I forget about lifting the 350. I don't see myself wanting to lift the 350 much anyway, just for the suspension upgrade, and I could pay a shop to do that instead.

Im guessing 15k+ 2 post lifts will be much heavier and not fun to move, if that's even possible.

 

[firebirdparts]

If you're serious, you'll just have to start looking at actual products, if there even is one. That seems like it would be a niche product.

 

[Rommelrommel]

The biggest movable 2 post I’ve seen is 7k.

Now, anything can be moved but…

 

[Hooked]

Now, anything can be moved but…

Just depends on your energy level, what equipment you have available, and/or number of really good friends you have.

 

[PJorgen]

Tell me more about your Four Wheel Camper.

 

[cpakalolo]

It's a 16' wide door.

One thing not on the plans is I was able to reduce the width of that wall separating the front and rear garage (in the middle). Those plans show 10'1" (10'9.25" - 8") but I actually have 11'4" clear. So maybe I should take another hard look at seeing if I can fit a 2 post and still park 2 cars side by side. I know without doing the math that it wouldn't be enjoyable, one of the posts will have to be shoved as close to the wall as possible

The two post lift is harder in a 2 car garage with narrow width. The pillar in the center of the room, will be exactly placed to block driver's or front passenger's car. I don't like the four poster's as much, but most aren't bolted down and can be movable.

 

[cpakalolo]

It's a 16' wide door.

One thing not on the plans is I was able to reduce the width of that wall separating the front and rear garage (in the middle). Those plans show 10'1" (10'9.25" - 8") but I actually have 11'4" clear. So maybe I should take another hard look at seeing if I can fit a 2 post and still park 2 cars side by side. I know without doing the math that it wouldn't be enjoyable, one of the posts will have to be shoved as close to the wall as possible

I'm wanting to buy a clear floor lift with a strong crossbar on the top and making it so it swivels where the cables roll over the top pulleys. Using Hilti anchors where I can just remove the bolts leaving a flush floor where the anchor plate was on one post. I would widen the baseplate more to the front and back to give it some stability when rotated. If I can work out the ceiling clearance, it would swing to be inline with the other post near the wall and be out of the way when not in use. Some steel wheels might help too. Fire away with advice, questions and helpful criticism. I posted here because maybe the OP could do the same if he is mechanically inclined. Chuck

 

[Demon69]

Could use a couple of mobile wheel lifts and 4 wheel stands at whatever heights you need, cribs also an option. Lifts are available in manual - screw - hydraulic at prices to match, gives you optionality at sit down height and can easily pack out the way when not needed.

 

[JuncleJohn]

Too bad the 2 car is so small, and the shop area has such a low ceiling. You have a real challenge with 2 big trucks.

John

 

[AC-WC]

Triumph C7000 7,000 lb Portable 2-Post Lift

C7000 7,000 lb. Portable Two Post Auto Lift The all new revolutionary Chrome C-7000 is simply the most versatile two post lift in existence. Because it is not limited by cables it can be mounted at any width up to 120" This lift can be taken down and stored in less than 10 minutes by a single...

liftswholesale.com

I couldn't see the height of your ceiling. These columns are just under 8ft.
This will NOT work for your F350 and your F250 diesel would be pushing it for weight. I originally had 8' ceilings and splurged on the cathedral ceiling after getting quotes to do a high ceiling just in the single bay. I've had mine for 3+ years and been very happy. I installed mine using a 2 wheeled hand truck and engine hoist with relative ease by myself.
Your other option is what Demon69 suggested in the 2nd youtube. $$$$$$

 

[cpakalolo]

A 4-post lift will not fit that space if he wants to park two cars in there. The door is too narrow. Personally I'd give up the idea of parking the newer F-350 in that space. Just remote start the thing to warm it up in cold weather. I get that there were construction limitations but it really is a poorly laid out garage for what the OP wants to do.

James

There is no way you can even park a dually next to anything in a 22' wide garage. It takes 14 to 16 feet all on its own. The absolute minimum you would need for a lift in that space is 14 feet to do work. 16 is usually the minimum for a 2 poster. I've seen narrow 9,000 lb units go into a 12' wide garage, but you have to walk under the vehicle to get around in a small garage. It's not as safe. A 4 poster would not fit either due to the length of the ramps and that posts are more where you don't want them. I bought a Tuxedp 11,000 lb lift for my 16' bay because I just couldn't get it into my 25' double bays. My wife would not like parking next to it. I am going to cut it up and rebuild it so that one post can rotate standing to go up against a wall when unbolted. I am using Hilti anchors that accept bolts so that I will have a smooth floor when it is moved. The cable tension will have a double pulley system to simulate slacking of the cables when moved. (The pulleys will basically align to reduce tension and offset to restore the original length.) I am also adding larger baseplates to make them more stable and it will give me another inch of height. It's all going in a room with less than 10 feet of height, but I am vaulting the ceiling and going high lift on the door and closer. The four grand for the lift is the cheap part of this job.

 

[Demon69]

Triumph C7000 7,000 lb Portable 2-Post Lift

C7000 7,000 lb. Portable Two Post Auto Lift The all new revolutionary Chrome C-7000 is simply the most versatile two post lift in existence. Because it is not limited by cables it can be mounted at any width up to 120" This lift can be taken down and stored in less than 10 minutes by a single...

liftswholesale.com

I couldn't see the height of your ceiling. These columns are just under 8ft.
This will NOT work for your F350 and your F250 diesel would be pushing it for weight. I originally had 8' ceilings and splurged on the cathedral ceiling after getting quotes to do a high ceiling just in the single bay. I've had mine for 3+ years and been very happy. I installed mine using a 2 wheeled hand truck and engine hoist with relative ease by myself.
Your other option is what Demon69 suggested in the 2nd youtube. $$$$$$

I think the OP said hes 9' ceilings in the back garage where he wants to work, so that rules out walking under the job.
Re the videos i prefer the first tbh, not in terms of kit but thinking. In it he throws wheel stands (nice stable looking steel efforts) under the front wheels after lifting via the front wheels with two lifts, these stands (with a decent top plate) can just as easy go under the vehicle at suitable points for the work you wanna do, same goes for the rear of the vehicle if required. A benefit of that is it frees up the jacks to say lower off a subframe for example.
Ive got a couple of the manual units coming out of interest (£450 the pair delivered), will throw them under the Discovery 3 when i get a mo.