Garage Truss Support for Jeep top

Dwayne93702 · Mar 10, 2017

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum. I'm in the process of making a jeep top lift using an electronic hoist and a 4 point pulley system in my garage attic.My garage is drywall so there is already some weight on the trusses. Based on some of the other forums my truss aren't made for additional storage however most of my neighbors have the same home and they store items in their garage attic. So my question is will my trusses support my jeep top? Or do I have to do some reinforcing. Thanks in advanced.

kd3pc · Mar 10, 2017

if your trusses are not made for storage loads, you risk breaking/cracking/stressing them with this added load. It is largely a point load and IF you can reinforce them, I would - but not sure how you will get that done without a lolly column or some vertical support...

dhumac · Mar 10, 2017

I've done it myself ... jeep hard top is only about 150 lbs. If a truss can't handle an extra 75 lbs, (150/2 trusses due to length) then you are probably in trouble.

You can refer to (http://www.wclib.org/pdfs/simpspantbls.pdf) if you know the length of the truss to determine the live load that it can handle.

GMCGarage · Mar 10, 2017

Dwayne93702 said:
Hi all,

I'm new to the forum. I'm in the process of making a jeep top lift using an electronic hoist and a 4 point pulley system in my garage attic.My garage is drywall so there is already some weight on the trusses. Based on some of the other forums my truss aren't made for additional storage however most of my neighbors have the same home and they store items in their garage attic. So my question is will my trusses support my jeep top? Or do I have to do some reinforcing. Thanks in advanced.

Just dont hang it during record snow fall. Cant imagine its that much weight.

Dwayne93702 · Mar 10, 2017

Sorry I'm a California guy and there is no snow hitting my home.

pogrelis97 · Mar 10, 2017

id throw a couple vertical braces to tie the bottom chord to the top chord at the hang points and never worry about it.

Dwayne93702 · Mar 10, 2017

Thank you dhumac.

Dwayne93702 · Mar 10, 2017

Pogrelis97 I was thinking something similiar to that. The else at her is getting nicer out here and it's about time for the jeep to go *******.

Dwayne93702 · Mar 10, 2017

Also to note I will be using a 2x12 which the pulley wires will be running on as well as what the hoist will be bolted to down to. So I will be have a few extra prices of limber in the attic to create the concealed hoist.

abachman · Mar 10, 2017

I would agree that the relatively minor additional weight should be handled easily. Remember that a sheet of drywall weighs more than 50 pounds, and you already have quite a few ther. The additional 150-ish pounds will not be too great of an additional load.

rjacobs · Mar 10, 2017

4 eye bolts and 2 long cam buckle straps from home depot.

Cheapest and easiest method.

Back into garage, open rear window on jeep top, run straps through, push up on top, tighten strap, move to other strap, do the same.

Ive stored 3 Jeep tops on setups like this between 3 different houses for long periods of time. All tops were the Unlimited 4 door tops so a bit heavier than the 2 door tops.

chazzz · Mar 10, 2017

Dwayne93702 said:
Hi all,

I'm new to the forum. I'm in the process of making a jeep top lift using an electronic hoist and a 4 point pulley system in my garage attic.My garage is drywall so there is already some weight on the trusses. Based on some of the other forums my truss aren't made for additional storage however most of my neighbors have the same home and they store items in their garage attic. So my question is will my trusses support my jeep top? Or do I have to do some reinforcing. Thanks in advanced.

I've done that before in my garage. I talked with my friend who is an architect, he recommended me to make 2 x 4 "U" shaped and attach it to the ridge (the highest point of the garage, inside). The architect said that it's the strongest part of the garage. I attached the pulley to the bottom of the 2x4. I placed the electric hoist to the garage wall (above the garage door). I was able to remove the Jeep's fiberglass hardtop from the Jeep without any issues. Please see attached file.

Do NOT use lag bolts. Use common nails (not sure which size) because they will be able to withstand "shear load" according to the architect.

Dwayne93702 · Mar 10, 2017

Hi Chazzz yes I have the fiberglass top so I'll take a look at your idea too.

Dwayne93702 · Mar 10, 2017

This is what I'm trying to accomplish.

nolimits76 · Mar 10, 2017

Been there, done that.

Bought the cheap HF hoist. Used some steel pipe to span across 4 of my ceiling joists. I attached the hoist to the pipe; therefore, in my mind spreading the load between 4 joists. We have engineers on the forum here, so they will probably tell me my thinking was wrong.

For the harness, I used seat belt material I bought online. Created a big X and had it custom stitched at a local seamstress, incorporating D clips as necessary so I could connect everything.

Essentially I ended up with a single connection I then hooked onto the winch hook. It was a little wobbly hoisting up because Jeep tops have a weird center of gravity. But my winch had a hand remote w/ enough cord so I could just go slow and help guide the top with my hand to prevent any problems. Easy peasy.

FYI, if you install the winch rope in a "yo-yo" connection where the wire goes down, has a hook for attachment and then comes back up and attaches to the winch with the hook on the end of the rope, you double your lift capacity. The hook in the "middle" has to be a roller type so the cables don't catch.

Other thing, back up in the garage when taking the top off and lifting it. Then when you pull in the front of your Jeep is under the top.

FYI, all this was done on a 2-door TJ. It should work on the newer JK platform and 4-doors but I never tried it. The weight of my top was minimal -- maybe 150-200#. It wasn't heavy, just a PITA to handle by yourself. Storing like this is ideal for space issues and ability to do it by yourself.

Dwayne93702 · Mar 10, 2017

Nolimits76 did you eventually experience any structural issues over time?

livinlife · Mar 10, 2017

A jeep top will have zero effect on your trusses. No worries at all....

drg5490 · Mar 10, 2017

No I wouldn't do it, so send the top to me and I'll take it off your hands...

nolimits76 · Mar 13, 2017

Dwayne93702 said:
Nolimits76 did you eventually experience any structural issues over time?

No damage whatsoever. In fact I left the winch setup when I sold the house. Passed all inspections just fine.

FYI, attached is a copy of the sketch I drew up before doing all this. As you can see, I had wood I-joists above my garage.

red61cj5 · Mar 13, 2017

This is GJ. If you say the word truss, you must consult no less than 3 qualified structural engineers, or else your structure will fail, killing you and everyone you have ever met.

rburke65 · Mar 13, 2017

Isn't THATthe truth. Be very careful with dangerous trusses. Get at least 3 stamps!

RegeSullivan · Mar 13, 2017

Hey... 150lb over 2 trusses! I've seen a few vintage ceiling fans hung on a single truss that were over well over 70 lbs swinging off balance like there were monkeys on them. Not to mention a couple of attics with a a few stacks of bankers boxes sitting on 2x2 sheets of plywood.

Like someone else said if don't hold that load ya got bigger problems. If nothing looked like it has been compromised I'd do it withhout a second thought... but that's me. Everyone has different risk tolerance.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Dwayne93702 · Mar 15, 2017

Great point Rege. I want to start the project soon sine the weather is warming up but have been hesitant with all the answers I have been receiving.

Garage Truss Support for Jeep top

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