You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
camper shell storage
- Thread starter noel4747
- Start date
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
that's a lot to hang from probably 4 points... very different than an evenly spread load in an attic.
Either way, might be worth looking at kayak storage systems/lifts
Either way, might be worth looking at kayak storage systems/lifts
Gerry347
Well-known member
I did that years ago with 5 or 6 pulleys, some 2x4's and some rope. It wan't the easiest thing to do but it worked.
The link below is a lot cleaner looking, easier to use and it's not that expensive....
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f51/camper-shell-lift-system-45315.html
The link below is a lot cleaner looking, easier to use and it's not that expensive....
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f51/camper-shell-lift-system-45315.html
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I stored one once like that, but I used four motorcycle tiedown straps. It took a little while to lift up as I had to go around to each one and lift it a few inches at a time, but I already had the straps on hand so it didn't cost me anything.
raferguson
Well-known member
For my boats, which weigh around 100 pounds, I use two cords, one for each end, and one cheap boat winch, hanging the boat from the ceiling, using pulleys to route the cable. This is the kind of winch used on a trailer to pull the boat up on the trailer.
A few comments:
1. I have to be careful not to let the winch get away from me, and that is with only 100 pounds. I would be scared to use that system for 300 pounds. This type of winch is not intended for lifting, no runaway brake.
2. It is hard to get the boat to come up evenly. The two cords wrap differently on the winch, and then one end or the other is higher than the other. If you have plenty of headroom, it might be OK to have one end higher than the other. Sometimes I have to lower the boat and try again. You might consider a single lift cable, lifting from the center of the shell, to avoid that problem
3. I used eye bolts screwed into the joists. This is not a great design, as eye bolts are not intended to take a side load. I suggest that you use some angle to attach to two joists, use lag bolts to attach angle to roof, and then spread the load between two joists.
A hoist would probably be a better choice for 300 pounds, consider a cheap electric winch.
My two cents, based on ten years of using this system.
Richard
A few comments:
1. I have to be careful not to let the winch get away from me, and that is with only 100 pounds. I would be scared to use that system for 300 pounds. This type of winch is not intended for lifting, no runaway brake.
2. It is hard to get the boat to come up evenly. The two cords wrap differently on the winch, and then one end or the other is higher than the other. If you have plenty of headroom, it might be OK to have one end higher than the other. Sometimes I have to lower the boat and try again. You might consider a single lift cable, lifting from the center of the shell, to avoid that problem
3. I used eye bolts screwed into the joists. This is not a great design, as eye bolts are not intended to take a side load. I suggest that you use some angle to attach to two joists, use lag bolts to attach angle to roof, and then spread the load between two joists.
A hoist would probably be a better choice for 300 pounds, consider a cheap electric winch.
My two cents, based on ten years of using this system.
Richard
sherlocktk
Well-known member
I would also search jeepforum.com Lots of guys come up with similar solutions to store their hard tops during summer, with similar weights. My favorite one used 3 inch PVC pipe with 4 inch holders all done with a winch to do the heavy lifting.
I used 2 of these for my highboy Leer shell. Worked excellent.
HOWEVER, replace the cheesy rope it comes with, with some decent nylon rope, and you'll rest easier....
Re: Harbor Freight item? We're all good...it turns less than 100rpm's....lol!
https://www.harborfreight.com/bicycle-lift-95803.html
HOWEVER, replace the cheesy rope it comes with, with some decent nylon rope, and you'll rest easier....
Re: Harbor Freight item? We're all good...it turns less than 100rpm's....lol!
https://www.harborfreight.com/bicycle-lift-95803.html
cvairwerks
Well-known member
If you use a manual winch, select one that uses a worm gear drive instead of a parallel gear system. Yes, the worm drive is slower, but it can’t get away from you and free run when it has a load on it.
fourjeepin
Well-known member
I built one at the end of the woods when I was in school to remove the hardtop from my Jeep. I used the vinyl covered wire rope and a manual boat winch. This was for maybe 75 lbs. and I had to be careful backing down the winch, so be sure to get one that supports reverse or just go with an electric winch if possible.