I have begun building my 30 x32 garage, biggest I can put in the historic neighborhood, i have 8 foot clearance right now but have begun to consider a lift for work but mainly storage issues. It would be nice to put my boat up top during the winter and be able to park under it. Anyone have an idea what kind of ceiling height I need for this. I was thinking 12 but would like to get away with less. thanks
ceiling height for 4 post lift
- Thread starter jpkerley
- Start date
Junkman
Well-known member
Most lift manufacturers suggest nothing less than 11 feet. Personally, I think that 11 feet isn't enough for me, but I don't have any choices about it, now that the garage is been built 20 years ago. If I had it to do over, I wouldn't do anything less than 14 feet. Measure the hight of your boat, add about 6" for the runway, and then measure the hight of your car and see if you have enough. If you drive a SUV, I doubt that it will make it....... if on the other hand, it is a XKE, then you have room to spare.... 
I'd say 12 would be good...what kind of boat is it?
I know there's a worksheet here:
http://www.revolutionlifts.com/library/pdf/byb.pdf
Should give you an idea.
My short cars really only need a 10' ceiling but I have mine higher just so it'll be easier to work on it.
I know there's a worksheet here:
http://www.revolutionlifts.com/library/pdf/byb.pdf
Should give you an idea.
My short cars really only need a 10' ceiling but I have mine higher just so it'll be easier to work on it.
Aahz
Well-known member
The best way to do it is add the "rise" of the lift + the runway thickness+ the height of the tallest object you want to lift. Then give yourself 6"-1' of extra height. Please don't forget your oh door opener, if you are gonna put one in. They typically hang down about 2'.
I'm guessing here, but i've had a 2 post overhead hoist for years. It needs about 12' 2" i believe, but MOST cars are about 2' away from the ceiling. So, that leaves 10' for the 4 post to get a car up all the way. So, w/8' ceiling you can do all brake/suspension repairs i think, and most others from sitting in a rollaround chair instaed of standing up. Better'n nuthin?
jpkerley said:
mikeyr
Well-known member
I put my 4post in 8'10" and could store 2 cars that way...but both my cars have folding windshields and are tiny little British cars 
Even with the windshields folded down it was no fun but it worked until I "modified" my roof.
Even with the windshields folded down it was no fun but it worked until I "modified" my roof.