Impossible to install opener?

[garagedoortrouble]

Hi y'all,
Just moved into a townhouse and the landlord has been told that there’s no way to install an opener in the garage due to a steel beam and tight tolerances. However, every other unit in the complex has an opener and an identical steel beam. I still need to take precise measurements, but I don't think a normal overhead or side mount opener would work. I’d appreciate any advice on how to install an opener, if possible. Note: I believe the red pipe on the righthand side is the gas line, so need to be mindful of that.

 

[boatshoes]

Maybe an alternate mounting kit for a jackshaft style? https://www.liftmaster.com/rjo-alternate-mounting-kit/p/G480LM

 

[Hubmonkey]

Liftmaster 8500 and a extension kit may work, you will need to measure and see.

Here is the extension that drops the jackshaft opener down if not enough space above.

Liftmaster MODEL 480LM RJO 3800 Alternate Mounting/Extension Kit

Buy the LiftMaster MODEL 480LM RJO 3800 Alternate Mounting/Extension Kit at North Shore Commercial Door. Order now or call today!

www.northshorecommercialdoor.com

 

[Zeke]

Sure looks tight, but if all the other units have openers, why in the world can't you copy those?

Edit: Shoot, I replied to a one post silly question. No wonder it doesn't make sense.

 

[garagedoortrouble]

I thought about the alternate mounting kit, which should eliminate the headroom issue, but I'm not sure if the space on the left side is wide enough to fit the opener. I still have to check the exact measurements. The other side of the garage door should have enough space to fit a wall-mount opener, but the tolerance is likely too tight with the gas line in the way.

Sure looks tight, but if all the other units have openers, why in the world can't you copy those?

Edit: Shoot, I replied to a one post silly question. No wonder it doesn't make sense.

I haven't gotten a look at any other units to see how they've done it, but from exterior glance, there might be something different with my garage. I think there's less headroom in my unit for some reason.

Would a Zap opener be a potential solution in this case? Or would I still face the headroom issue?

 

[wssix99]

Looks like you have enough room for the remote mount.

However, every other unit in the complex has an opener and an identical steel beam.

Why don't you go meet the neighbors and see what they have? Put on a nice sweater, take them a coffee cake and say, "Hello."

 

[jstroede]

Garge door opener low headroom tracks

We have a 16 foot garage door with torsion springs and a low headroom track. The drums are outside the track instead of inside. We want to put a jackshaft opener. There is no room for a regular opener because a steel beam is in the way. I am attching a couple of pictures. We can cut the wall...

www.garagejournal.com

Sorry I am heading home but this could be a possibility?

 

[olytdi]

Hi y'all,
Just moved into a townhouse and the landlord has been told that there’s no way to install an opener in the garage due to a steel beam and tight tolerances. However, every other unit in the complex has an opener and an identical steel beam. I still need to take precise measurements, but I don't think a normal overhead or side mount opener would work. I’d appreciate any advice on how to install an opener, if possible. Note: I believe the red pipe on the righthand side is the gas line, so need to be mindful of that.

The Liftmaster offset kit would work on the left side if you have 8 1/2 inches of mounting space for the power unit between the left side wall and the track. Also, it looks like your torsion bar is plenty long.

When I mounted the two Liftmaster 8500Ws I have, I had to place the power units lower than the stock chain provided in the extension kit allowed and also had to come out into the room a little with my power units. Doing those sorts of mounting modifications work fine but you may then need to buy bicycle chain and make your own custom length chains to accommodate. I did that, it was easy, and it's worked great.

 

[carbleaks]

Sure looks tight, but if all the other units have openers, why in the world can't you copy those?

Edit: Shoot, I replied to a one post silly question. No wonder it doesn't make sense.

It looks like their second post may be an attempt to spam their brand of opener.

 

[PCustoms]

It looks like their second post may be an attempt to spam their brand of opener.

Huh?

 

[djbmw]

I love the Miata parking garage
In all seriousness, can you even open your car door and get out? If not, no need for an automatic garage door opener

And yes, this seems like a marketing attempt from OP at pitching an item he manufactures or resells.

 

[PCustoms]

And yes, this seems like a marketing attempt from OP at pitching an item he manufactures.

Where do you see that?

OP has 2 posts, no links.

 

[djbmw]

Where do you see that?

OP has 2 posts, no links.

He starts inquiring about "Z A P opener" in his second post. His username is "garagedoortrouble", and the only two posts on the forum are the ones above.

(I know ZAP openers are commercial side mount openers that arent that popular/well known. Im simply agreeing with "carbleaks" assessment of the posters potential motivation.

 

[garagedoortrouble]

Why on earth would my post give off marketing vibes? I am asking about zap because it's been mentioned on this board before for tight clearance installations. I don't even think they make residential openers anymore, so I'd like to avoid going down that route if there's a suitable residential alternative.

 

[Zeke]

Why on earth would my post give off marketing vibes? I am asking about zap because it's been mentioned on this board before for tight clearance installations. I don't even think they make residential openers anymore, so I'd like to avoid going down that route if there's a suitable residential alternative.

It's just that sort of thing does occur on forums a lot. I actually edited my post #4 to provide helpful advice but because I was quoted, the edit would not take.

What I said was you apparently need about a foot, maybe less to the side to install a wall mounted opener. And there are models or adapters that will allow you to mount a 3" to the center of the shaft to ceiling. It's gonna be close.

I also said that these openers (and added adapter, if needed) are expensive so you better plan on being there for a good period. I doubt once installed that you would be able to take the opener with you when your rent or lease terminates.

 

[jonesg]

it can be done but probably not at the landlords price point.

 

[Innovate1]

The Liftmaster offset kit would work on the left side if you have 8 1/2 inches of mounting space for the power unit between the left side wall and the track. Also, it looks like your torsion bar is plenty long.

When I mounted the two Liftmaster 8500Ws I have, I had to place the power units lower than the stock chain provided in the extension kit allowed and also had to come out into the room a little with my power units. Doing those sorts of mounting modifications work fine but you may then need to buy bicycle chain and make your own custom length chains to accommodate. I did that, it was easy, and it's worked great.

If there isn't room to squeeze something in without modification this looks like a fairly easy thing to do. If the power unit is dropped enough it could sit inside and slightly below the track.