Overhead garage storage?

[Gizzygone]

The Racor, and fleximounts ceiling storage lifts seem to be discontinued: but they seem like a great solution for getting strollers/toys up and out of the way without needed a ladder to get them back.

Anybody know or an alternative, or DIY solution that’s similar, without breaking the bank?

 

[Dmcastino]

So you are looking for one big shelf that you can raise and lower?

I imagine that with some creativity, you could make something similar to the products you listed using parts from a unistrut catalog and either a hand crank or small electric winch.

 

[Gizzygone]

So you are looking for one big shelf that you can raise and lower?

I imagine that with some creativity, you could make something similar to the products you listed using parts from a unistrut catalog and either a hand crank or small electric winch.

Yes, a platform I can raise and lower.

What I’m running into is not finding a solution that would get me right to the ceiling or close the walls.

The harken hoist seems like the easiest to DIY, but the design requires a long run of cables which isn’t feasible.

GarageSmart has a neat solution, but it costs a pretty penny…. And I’m not keen on app-based tech.

It’s too bad the racor and fleximount aren’t being made: they check a lot of boxes for me!

 

[u2slow]

I built shelves in place and use a ladder. The trick is to find/build a simple ladder just for this.

 

[Gizzygone]

I built shelves in place and use a ladder. The trick is to find/build a simple ladder just for this.

Certainly is the easier way to go about it: my thought with a rack that moves is my wife will be more likely to use it.
Plus it’s a touch safer to bring the rack to the bulky items I want to store, versus hauling it up a stepladder.

 

[mike93lx]

I use a couple of these for canoes in my garage. Maybe something like this could work?

I wouldnt haul anything up with it that can't handle being a little out of level though as it uses two separate ropes.

Kayak Hoist Set – Overhead Pulley System with 125 lb Capacity for Kayaks, Canoes, Bikes, or Ladder Storage by Rad Sportz (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGMSDCP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Copymutt]

A fold down ladder works for me. At one point I needed to hoist a welding project into my truck. A couple 2x6s nailed to the attic studs and stuck out thru a vent opening worked well. Used a winch. So my thought is consider an exterior “barn” hay loft door approach. Preserves interior space. Increases the size of items easily put in the attic. Be sure of your engineered loading.

 

[wmihl]

After buying my first Racor lift I knew I would need one for my kayaks. So I went to look for one and like you said, out of stock, unavailable and nowhere to be found. I did find one through Facebook Marketplace. If you have the time just keep an eye out on sites like this, or maybe Craigslist.....if that even still exists. LOL

Good Luck.

 

[rayra]

you could make one readily enough with a platform, eyebolts, some pulleys and steel cable and a small winch. But if safety is your chief concern I wouldn't do it.