Getting big/heavy things on off roof
- Thread starter aernan
- Start date
Badmiker
Member
I was looking at a well known mail order tool supply company in the USA known for cheap tools..... and found a small pickup truck mounted crane kind of device that could be useful. It has a small hand winch and a boom like an engine hoist. I think it was rated for like 500lbs but other than the spare on your LMTV, I doubt that you would need that much capacity. If we end up with overhead storage, we'll try and keep it to lighter objects unless we can't figure out where to stick a spare.
aernan
Observer
I have seen people relocate the spare tire to the roof top to get the space back for a larger living space. You can get gas much as 2.2" extra bed space. I don't want the spare up there because moving 350lbs would be a hassle. I want to avoid needing to partially climb the cab or ladder to get things up. Ideally the item when hoisted would not drag against the body of the truck. Also being able to solo load/unload the roof space would be ideal.
Things that I cam considering putting up on the roof.
- recovery gear
like straps/chains/snatch blocks. I want it to be accessible when the truck is mired so low boxes that might be stuck in the mud would be bad. Also the gear tends to get covered in mud so I want it outside if possible.
- kayak
big and cumbersome .
- mountain bikes
- spare outdoor tables
- outdoor chairs
- BBQ/fire pit
- chain saw and fuel/tools for it
I have considered using a small manual/electric crane but I'm not clear on where I would anchor it. My cab has air suspension (currently busted). When I build the roof rack itself I could leave mounting points for the crane or integrate it. Or I could mount the crane to the rear box.
Things that I cam considering putting up on the roof.
- recovery gear
like straps/chains/snatch blocks. I want it to be accessible when the truck is mired so low boxes that might be stuck in the mud would be bad. Also the gear tends to get covered in mud so I want it outside if possible.
- kayak
big and cumbersome .
- mountain bikes
- spare outdoor tables
- outdoor chairs
- BBQ/fire pit
- chain saw and fuel/tools for it
I have considered using a small manual/electric crane but I'm not clear on where I would anchor it. My cab has air suspension (currently busted). When I build the roof rack itself I could leave mounting points for the crane or integrate it. Or I could mount the crane to the rear box.
aernan
Observer
my concerns exactly. I don't know how much weight I can safely put up there. I did remove a turret ring that was 250 lbs without the gun so I'm pretty sure it's safe to put that much weight up there. Ideally any crane would be attached to the main frame and be easy to store and allow me to pick things from either side of the truck.
Badmiker
Member
So I don't want to break any rules and I am not sure about cross posting to other vendors.
I was looking at Harbor Freight Tools (internet search if you are not aware of them) and found a section in the Automotive and Motorcycle section called Truck Cranes
They have 2 models available
and
I have no experience with them or any endorsement. They look fairly ... simple and if you don't have access to this vendor in your area then a modification of a generic engine hoist and a hand winch should get you 90% there. I would believe any competent builder should be able to hack/weld something together using these as guides. In the UK a machine mart variety of similar components would also be available. In Germany... I have no guidance. However these units are fairly affordable at ~ $100-150, I don't think building one would be much more or less expensive.
I was looking at Harbor Freight Tools (internet search if you are not aware of them) and found a section in the Automotive and Motorcycle section called Truck Cranes
They have 2 models available
and
I have no experience with them or any endorsement. They look fairly ... simple and if you don't have access to this vendor in your area then a modification of a generic engine hoist and a hand winch should get you 90% there. I would believe any competent builder should be able to hack/weld something together using these as guides. In the UK a machine mart variety of similar components would also be available. In Germany... I have no guidance. However these units are fairly affordable at ~ $100-150, I don't think building one would be much more or less expensive.
toylandcruiser
Expedition Leader
What is an lmvt?
aernan
Observer
a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle. It's a family of medium duty trucks that BAE supplied to the USA military.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_of_Medium_Tactical_Vehicles
It's a large full time 4x4 with a 6.6 liter cat diesel engine. Mine is the a 2 axle 5 ton capacity variety with a stake bed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_of_Medium_Tactical_Vehicles
It's a large full time 4x4 with a 6.6 liter cat diesel engine. Mine is the a 2 axle 5 ton capacity variety with a stake bed.
toylandcruiser
Expedition Leader
Oohhh lmtv
. I was being an ass. I’ve driven these trucks plenty. I wasn’t sure what you meant by lmvt