Hoist/crane mounted in rear 2" receiver?

[Tim A]

I saw this on Cabelas and it got me thinking about something similar in design that would help me install/remove the RTT (or other items) from my truck's bed.

http://www.cabelas.com/gambrels-hoists-scales-foreverlast-hitch-hoist.shtml

I'd like the vertical section to be made of round tubing to allow at least 180° swivel. All sections should be extendable/retractable (using some sort of hitch pin system) to allow for various tent placement on vehicles of varying height.

Any ideas? I'm not looking to spend more than $250. I'm no fabricator so the welding would have to outsourced or I'd like to find an existing product. Thanks for your help.

 

[gahi]

I have one I built out of a this hoist and some steel.

Its heavy but I've lifted just shy of 1,000 lbs with it. Its been a huge back saver. I can pull an engine out in a field, load my 600 lb welder, whatever.

also, there's the spitzlift. I think its out of your price range though.

 

[4xdog]

That's a cool product. Might be just what I need to transfer my TR3s engine from the stand to the back of the Tacoma.

Don

 

[B.L. Sims]

I think youll be cutting it pretty close to that $250 if not deffinately going over having to purchase material + someones welding skills.

Welding alone is going to cost you 100-200 depending on how busy the welder is.
A decent hand winch rated for your application will be anywhere from $20-$60, and you havent even bought the tube, cable, pins, receiver stock, or pulley(s).

 

[Tim A]

I know it'll be tough to keep it cheap and I have yet to contact anyone about it.

I do have a 2 ton come-along and a nice pulley so those materials are taken care of.

I think youll be cutting it pretty close to that $250 if not deffinately going over having to purchase material + someones welding skills.

Welding alone is going to cost you 100-200 depending on how busy the welder is.
A decent hand winch rated for your application will be anywhere from $20-$60, and you havent even bought the tube, cable, pins, receiver stock, or pulley(s).

 

[stevo]

Hoist/crane

I have one I built out of a this hoist and some steel.

Its heavy but I've lifted just shy of 1,000 lbs with it. Its been a huge back saver. I can pull an engine out in a field, load my 600 lb welder, whatever.

also, there's the spitzlift. I think its out of your price range though.

That looks like what I'm looking for. Does it break down for storage? Do you know if one is commercially available?
Thanks, Stevo

 

[gahi]

That looks like what I'm looking for. Does it break down for storage? Do you know if one is commercially available?
Thanks, Stevo

Its from Harbor Freight. $129 The boom part comes off right below where the jack is. But the bolted down piece is still the same height. That's why I built mine on to a receiver hitch piece. I didn't want the tower piece in the bad all the time. I had to upgrade the winch after one use.

 

[Tim A]

Gahi if you get time could you post a picture of your setup?

Its from Harbor Freight. $129 The boom part comes off right below where the jack is. But the bolted down piece is still the same height. That's why I built mine on to a receiver hitch piece. I didn't want the tower piece in the bad all the time. I had to upgrade the winch after one use.

 

[gahi]

Here's some pics

I wanted it to work with the tailgate up or down.

Reverse-able to work off either side.

Upgraded winch, the one that comes with the unit only has teeth on one side. It stripped right away.

Drop down foot that I use with my bottle jack if I'm lifting straight out to the side.

When lifting really heavy stuff, I remove the tailgate and get really close to it. Originally it was all square tube, but when I was lift a diesel engine/trans it twisted. I had the pipe laying around, and its lifted the same load no problem.

Things I would change, the hoist setup partially blocks my tailight. I dont know a way around this without pushing it further out. So I just throw it in the bed if I'm planning on being in traffic. Its pretty heavy by itself. I'd say the base/receiver piece is 60-80lbs. Not a problem usually. Maybe the materials could be thinner, I don't know.

 

[Tim A]

Thanks for the pics. I would need something a little less beefy and wouldn't need to lower the tailgate but it will help me with the design.

 

[gahi]

ya, if your just using it for light weight stuff you could built the base out of 1/8" 2x2 and save a lot of weight. I see in your sig that your armored, whats your rear bumper? You may be able to tie right into it and do away with the support to the receiver.

Do you need this to travel with you? Or will it stay at home?

 

[Tim A]

My armor is just sliders/skids so stock flimsy bumper. The hoist would stay in the garage. I thought about trying to get a cheap lift with wheels (like an engine crane) but the receiver mounted one would be more compact for storage and seems like it would have a better reach into the bed of the truck.

 

[gahi]

what about a lift from the rafters of the garage? Or do you need to install it outside? I guess thats probably where the come-along you already have is used?

If you don't need it for much else than just a plate right above the receiver would be really compact and easy (& cheap) for someone to build for you. I do think the harbor freight lift is a good price for what you get.

I ended up using mine way more than I ever thought. People borrow it too. Motorcycles, lawn mowers, oil drums, shipping pallets, big rocks. Its definitely handy, and one of the best things I ever did for my back. But I'm always moving heavy stuff around by myself. Just something to think about.

 

[B.L. Sims]

Ah, so your not going to be driving around with it? What is your living situation like (suburbs, rural, acerage, storage space)?
If it were me, id either use a ceiling hoist or build a drive under gamble frame out of lumber. Put it on heavy casters so you can move it around.

my .02

 

[Tim A]

No I do not plan to drive around with the hoist, but who knows if I have that option I may end up using it to lift all sorts of things, not just my RTT.

I wish I could do the ceiling hoist but I rent and the owner didn't like the idea of the ceiling hoist in the garage...the ceiling is finished, not open rafters.

Thanks everyone for the ideas and Gahi you're right that HF crane does look nice. Especially for the price.