6 Best Jeep Hardtop Hoists Reviews

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Being able the remove your Jeep’s hardtop is great. You can have it on during colder weather, but take it off when the weather improves and you want to enjoy it.

However, doing so isn’t as easy as it sounds. Manually trying to take the hardtop off will require assistance, which can cause back strain even with assistance.

A hoist, however, makes the entire process faster and easier.

There are many qualities of a hoist to consider before buying one, such as weight capacity, lifting power, ease of installation, etc.

Below is a list of the best jeep hardtop hoists to help you take off your Jeep’s hardtop without any problems.

6 Top Rated Jeep Hardtop Hoists Comparisons

IMAGEPRODUCTEDITOR'S RATINGPRICE
TOP PICK
HARKEN Hardtop Overhead Garage Storage Hoist

HARKEN Hardtop Overhead Garage Storage Hoist

9.7
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Racor Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift

Racor Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift

9.5
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Smittybilt 510001 Hard Top Hoist

Smittybilt 510001 Hard Top Hoist

9.1
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Lange Originals Hardtop Hoist

Lange Originals Hardtop Hoist

8.8
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Harken Truck Hardtop Garage Storage Hoist

Harken Truck Hardtop Garage Storage Hoist

8.6
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BEST BUDGET
Partsam 440 Lift Electric Hoist Crane Remote Control Power System

Partsam 440 Lift Electric Hoist Crane Remote Control Power System

8.2
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1. HARKEN Hardtop Overhead Garage Storage Hoist

TOP PICK
HARKEN Hardtop Overhead Garage Storage Hoist
$200.00
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11/10/2023 06:59 am GMT

The winner of our list today is a hoist that comes in multiple sizes, with a mechanical advantage of 6:1.

The maximum weight capacity is 145 lbs. It uses a pulley system to operate. The hardtop is attached to four ropes which are attached to the pulley.

You don’t need a lot of muscle to pull to lift the hardtop. This HARKEN Hardtop Overhead Garage Storage Hoist has an anti-drop system.

If the load goes down fast, then the ropes will hold it in place. As Velcro straps attach the ropes to the hardtop, there will be no damage to the hardtop.

If you don’t want to store your hardtop attached to the ceiling, this hoist has a solution for that; there is enough rope for you to put the hardtop back on the floor if you want to store it somewhere else.

It helps free up space in the garage and is known for its strength and durability.

The anti-drop system is made possible due to the self-locking cleat, making it safe from the rope releasing accidentally.

The 4-point hoist kit has a patented design which makes it possible to evenly lift and lower loads.

Stainless steel and double braided rope are the materials used to make this kit, which make the hoist durable and stronger, helping it last very long.

This product can work on any hardtop as long as you buy the correct size for your Jeep, so don’t worry about compatibility; just buy the right size.

Many positive feedbacks have been received from previous customers, and they are seen recommending the hoist to others.

Lastly, this one is compatible with a ceiling height of 12 feet.

You might find that the instructions are not clear enough to understand and require assistance.
PROS
  • It comes in multiple sizes
  • Anti-drop system
  • Durable
  • It does not damage hardtop
  • Popular among previous customers
CONS
  • Instructions might be hard to understand

As the force used to lift is reduced due to the pulley, it is not necessary to buy an expensive electrical hoist; this does the job perfectly.

2. Racor Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift

Racor Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift
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This Racor Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift is more like an elevator instead of a hoist, as the working principles are different, and it will help you lift hardtops or just any heavy objects in the air.

The high-strength steel of this product helps it lift loads of up to 250 lbs.

A reliable steel finishing is present on the cable, helping you to easily lift loads to 8ft vertically and have them secured in place.

Speaking of the design of the hoist, it contains a 4 to 4 feet tray which is lifted by using four cables on all corners. The tray is made of high-quality steel.

It has 2-inch lag bolts and can be used on a slanted ceiling, which is a plus if you do have one. A locking mechanism ensures that the tray will stay in place.

A safety lock is included, which will work as soon as you pull. The 16 ft. square tray gives you this additional space in your garage for storage.

The hoist, because of its epoxy finish, is very durable. To load the hoist, the procedure is pretty easy.

First, you have to load the top, tie it using straps and pull up the tray using cranks.

It comes with a hand crank which works fine, and you have the option to use a power drill, which works pretty well for as long as the load is low.

The build is user-friendly, and it has a comfortable grip body. The ability to be mounted onto any ceiling is made possible thanks to built-in nylon rings.

The elevator includes a pulley system, nylon cables, steel support beams, and ergonomic handles.

Lastly, the drawback I could mention here is the installation process of this hoist quite tricky and feels like needing professional assistance.
PROS
  • Lifts to 250 lbs
  • Extra 16 ft. Storage for your garage
  • Easy hardtop lifting process
  • Durable and strong
  • Works on slanted ceilings
CONS
  • The installation process can be hard

Considering the extra storage, your garage will get and the easy operation, this is a great option to buy.

3. Smittybilt 510001 Hard Top Hoist

Smittybilt 510001 Hard Top Hoist
$308.99
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11/09/2023 12:33 pm GMT

The Smittybilt 510001 Hard Top Hoist is compatible with the Jeep Wrangler YJ, TJ, CJ, and JK. It is an electrical hoist with a 200-amp motor.

Electrical hoists are much easier to operate than mechanical hoists, as no manual labor is required; you just need to press a button.

Heavy-duty steel pipes and roll pins were used to make the frame.

It uses three points instead of four to lift the hoist and can lift a load of up to 1000 pounds! Cushioned rollers and rubber stops avoid any damage to your hardtop.

According to customers, the installation process and the operation of this hoist are pretty easy, and the instructions were clear enough for everyone to understand.

Enough support and strength is provided to keep the hardtop suspended up in the air for a long time. This is a durable product that can be used quickly and easily whenever you wish.

Because of the high capacity, it can hold not only your hoist but also a lot of other items you might want to store in the air for some time.

It contains a 1/3 horsepower AC motor. To hold items for as long as possible, mount the hoist to studs and rafters securely.

Also, when the side fasteners and main bolt are removed, it can be run even more smoothly if you make sure that the cable is threaded through.

The hoist can be used for several years, and it is very durable and reliable. It comes with internal breaks and limit stops, making it safe and containing glide wheels.

In addition, an internal braking system is included in case of any malfunction or failure, which I doubt, would ever happen.

An issue is its three-point design, which can make it harder to achieve balance during installation.
PROS
  • Electrical hoist
  • Can lift very heavy loads
  • Durable
  • Will last several years
  • Internal braking system
CONS
  • Hard to get the balance when installing

If you want to minimize any work and have a little money to spare, then this is the one for you.

4. Lange Originals Hardtop Hoist

Lange Originals Hardtop Hoist
$159.99
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11/10/2023 02:53 am GMT

Previous customers have praised the durability and strength of this Lange Originals Hardtop Hoist.

Even though the instructions were hard, customer support was always there to help, helping with the installation.

The cables are long enough to store the hardtop. Optimal clearance is 8 feet, and the hoist can be used in single or double garage spaces.

The hoist is very sturdy and durable, helping it to last long. You can hold your hardtop on this for extended periods.

Newer technologies used in the construction of this hoist have made the operation quite easy.

It is an electric hoist that only requires you to touch a button, and it comes with proper instructions to help you with using it.

No drills are needed for attaching or installing this product, therefore reducing any unnecessary investment into the installation process.

A rear Smart Hook feature, Lange Originals’ patented design, is used to achieve the simplified operation, and it is completely automatic.

Another benefit to buying this electrical hoist is that it doesn’t consume as much electricity as the others.

Copper electrical components and no-slip steel gears make the product powerful, sturdy, and foolproof.

A powder-coated steel frame is attached to the ceiling using rubber-coated hooks and foam protectors. This ensures that there won’t be any damage to your hardtop.

The steel frame can also accommodate the freedom top panels by using safety straps. It comes with braided steel cables, making it strong.

It has a two anchor point design attached to custom straps and JL hooks.

Moreover, you can even have the doors closed when removing the hardtop. It works best with Jeeps such as the Wrangler Unlimited JL.

For the drawbacks, I think the foam protectors can be changed, and this model isn’t as cheap as the previous models.
PROS
  • Durable and strong
  • Uses one button
  • Less electricity consumption
CONS
  • Foam protectors can be changed
  • Expensive

With its excellent customer service and high-tech build, the Hoist-A-Top is another product that will not let you down.

5. Harken Truck Hardtop Garage Storage Hoist

Harken Truck Hardtop Garage Storage Hoist
$220.00
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11/10/2023 03:04 am GMT

Another Harken Truck Hardtop Hoist is compatible with brands like Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, and Ford.

It has a 12-inch ceiling height and can hold items weighing up to 200 lbs. it is a four-point system, which makes it easier to balance during the installation process.

Also, the mechanical advantage is 8:1! Therefore, you can pull the hoist using a considerably low force to lift the hardtop.

A single person can therefore use it by themselves. This product contains a security system. The attachments are made of stainless steel, and the rope is double braided.

It has an auto-locking safety cleat; therefore, if the rope slips off, it will hold it in place, preventing that from happening. This makes the hoist safe to use as nothing will fall off.

This hoist is not only for Jeep hardtops but can be used to pick up any heavy items you wish.

Also, after you know where to lift the cap, it will take about 30 minutes to remove the hardtop with this hoist. The aluminum design also makes the product very lightweight.

It has two versions for the ceiling height, 12 feet one and 16 feet one. Harken’s 4-point hoist kit is used for the installation of the product.

Therefore, if you know the basic tools and mechanisms, it should be fairly easy for you to install one by yourself.

However, if that is not the case, you always have the option of hiring a professional. Stainless steel accessories such as bolts, eyelets, and thumbscrews are included.

This is another very popular item among customers, who said they especially like its compatibility with many vehicles.

Finally, some may find the installation process hard and may need professional assistance.
PROS
  • 8:1 mechanical advantage
  • Security system
  • Popular among customers
CONS
  • Installation is hard

Harken is known to make high-end, reliable products, and this one does not fall behind.

6. Partsam 440 Lift Electric Hoist Crane Remote Control Power System

Partsam 440 Lift Electric Hoist Crane Remote Control Power System
$129.00
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11/10/2023 03:48 am GMT

The last product I am going to talk about today is the Partsam 440 Lift Electric Hoist. You can know that it lifts to 440 lbs. However, that is only for the double line system.

A single line system may also be used, lowering the capacity to 220 lbs. the lifting height of the hoist is 38 feet for a single line and 19 feet for a double line.

In addition, the lifting speed is 33 feet/min for a single line and 16 feet/min for a double line. This is another electrical hoist and needs a remote to operate.

Anti-rotate steel wires carry out the loading job. These wires are safe because of their zinc plating. They are also heat resistant and braided, making them stronger and more durable.

An emergency stop switch is present to ensure safety when using the product. There is a built-in safety braking system.

The straps to carry the hardtop are given for free by the manufacturer, one three feet short and another 5.5 feet long.

They both have a width of 2 inches. It is a solid mount, which you can mount either vertically or horizontally. This is more like a crane, neither hoist nor elevator.

For an electrical hoist, this isn’t as expensive as a lot of the other options, so if you want to lift your hardtop with an electrical hoist that doesn’t cost too much, this is the one to buy.

Due to its high strength, the installing and removal of the Jeep’s hardtop is made fast and easy. This product is pretty adaptable, so it can be used to lift lots of other items as well.

This hoist is not compatible with every single Jeep model, so if you’re buying it for your jeep, be sure to check its compatibility.
PROS
  • Lifts up to 440 lbs
  • Anti-rotate steel wires
  • Safety mechanisms
  • It can be mounted vertically and horizontally
CONS
  • Not compatible with all jeep models

This is a great option to choose if you want to buy an electrical hoist without spending a lot of money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Much Will A Hardtop Hoist Cost Me?

The weight carrying capacity, building material, or whether the hoist is electric or mechanical all affect the price of the hoist.

Mechanical models will come in the price range of 20 to 200 USD, whereas electric models can cost you from 150 to 400 USD.

Q2. How Do Hoists For Jeep Hardtops Actually Work?

Hooks and straps in the hoists help lift to the top. All of the fasteners are detached and removed in the beginning. Then, straps cradle the top.

A rope attached to the wall and ceiling is attached to the straps. Then the hardtop is lifted using either motor power or a mechanical lever, depending on the hoist.

Q3. How Can I Remove My Jeep’s Hardtop?

You can do so by following the steps below:

  1. First, disengage the block clips and remove freedom panels.
  2. Unscrew the bolts located on the sides of the backlight on the sounder.
  3. Release the wires that are attached to the washer fluid and the rear wiper.
  4. Unscrew the six bolts that connect the body to the top.
  5. Then, either use a hoist or at least two people to have the top removed.

Q4. What Are The Types Of Hardtop Hoists?

There are two types distinguished by the type of force used, mechanical and electric. You need manual labor to use the mechanical hoist.

However, the pulley greatly reduces the amount of force required. Electric hoists are more complicated than mechanical ones, but you only need to press a button.

Conclusion

Get the most popular and used hardtop removal systems for your Jeep

The best hardtop hoist will help you remove the hardtop, store it, and to reinstall it much easier, and electric hoists are even better because they make the job a piece of cake.

However, always remember to check whether the hoist is compatible with your vehicle and that your Jeep’s hardtop weighs lesser than the weight capacity of the hoist. Otherwise, it will be of no use.

As everyone has different priorities when choosing the right product for themselves, I have compiled the list, but I have to say the HARKEN Hardtop Overhead Garage Storage Hoist is undoubtedly the best Jeep hardtop hoist out of all of these.