Most of the Jeep will come with a hardtop nowadays. While they are there to give you protection from the harsh sun, you might want to take them off one day where the weather is too good that you feel like taking a drive without it.
Even though taking it off might sound easy, it would be quite impossible to do without a hoist. However, finding one of the best jeep hardtop hoists is another thing that might seem easy but is not.
Now, if you were looking for a source that can help you in that regard, you will not have to look any further because you just found the right one.
We will make the choosing process much easier for you, and by the end, choosing one for yourself will be just like taking a walk in the park.
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11 Best Jeep Hardtop Hoists 2020
Finding decent hoists in the market is a challenging task because the market is literally full of options that are from different manufacturers. To make things easier for you, we went through the most popular ones and picked only the ones that offer excellent overall performance. They are:
1. HARKEN Jeep Hardtop Overhead Garage Storage
Do you own a Wrangler or a Gladiator? Looking for something that will be able to hoist the hardtop of your Jeep without any issues at all? Then you should have a look at what Harken is offering with this one.
As we have mentioned above, the unit is a perfect fit for all the Wrangler and Gladiator models. It is also compatible with other jeeps that have the same dimensions. The maximum load that it can pull is 145 pounds, which is more than enough to lift up the top of many off-road four-wheelers.
The installation process is quite straightforward. In the kit, you will get an adequately illustrated instruction guide that will have all the steps that you need to follow to install this in your garage. The ceiling height that you are going to require for this is 10 feet.
As the unit comes featured with a 6:1 mechanical weight distribution system, it will be effortless for you to take the top off by yourself. This pulley system will be able to reduce the overall weight to up to 6 times. It has a patented system that will lift the top up without you having to worry about even weight distribution.
To ensure the maximum safety of the user, it comes with some safety mechanisms too. It comes featured with an anti-drop system. The cleat grips will lock itself instantly that will prevent unintentional release if the user drops the rope accidentally.
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2. Hoist-A-Top Power, Jeep Wrangler & Unlimited 014-210
Pulling the top using muscle power might seem a tedious work. For that reason, Hoist-A-Top brought out in the market this product that is entirely automatic and will not require any sort of muscle work.
Not all hoisters can reduce the overall weight to a significant amount. With those, the load remains too much for an average person to pull.
In that case, a motorized pulley would mean that you will not only have to worry about strained backs anymore but also will not have to worry about dropping the tops anymore. You will be able to take it off with just a push of a button.
Just like the label states, the unit is compatible with all the Wrangler and Unlimited series of four-wheelers. Alongside that, it will also be able to lift the tops of the Jeeps that have similar dimensions of the mentioned models. You will not have to worry about the compatibility that much with this.
It will seamlessly connect with your vehicle’s top. You will not have to attach anything or drill any holes on it. With this, you will not have to ruin the overall aesthetics of your mesmerizing four-wheeler.
Besides that, it comes with a smart hook on the rear that will allow you to store and lift the top up without having the remove or closing the rear window. The installation process is quite simple too. And you will receive installation guides in the package.
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3. Smittybilt 510001
While most of the manufacturers are manufacturing motorized hoists nowadays, not all of them are implementing a powerful motor that will be able to pull the top up within a matter of seconds. However, this one that Smittybilt is offering is one of the ones that are coming with a powerful motor.
Unlike most of the options that are out there, this one is implementing a fully automatic pulling mechanism. That means you will not have to worry about muscle and back strains anymore. You will be able to take the top off with just a press of a button.
As we have mentioned above, this one comes with a powerful motor. It is rated at 200 amps, and the horsepower is 1/3 HP. With that much amount of power, it will not only be able to lift most of the hardtops but also will be able to lift them within a matter of seconds.
The maximum load capacity is 1000 pounds, which makes it compatible with most of the Jeeps that are out there. You will not have to worry about the compatibility that much for this one.
It is quite durable as well. The center backbone has sturdy frames around it, and the multiple fastening points will make sure that the even distribution of the weight. It comes with coated J-hooks that will not interfere with the exterior of the car. The rear window bracket will let you lift the top without having to disassemble it.
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4. Garage SmartJeep Hard Top Hoist
Are you looking for something fully automated? Want something that you can control with your smartphone? Then you should definitely have a look into this unit that is from Garage Smart.
Just like most of the hoists, this one also comes with a fully automatic lifting mechanism that will let you pull the top without having to use any muscle power. The motor that it features can lift to 170 pounds, which is more than enough for most of the Jeeps. You will not have to worry about back strains anymore.
Alongside that, it comes with soft pads on the frame that will make sure that it does not scratch the top when lifting. With that, you will not have to worry about it interfering with the exterior of your tops.
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Now let us talk about the smartphone functionality that we mentioned earlier. The motors that the kit features have Bluetooth chip integrated. These chips will allow you to connect the motors up with your smartphone.
After that, you will be able to control the overall lifting mechanism with your fingertips. You will not have to opt for any switch or anything of that sort.
Alongside that, the motor also has a patented internal lock in it. That will allow you to control the overall speed and set a locking position. The installation process is quite easy too. It comes with an easy to follow step-by-step instruction book.
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5. Goplus 440LBS Lift Electric Hoist Crane
The market might be full of options, but not all of them will have as much maximum load capacity as this one from Goplus has. Because the overall capacity makes it sit comfortably in the best jeep hardtop hoist system that your money can buy right now.
To begin with, it comes with a line cable that is of high-quality carbon steel. It is braided and has an anti-twisting design that will make it pull the top up without any hiccups. The overall length of the cable is 39 feet, and it will be able to fit in most of the garages at ease.
Alongside that, it quite durable as well. The clamp brackets, mounting hardware, and the shell are all of the rugged steel. This overall construction will make it last for an extended amount of time. You will be able to use it without having to worry about it breaking while operating.
It also comes with two individual heavy-duty lift hooks. The maximum capacity that the hooks can pull is up to 220 pounds each, which totals the overall capacity to a staggering 440 pounds. With such lifting capacity, it will be able to lift most of the Jeep tops without any issues at all.
The lifting speed is quite fast too. It can lift at 26 feet per minute, which means you will not have to wait that long to take the top off from your Jeep. The motor is also of high-quality copper as well. You can expect it to serve for an extended amount of time.
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6. TopLift Pros Jeep Hardtop
While going through the best rated jeep hardtop hoist, you might want to get something that does not require to be installed on the ceiling. In that case, you should have a look into this one.
Most of the garage has a low-profile ceiling. And it is not possible to install a hoisting mechanism in the roof because of the limited headspace. That is where this one comes into play. It is a low profile suspension operated lifting hoist that will fit in your garage without any issues at all.
It is compatible with most of the Jeep models too. You will not have to worry about the compatibility if you have a JK, JL, or any similarly shaped Jeeps. Also, you will be able to adjust it to lift both two-door and four-door tops.
Alongside that, it comes with four caster wheels in the bottom that will let you move the unit from one place to another easily. It will also make it easier for you to bring the top inside after you lift it in outdoors.
As it ground operated, you will not have to worry about buying any ceiling rod or anything of that sort. You will not even have to call a professional to set it up in the ceiling.
Because of the suspension mechanism, you will also not have to worry about it dropping the top because of broken cables. That makes this one of the reliable hoists that we have on our recommended list.
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7. Racor - PHL-R, Garage Ceiling Storage Rack
Not all the ceiling has an even surface, and it gets quite challenging to install a hoisting system in such kinds of surfaces. However, Racor came up with this adjustable unit that will let you install it in crooked ceilings without any hassles at all.
Let us talk about the highlighting feature first. The unit comes with adjustable mounts. You will be able to play with the angles because of the built-in rings that the mounts feature. With that, you will be able to install it in crooked ceilings easily.
Other than that, it is quite easy to install too. It comes with step by step installation manual that is quite easy to follow. The package also includes the necessary accessories. You will be able to get this up in your ceiling without requiring any professional help and without the need for any intricate tools.
The unit is exceptionally durable. It features a high-quality steel construction that will last for an extended amount of time. Also, it has an epoxy finish on the exterior that will make it blend well with the ceiling without making it look like an outcast.
Because of the durable construction, it will be able to lift tops that are up to 250 pounds. That means it will be compatible with most of the jeeps that are out there. The steel cranks that it comes with will be able to lift 8 feet vertically. It also has a locking mechanism to ensure overall safety.Pros
Cons
8. Partsam Electric Hoist Crane Remote Control
In your search for the best jeep hardtop hoist system, you are going to stumble upon a plethora of units. But not all of them will have as much lifting weight as this one from Partsam has.
To begin with, it is one of the automated systems that most of the hoists are coming nowadays. With that, you will not have to worry about using your muscles to lift the top up for your Jeep. Alongside that, you will also not have to worry about back strains too.
It comes with a powerful motor for that automated system. With a single line, it will be able to lift tops that are up to 660 pounds, and with a double line, you will be able to lift the ones that are up to 1320 pounds. That means it will be compatible with most of the Jeeps that are out there.
Other than that, it can lift at a fast pace too. It will be able to lift at 33 feet per minute with a single, and with a double line, it will be able to lift at 16 feet per minute. You will not have to wait that long just to get the top removed from your vehicle.
It comes with a wired remote that will make using it easier. The cord length of the remote is 4.9 feet, which means it will not dangle that much on the floor. Alongside that, the remote also has an emergency stopping switch for safety purposes.
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9. Five Oceans Electric Overhead Hoist Lift Crane
Most of the pulleys will comes some sort of remote control that will let you operate them. However, not all of them will come with a large remote cord like this one from Five Oceans comes with.
First of all, the unit comes packed with a powerful motor. It is rated at 460 watts, and it will be able to lift weights that are up to 440 pounds. That means it will be compatible with most of the Jeep tops that are out there.
As we have mentioned above, the unit comes with a heavy-duty remote that is tethered directly to the motor. This remote will let you switch between the functionalities and control the overall lifting process.
But what makes it different is the cord that it comes with. It is 20 feet in length, which means you will be able to keep it at a convenient place and will not have jump to grab it every time.
The power cable is also quite long too. It is 39.4 feet, and you will be able to connect it with a power outlet that is far from the garage. The wire is of durable rubber too, which means you will not have to worry about it tearing apart over time.
It also comes with a pulley hook that will let you install a secondary line. With that, you will be able to make it a dual-line operated hoist. That will increase the lifting speed substantially.
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10. Kaixun Power Lift Electric
Among all the units that are out there, the ones that can lift at considerably more height will make it easier for you to hoist tops in spacious garages. A perfect example of that would be this one that is from Kaixun.
The unit comes with a lifting clamp that can lift at a maximum height of 38 feet in the single-line mode. Other than that, with the double-line, you will be able to lift up to 19 feet from the ground. That means you are going to get more than enough headroom by lifting the top with this one.
Alongside that, it comes packed with a powerful motor as well. The rated horsepower of the motor is 0.68 HP. With that, it will be able to lift tops that are up to 220 pounds in the single-line mode and up to 440 pounds in the double line mode. This amount of lifting capacity is more than enough for the tops of most of the Jeeps.
Just like most of the units that are out there, it comes with a remote that will let you control the overall lifting process. It also features an emergency button that will make the motor stop when you are lifting and dropping the tops down.
This button will prevent any accidents that might occur during the process. The length of the remote cord is 5 feet, which will let you keep it in a convenient place.Pros
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11. HARKEN Truck Cap Hoist | Overhead Garage Storage
We are going to finish off our top rated jeep hardtop hoist reviews with this unit that is from HARKEN. If you were looking for something that will work with most of the Jeeps that are out there, you should put this one into your consideration.
Unlike most of the units that are out there, it does not come with any sort of motor. Instead, it utilizes a weight reduction mechanism and reduces the overall weight to up to 8 times. This 8:1 mechanical system will let you lift the tops of your vehicle without having to use electrical energy.
Even though the unit is mechanical, it can offer quite an amount of lifting height. The overall height that you can lift your tops with this is 12 feet, which is more than enough to lift and have a bit of headroom left.
Alongside that, the maximum load that this can lift is 200 pounds. That means it will be compatible with most of the Jeeps that are out there.
It also comes featured with some safety mechanisms as well. The cleat grips have a self-locking system that will activate if you drop the rope accidentally. With this, you will not have to worry about damaging the hardtop or the vehicle.
The overall construction of the unit is quite durable too. It comes featured with high-quality stainless steel rods, and the rope is double braided. These will offer an extended service without showing any signs of wear and tear.
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Things to Consider Before Buying
While you might already have a general idea about what you can expect from a decent unit after going through our review section, there are some factors that you should consider before you make a purchase. These points will aid you in making an efficient purchase. They are:
Installation Process
The first thing that you should consider before making a purchase is the installation process. It might sound easy, and the manufacturers might also convince you with their words that their products are easy to install, but in reality, most of them will have an intricate installation procedure.
If you opt for such a unit, you will not be able to install it on your own, and you will have to call someone who is professional. That is why you should consider the overall installation process first.
Build-Quality
As these hoists are going to carry heavy tops, they should be of high-quality material. Alongside that, the overall build should be durable as well. Without a durable overall construction, these will not be able to lift heavy. Even if they manage to lift one up, they will not be able to hold them on the air for that long.
Maximum Load Capacity
The maximum load capacity is another important factor that you should consider before you make a purchase. If you opt for the ones that have a lower load capacity than the weight of your hardtop, you will not be able to lift it properly.
Other than that, getting one that has more load capacity that your hardtop will let you lift it faster.
Besides that, having something that has a relatively higher maximum load capacity will also let you lift the tops of other heavier jeeps as well. That is why we would recommend you to shoot for the ones that have a higher capacity than the weight of your hardtop.
Lifting Height
The lifting height is equally as important as the maximum load capacity. If the unit that you are shooting for can not lift that much up will leave you with a little headroom.
That means the overall process will be a bit troublesome for you. For that reason, you should opt for the ones that will leave more than enough head that will let you drive out and back in without any issues at all.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it possible to remove the hardtop by a single person?
Yes, it is possible to remove the hardtop of your jeep by yourself. What you are going to need is a hoist for that. But without any hoise, it is entirely impossible to remove it on your own.
- How much does a hardtop usually weight?
It will depend on the model of your Jeep. Generally, there are four different average weights. Depending on the mode, the heft should hover around 150 pounds, 145 pounds, 95 pounds, and 90 pounds.
- How many types of hoists are available in the market?
You will usually stumble upon two different types of hoists in the market. One of them is the mechanical one, which will reduce the overall weight, and you will have to pull the top by yourself. The other one is the automatic one that comes with a motor.
- Which hoist should I get to lift the top of my Jeep TJ?
The hardtop of the Jeep TJ is around 140 pounds. That means you will be fine with a hoist that has a maximum load capacity of 140 pounds or more.
- Do all the hoists have a motor?
Among the two types of hoists that are available in the market, all the automatic ones will come with a motor. The ones that will come with a motor will be much easier to use compared to their mechanical counterparts.
- Can I install the hoist on my angled ceiling?
You will be able to install most of the hoists on the ceilings that are uneven. However, the weight distribution might not be even for those installments. You should look for the ones that are meant to be installed in an angled ceiling. One of them would be Racor - PHL-R that we included in our review section.
- What is the best jeep hardtop hoist in the case of lifting height?
We would recommend you to have a look at the Kaixun Power Lift that we reviewed. It can offer 38 feet lifting height with the single-cable mode.
Final Words
After going through the entire article, we hope that choosing one of the best jeep hardtop hoists is not a difficult task for you anymore. With that, we would like to conclude here by wishing you good luck and hoping for your utmost safety on the roads.
BTW, you may need a double lifting suction cup to move your jeep windshields. To get the best one, this article might helpful for you.
