All these over price hoist systems are not only overpriced but way more complicated than it has to be. I bought an $85 2,500lbs wench from Harbor Freight, a 2x12 board at 8ft long, drilled some holes for the wrench and nut/bolted the wench to the 2x12 and then tossed it all above my ceiling joists and nailed the 2x12 above the joists once I got it where I needed it. I lowered the hook with the wireless remote it came with, and got a 100ft nylon rope for the straps. Since I have a Gladiator I went under the front of the hard top with one rope and then another separate rope inside the back window and through the front of the hard top and tied figure-8 knots on both sides of each of the two ropes once I got the size I needed and then cut the excess off. And that was it. I have a powered hoist that lifts my 85lbs top off that HAS a weight maximum of 2,500lbs and everything is bolted and nailed down. Took me all of 30 minutes to slap together and I guarantee you it’s stronger than this $450 rig in the video and it costs no more than $100 all together.
Did the install today, using this video - it was definitely helpful to explain things. It is a bit more complicated putting in the 2”x6” supports on a drywall finished garage but it all worked out if you have a stud finder and some patience. The ‘safety stop’ wasn’t mentioned in the video, so I had to go back and reinstall once I realized I forgot it, not critical but good to have in place.
@@Foundniz - I’m not sure if I found it another video or just realized once I saw it left over. Just one of those things, where you’re like “oh, that’s to make it stop”.
To whom it may concern, I drive a 2011 JK Unlimited. The top weighs barely over 100lbs. I ordered this same wench from Amazon for about $100. It has a 220lb weight limit. I hung it on an old pull-up bar which is securely positioned in the rafters of my garage. I already had a couple 400lb straps. Losen all bolts, run the straps through, connect to a D-ring, and hoist away. Problem solved!
Would be nice to see a comparison of the various methods of hard top removal/storage. Not every single product, just the main contenders... Some folks are lucky enough to have a high ceiling, we’ve a flat roof with perhaps a foot or so clearance over the door when in the open position.
Just finished mine but there are few things wrong with the video. First instructions and video don’t make it clear about the 4 door versions and how to do the spacing or if the spacing is good for both. Next they don’t tell you what size pre holes to make for the screws. Finally and most important they say at the end of the video that they had to take the back bracket off to put it down through the window and if you notice they tire but stop trying to close the window. Why because it doesn’t for the 2021 JL. My window almost cracked. Luckily I heard the chip noise before it did. The bracket doesn’t even fit the under side if the window I would like to see how they did it and what mods they did to make it work so they can send it to us to make it work
Very frustrated with Lange for not posting any install videos with the hoist motor mounted on the wall with a FOUR Door JL. WTF. The written directions are terrible!
Shop this Lange Powered Hoist-A-Top: terrain.jp/2WrBwG0
Subscribe for Daily Jeep Videos: terrain.jp/SubscribeXTyt
"You may not have the access that I do" - understatement of the year...
All these over price hoist systems are not only overpriced but way more complicated than it has to be. I bought an $85 2,500lbs wench from Harbor Freight, a 2x12 board at 8ft long, drilled some holes for the wrench and nut/bolted the wench to the 2x12 and then tossed it all above my ceiling joists and nailed the 2x12 above the joists once I got it where I needed it. I lowered the hook with the wireless remote it came with, and got a 100ft nylon rope for the straps. Since I have a Gladiator I went under the front of the hard top with one rope and then another separate rope inside the back window and through the front of the hard top and tied figure-8 knots on both sides of each of the two ropes once I got the size I needed and then cut the excess off. And that was it. I have a powered hoist that lifts my 85lbs top off that HAS a weight maximum of 2,500lbs and everything is bolted and nailed down. Took me all of 30 minutes to slap together and I guarantee you it’s stronger than this $450 rig in the video and it costs no more than $100 all together.
I'm concerned about having to take off the rear bracket each time and sticking it between the glass. I'd like a better explanation.
Did the install today, using this video - it was definitely helpful to explain things. It is a bit more complicated putting in the 2”x6” supports on a drywall finished garage but it all worked out if you have a stud finder and some patience. The ‘safety stop’ wasn’t mentioned in the video, so I had to go back and reinstall once I realized I forgot it, not critical but good to have in place.
Where did u find instructions for the safety weight if u don’t mind?
@@Foundniz - I’m not sure if I found it another video or just realized once I saw it left over. Just one of those things, where you’re like “oh, that’s to make it stop”.
To whom it may concern,
I drive a 2011 JK Unlimited. The top weighs barely over 100lbs.
I ordered this same wench from Amazon for about $100. It has a 220lb weight limit. I hung it on an old pull-up bar which is securely positioned in the rafters of my garage. I already had a couple 400lb straps.
Losen all bolts, run the straps through, connect to a D-ring, and hoist away. Problem solved!
Would be nice to see a comparison of the various methods of hard top removal/storage. Not every single product, just the main contenders...
Some folks are lucky enough to have a high ceiling, we’ve a flat roof with perhaps a foot or so clearance over the door when in the open position.
So when you raised the top for the first time, did your roof center spot line up with the plumb line mark on the ceiling?
So does that mean I would have to park in the exact same spot every time? Not an inch off to the left, right, front or back?
My question as well?! Lange does a poor job with this information. If I had to do it again I would not buy a Lange Power Hoist!!
This is great if your garage is not finished and you have the luxury to see all the studs. A lot of garages of finished ceilings.
When he said "Let us take our plumb bob, I'm going over my rafter"......I knew he wasn't talking to us.
Just finished mine but there are few things wrong with the video. First instructions and video don’t make it clear about the 4 door versions and how to do the spacing or if the spacing is good for both. Next they don’t tell you what size pre holes to make for the screws. Finally and most important they say at the end of the video that they had to take the back bracket off to put it down through the window and if you notice they tire but stop trying to close the window. Why because it doesn’t for the 2021 JL. My window almost cracked. Luckily I heard the chip noise before it did. The bracket doesn’t even fit the under side if the window I would like to see how they did it and what mods they did to make it work so they can send it to us to make it work
Got a used one for 100$ today. So convenient !
Very nice! Thanks for watching! -Zach
Good job screwin in those screws bud
i scrolled down looking for this exact comment
Lol same, those screws are horrible.
Does this work with the JK models? I don’t see why it wouldn’t, but you never know.
There’s a slightly different unit for the JK models
Very frustrated with Lange for not posting any install videos with the hoist motor mounted on the wall with a FOUR Door JL. WTF. The written directions are terrible!
Yes!!! Have you found anything? I’m in the same boat.
look how wet his t-shirt is from sweating while putting that together lol
Safety first.... WEAR YOUR SAFETY GLASSES?