Fleximounts Gl1 Overhead Garage Lifting Storage Rack, 4X4 Ft Adjustable Ceiling Organization System, Heavy-Duty Metal Racks, 300Lbs Weight, Black

While this may not be an approved usage I did a little measuring, weight checks, and validated ceiling material and screw usage, then installed to help remove my Bronco top. The top of the shelf is used to store my front 3 tops and a ratchet strap connects the back to the underside of the shelf. I use my drill to raise and lower the top into place. Works great for this and way less expensive than the options marketed directly to Wrangler/Bronco owners. I installed this on my own and it took a couple hours for full install. It would have been much faster if I had asked for help to mark ceiling joists, laser it out, then align the template using 2 points of reference instead is me just holding it. This made improper alignment a couple times before the actual drilling and mounting. Have 2 people and 2 ladders. When not using for my car, it’s perfect for organization and storing items above my golf cart. The only thing that I don’t like, the cable mechanism, where it winds across the shaft, seems to be a little finicky. Most times it wraps fine, but because there are no specific guides, it sometimes overlaps itself and doesn’t create a solid movement when lowering. I’m nitpicking, but worth noting. I’m thinking about getting a couple more, glad I got this one.

Like many review mentioned, the instructions aren't the best. If you're handy and have experience assembling modestly complicated projects, you should be able to get through it. This is one time I'd suggest actually reading the instructions all the way through at least once before beginning. Knowing a few of the warnings ahead of time can save you some frustration (like the requirement of locating the lift/lower controls). The template wasn't helpful in my case (exposed rafters, but running perpendicular to the direction I needed to mount the unit), but I was able to take measurements from the template and work out the mounting locations on my own. Once you get the four mounting brackets installed in the right locations, you're 90% of the way done. The remaining steps are pretty straightforward and easy to complete. Some reviews mentioned that the cables bunched up and didn't wrap onto the spindles smoothly. The instructions are oddly worded there, but if you pay attention to how the cables attach to the spindle, you should be able to get them in the proper initial position. I think it helps if you actually have some weight on the shelf to keep the cables under tension when raising the unit. If one cable is slightly longer than the others (as was the case with mine), it may help to hold tension on it with your hands while raising the unit in order to get it to wrap smoothly. After a few ups and downs, with little adjustments here and there, I was eventually able to get all cables to wrap smoothly. My hope is that they'll develop a little bit of "memory" in the wrapped position and will return to that orientation more easily on their own in the future. I'm using this as a system to remove and store the hard top for my classic Bronco, so they will spend the entire summer wrapped about the spindle in the hot garage, so we'll see. But the overall design of the unit is quite good. The manufacturing tolerances are also accurate - I didn't have any issues fitting the pieces together at all. The cable system is fully redundant, so more than one cable would need to break before there's any danger of the shelf falling (*extremely* unlikely). The shelf is strong and the system handles significant weight with no issues. The option to disconnect the spinning handle and attach a power drill to the actuating rod was an excellent bonus. All things considered, I'm glad I got this unit and look forward to many years of removing, storing, and reinstalling my hard top as a simple (single-person) operation.

It's good enough, serves the purpose. Couple of things I wish were better. The wire spooling needs refinement. As others have also noted, the double-cable runs wind over themselves, which causes uneven lifting. You'll get a corner that's noticeably higher then the rest. Secondly, the wire grid platform is a large grid pattern, meaning big holes. If you have items without flat bottoms, you'll be better off putting some plywood down. The wire platform is also a little flimsy, bows a bit when you add some weight to it. Not worried about it's strength, but it could use perhaps a cross brace between the two ends. Lastly, I found the hardest part about doing this alone is trying to tape the template to the ceiling. It's big and flimsy, but does make for a good install if you can get it stuck. A kid helper with a broom handle makes a difference. Overall, recommended. Serves its purpose.

Wow. This product was a lifesaver, well a back saver to be honest, but still, one of my most satisfying purchases I’ve made in years. I had originally chosen a similar product that was $79 more and appeared to be little more hefty, however, after placing my order I received two shipping delays weeks after paying and was advised it would ship in another month or so. I decided to cancel the order and clicked on the similar items tab below the order and I am so happy I did. This product was considerably less expensive and it shipped immediately, arriving the next day. The ropes are steel braided and encased in color coded plastic to help ensure that setup is correct. The entire product is very sturdy and lifts and lowers evenly and flawlessly. I tried the hand crank but using my cordless drill made it effortless. I have a fishing kayak and gear loaded in it which altogether weighs about 150lbs. This thing has made loading and unloading such a breeze as I simply back my truck up to where my tailgate is even with the deck and slide it in the bed and simply do the reverse when unloading. No more back pain and frustration! I used to avoid going on a day trip because of all the hassle but this thing has made it so effortless. Installation was simple as the template is precise. You simply need to locate your joists (studs) and tape it firmly to the ceiling using the supplied tape, which is very strong. It’s literally that easy. I have every bit of faith that this thing can hold the 300lbs as advertised and probably more. This is a solid product and has saved space AND made loading and unloading a breeze.

My garage floor was getting really busy. I had lawn tools that I only used a couple of times a month that were taking up space. This lift solved my storage issue. The instructions were good and it’s not difficult to install. They advise that two people are required to install the lift. I didn’t feel it solo but it was a chore. The bar that holds the winch is fairly heavy to hoist over your head solo. Yeah it’s exactly what I was looking for.