Harken 4-point Hardtop hoist write-up and initial review
11-16-2010, 03:16 PM
#13
JK Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Southern Alberta, Canada
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I bought and installed the Harken Hoister last spring for my wife's '10 Sahara Unlimited. Had her hard top up and out of the way in the garage all summer without any issues.
When I bought my '08 Rubicon a li'l later, I made the mistake of leaving the hard top on the floor underneath it. Along came my son dragging his scooter behind him, and put a big scratch down the side of it.
I noticed all the basic parts were available at our local Canadian Tire store to be able to build my own, and they were'nt really expensive individually, but when I rang it all in at the checkout, it came to just under $100.00.
So, I guess I'll just wait till spring, when I need it, and get a second Harken Hoister.
Well worth the extra couple bucks, and quality material IMO.
When I bought my '08 Rubicon a li'l later, I made the mistake of leaving the hard top on the floor underneath it. Along came my son dragging his scooter behind him, and put a big scratch down the side of it.
I noticed all the basic parts were available at our local Canadian Tire store to be able to build my own, and they were'nt really expensive individually, but when I rang it all in at the checkout, it came to just under $100.00.
So, I guess I'll just wait till spring, when I need it, and get a second Harken Hoister.
Well worth the extra couple bucks, and quality material IMO.
12-18-2010, 04:01 PM
#14
JK Enthusiast
i live in a apartment building and my parking is underground so i have a roof about 7 or 8 feet tall not sure, can i just lift the top a few inches move the jeep ?
05-05-2012, 02:42 PM
#15
JK Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Clarksville, TN
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Harken Hoister question. I installed the system and it works fine with one exception. If anyone knows the solution, please let me know!
When I raise the hardtop, I am unable to lift the top as close to ceiling as I would like. It seems that the knots are catching in the fully rings.. I have moved the knows as close to the strap as I can.. I feel like the top when raised to the knots is stoping like 12 inches from the ceiling. Does anyone know what adjustments can be made?
Thanks!
When I raise the hardtop, I am unable to lift the top as close to ceiling as I would like. It seems that the knots are catching in the fully rings.. I have moved the knows as close to the strap as I can.. I feel like the top when raised to the knots is stoping like 12 inches from the ceiling. Does anyone know what adjustments can be made?
Thanks!
09-26-2013, 06:47 PM
#17
JK Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Little Rock AR
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I just installed the harken hoister. The install wasn't too bad took 3-4 hrs. The only issue I'm having is in lowering. The hoist takes some persuading to start lowering and once in contact with the jeep, I can't get anymore slack without climbing up on a ladder and hand feeding slack through the block and tackle. I've heard that leveling issues could cause it but it seems level to me. Anyone have a solution or can direct me to one?
09-27-2013, 05:43 AM
#18
JK Freak
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Lakeland, Florida
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Harken back?
I've had the Harken Hoister for over 2 years and it works great. 
During installation I added 2x6 strong-backs in the garage attic using lag-bolts to the joists because my ceiling joists are 2x4 trusses (common in Florida). Remember to predrill for lag bolts so you don't split the joists.
My situation is the opposite of the rest of the country. Being in Florida, the hot and rainy (monsoon) season is from June till September. That's when I put on the hardtop. It works better with the A/C (or visa versa). October thru May when it's cooler and dryer is the best time to go topless or semi-topless in Florida.
My hardtop hangs from the ceiling October - May and the soft-top hangs on the Harken straps June - September. I have never had a problem with the hardtop warping. I do add backup ratchet straps through the eye-bolts just incase the Harken cam-cleat gives way (always a Boy Scout).
I bought mine through my sailboat rigging supplier. It's the kind of thing (and brand) I was used to buying from them.
During installation I added 2x6 strong-backs in the garage attic using lag-bolts to the joists because my ceiling joists are 2x4 trusses (common in Florida). Remember to predrill for lag bolts so you don't split the joists.
My situation is the opposite of the rest of the country. Being in Florida, the hot and rainy (monsoon) season is from June till September. That's when I put on the hardtop. It works better with the A/C (or visa versa). October thru May when it's cooler and dryer is the best time to go topless or semi-topless in Florida.
My hardtop hangs from the ceiling October - May and the soft-top hangs on the Harken straps June - September. I have never had a problem with the hardtop warping. I do add backup ratchet straps through the eye-bolts just incase the Harken cam-cleat gives way (always a Boy Scout).
I bought mine through my sailboat rigging supplier. It's the kind of thing (and brand) I was used to buying from them.
03-06-2017, 10:36 AM
#19
I did the Harken Hoister 7803 install last weekend. Took half a day with my Dad. I got mine online for about $135 shipped. I used pool noodles for extra padding again the seals and ratchet straps as another backup.
These recommendations and write-ups came from others from this forum. Thanks!
These recommendations and write-ups came from others from this forum. Thanks!
