You tell me. We are talking about a top that weighs around 150 lbs and all of the force is aimed directly back into the top. It's been hanging for over four months now with no negative affects.

 

Uh, how would I know? I don't run the setup, so have no way of seeing how it's supported. If you're comfortable with it, go for it.

 

So I got the top off using the strap method but the top seems all over the place. I think it all has to do with the strap location and trying to find it's center of gravity.

Do you happen to have a picture of the straps location on the top?

One thing I did notice from your pictures is you run each strap from the side to the center rear. I was running straight back and then bring the strap to the center of the top (as best as I can) to connect both ends of the strap to the lift hook.

Getting it off and on was a two person job because one had to keep the top stable in order for the other to drive out or back under it to get it back on.

 

Ultimately you are lifting the top by one rope, correct? If you are using that method you will need to find the balance point. The t-bar makes it easier to fix that point. And use a braided rope. If you use a twisted rope the top will spin when you lift it.

Instead of doing that I have three ropes that go straight up to the ceiling, one at the rear center of the top and the other two are at each side by the door opening areas. That way is very stable. I wind all three ropes on to the same winch.

 

I understand now what you're doing. I just have the single cable from the hoist mounted on the ceiling. The tie down straps are routed under the roof, meet on the top and all hook on to the hoist hook. This is how I thought you were doing it minus the hoist.

Looks like a t-bar is in my future. Thanks again for all the help and suggestions.

 

Here's a video I was working on for showing the installation of a roof rack and I included video of the hoist system I'm using to remove the hard top. It doubles as a bike/utility lift so I could get more use out of the hoist and felt others may have the same need. Thanks to the original poster for showing how to use channel struts to create the t-bar frame. It was exactly what I was looking to do and worked perfectly. Like a grown man's Erector Set.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...imited-225366/

 

Newbie here

This was an awesome thread. Thank You for something else to put on my list

 

I drilled four holes in my top and used rubber washer. Warn 1700 winch on Amazon $99 shipped). About $30 in parts and carabiners. Hooked to old 12v battery I had laying around. Put silver vinyl stickers on my roof and freedom panel "humps" and I slide the freedom panels onto the roof upside down (vinyl to vinyl). Takes me less than 10 minutes start to finish, solo, to get my roof on and off.

 

Has anyone mounted a hoist in a self storage unit? I am looking at a 15'X15' unit and wanted to know if anyone has ever mounted a hoist to be able to back into the unit and remove the top.

 

My simple rig. 4 ratchet straps, 2x4, chain and few eye bolts. About 20$ Takes less than 5 minutes with one person. Pictures aren't great but you get the idea. Really sturdy. Does not move hardly any once its secure