Harken 4-point Hardtop hoist write-up and initial review
 

Hey everyone,

I recently purchased a Harken 4-point Hoister to install in the garage. The product number is 7803.B. You can purchase it at Quadratec, but I actually picked mine up off of Ebay for a little bit cheaper and included free shipping.

The complete instructions can be found at the link below so I am not going to reinvint the off-road wheel on this one.

http://www.hoister.com/assets/4907Jeep.pdf

My initial thoughts are this: It was really pretty easy to install. The most difficult part for me was attaching the boards to the ceiling. I am in an apartment and the ceiling has metal rafters rather then wood. I could not use lag boats to attach it so I had to use toggle bolts and make sure I spanned multiple rafters. I called Harken to see if they had done any testing on metal rafters with toggles and the rep said that he was unsure but if I spanned multiple rafters it should be fine. He suggested spanning three, I did four.

After that it was pretty simple with the exception of getting the strap tied to the lift ropes at the right height so that the top will raise level. I finally got mine level after a little bit of trial and error. If you do not get the top to raise level then it is tough to get it to lover all the way because the weight is supported by the Jeep when it reaches the body.

Lifting is a breeze and lowering it is really easy to (once you get it level). The top has been hanging from the ceiling for three days now. I was going to try and engineer my own but the cost in materials to build what I wanted would have been about the same as the cost of this kit. I recommend it if you are looking for something to raise that top.

I'll have some pictures posted later today.

I am very happy with mine. I found the hardest part was getting the boards on the ceiling as well. I have standard wood joists, but they are not exactly on center, so that was a bit of a challenge, as well as the 12ft. ceiling in my garage...two day intense ladder workout. It is pretty effortless and easy to operate though and happy I bought it...got mine off eBay also. :thumbsup:

I got one of these as well, ordered from quadratec, came the next day!!! installation is pretty easy and the directions are pretty good. I had some extra wood from when i built my deck, so no more out of pocket expense for me. total time took about 1 1/2 hrs to install the lift and remove my hardtop.....it took me longer to figure out how to get the soft top on completly and correctly for the first time!

word to the wise, if this is your first time removing your hard top, and you have a 4 door, 2 of the hard top screws are on the top of the hard top.....my jeep instructions failed to mention the location of the 7th and 8th screws for the 4 door model.

My hard top is nicely stored now in my garage...its a little bit "off level" i'll adjust the knots at some point, probably in late fall when i go to put the hard top back on for the winter months!

Overall a great pickup!

:worthless:

:bleh:

Seems like the harken hoist is a favorable lift.
I am about to make one, but I read about this.
$150 seems worth it if you don't want the aggravation of building your own.
You could make it cheaper, but it may take more time to find everything you need!

So, any cons with this setup?

I've seen alot of posts on here from the guys that have made them.
They look real nice.

I like the homeade version with the platform that allows you to store more stuff in the winter months (like the soft top)

Has anyone utilized the harken hoist effectively by adding on to it for more storage?
I guess I really don't need the storage, but I have the ceiling height to take advantage of. Its not like it would be in the way.

Is this hoist rated for long term storage of the top while suspended with the hardware included? What I mean is, is it ok to leave the top hanging for an entire summer? I'd didn't see any specifics on the harken website.

I printed the specs from the website. They give you a picture / list of everything you need. If you have a local cable supplier, they should have almost everything there.

You may be able to duplicate what they have, and buy stronger peices, rope etc for more confidence. I may do this. It could also be cheaper if you find a place that has everything.

Just a thought.

"Is this hoist rated for long term storage of the top while suspended with the hardware included? What I mean is, is it ok to leave the top hanging for an entire summer? I'd didn't see any specifics on the harken website. "

I have had my hard top hanging for about a month now...I put on the soft top since the weather has been so nice. Haven't had any issues (except I keep hitting my head when I work in the garage).

"Has anyone utilized the harken hoist effectively by adding on to it for more storage? I guess I really don't need the storage, but I have the ceiling height to take advantage of. Its not like it would be in the way. "

I planned on getting a piece of ply wood and drilling some holes in the corner so that I can store my soft top up off the ground during the winter.

Yeah I think that would be a good idea.

I've heard that it being suspended can warp the top...so, is there anything about the harken setup that eliminates warp?

I'm sure you could add 4 more eye bolts in the ceiling just outside the width of the hardtop, drop 4 chains, and suspend a plywood platform.

Lift the hardtop up a tad higher than you want it, put the platform on, then lower the top a tad to let it rest.

Basically identical to the ideas I've seen on here.

I think I may try that...but seeing as how this looks like I simple setup I can recreate, I may try to find everything at a local supplier and price it out.

I built my own but to prevent possible warping, I built 2, 2x4 holders to go around it. I nailed 2 2x4's coming down one side and a small hinge at the bottom of each. I made an L of 2 more 2x4's to go under and up the other side. At the ceiling on the other side, I have latches to hold it to the ceiling.

I have the L part removed by taking the pin out of the hinge. I raise the top and then put the hinge pin in and raise it to the ceiling and use the latches to hold it up. I then lower the top onto the 2x4's and put a board along the inside (going from side to side and held in with a bolt on each side in the attachment holes to prevent the top from spreading.)

I still and stupid with getting pictures posted but if you are interested, you can PM me and I'll send you a bunch of pics.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/imaging-.../jpeg/SM/async

http://www.kodakgallery.com/imaging-...439114/jpeg/SM

http://www.kodakgallery.com/imaging-.../jpeg/SM/async

http://www.kodakgallery.com/imaging-.../jpeg/SM/async

http://www.kodakgallery.com/imaging-.../jpeg/SM/async

http://www.kodakgallery.com/imaging-.../jpeg/SM/async

http://www.kodakgallery.com/imaging-.../jpeg/SM/async

I hope this works. I am trying for the first time to upload the pics. Any questions if the pics turn out let me know.

OK why are the pictures small?

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.:clap:
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. :eek2:
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.:what?:
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.

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 ?

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!

The price is down to 129.00 on Quadratecs site... just FYI.

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?

Harken back?
 

I've had the Harken Hoister for over 2 years and it works great. :thumbsup:

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. :what?:

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). :crazyeyes:

I bought mine through my sailboat rigging supplier. It's the kind of thing (and brand) I was used to buying from them.

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!