Best Jeep Hardtop Hoists Reviewed

The Jeep hardtop is completely different than the Jeep softtop and requires more care because of how heavy and bulky it is.

With the best Jeep hardtop hoist, you can easily remove the heavy item without straining yourself. Our Jeep hardtop hoist reviews help you find the model that works for your 4x4 and space. 

Buyer’s Guide: Features To Look For In A Jeep Hardtop Hoist

Weight Capacity

Before you purchase a Jeep JL hardtop hoist, you need to make sure it can lift your equipment. Each model is rated for a certain amount of weight, so you want to make sure it is capable enough. Additionally, if you plan to lift other equipment, you need to factor that weight into the capacity.

Construction & Durability

If you want the hoist to last, it must be produced with high-quality materials. However, you must also inspect the included hardware. If this aspect of the hoist is lacking, your entire load could come crashing down. Read through the customer reviews to see how others feel the model stands up under pressure.

Ease of Use & Installation

You want a hoist that is easy to install and comes with detailed instructions. Otherwise, you might face trouble as you attempt to install the hoist in your garage. The kit should also include all of the parts you need, including the Jeep hardtop hoist straps.

Garage Space

Before you look at your Jeep hardtop hoist plans, you need to evaluate your space. Measure the area to ensure that your hoist is going to fit adequately. You might also need to consider the space required to park your Jeep as well. If you plan to use a Jeep hardtop hoist with no garage, make sure the equipment will work the same way.

Operating Clearance

A hardtop hoist requires at least ten feet of ceiling clearance. Yes, you can find some models that only require seven feet, but the features are often lacking on these designs. Measure your area before you make a purchase.

Price & Warranty

We understand that you want a cheap Jeep JKU hardtop hoist, but you must be willing to look beyond the price. Choose an option from a reputable manufacturer to ensure the quality is top-notch. Additionally, evaluate the warranty term to ensure you receive the protections necessary if something goes wrong. You want to find the best value for your money.

1. HARKEN 7803.16JEEP

It doesn’t matter what Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator model you drive, this highly rated hoist will work. The garage ceiling storage system helps you get the top off quickly and store it efficiently. It features a 12-foot ceiling height and can hold up to 145 pounds. There is also a 16-foot option with the same weight capability. With the four-point hoist kit, you will have no trouble getting the installation done, especially with the illustrated directions and included video.

Safety is a primary concern with this model. It includes a self-locking cleat grip design that instantly prevents any accidental releases when the rope gets dropped. Plus, this system is made in the USA, which is a big plus for many Jeep enthusiasts. The price is quite competitive, and the reviews couldn't be any better.

The few reviews state that some pieces were missing with the kit. However, the company offers a lengthy five-year warranty and has superior customer service, so there’s really nothing to worry about. If you want a reliable hoist to lift off the hardtop, this is a solid option that doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money. This manual hoist gets the job done quickly and efficiently.

2. Racor - PHL-1R

While this hoist isn’t specifically made just for Jeep hardtops, it’s useful for this purpose. The adjustable hoist mounts to any type of ceiling, even if it is angled. It comes with built-in nylon rings for an easy installation. Plus, the durable design is made from high-strength steel, allowing anyone to lift up to 250 pounds.

You will find that this hoist is exceptionally efficient. Simply raise or lower it with the crank and included accessories. With the steel cables, you get eight feet of vertical lift before securely locking your equipment in place. The 4' x 4' design provides 16 square feet of additional storage space that you can use for your hardtop or other gear if you prefer.

This particular hoist can cost a little more than some others but provides a ton of versatility. Imagine all of the things you can use it to lift and store. As another positive, the company provides a one-year warranty.

After reading through the reviews, it’s clear that this warranty will probably never be needed, but it’s always nice to know it’s there. Use this hoist if you want to lift off your Jeep hardtop, but also have plans to store other items in your garage.

3. Hoist-A-Top Power 014-210

Do you have a Jeep JK with a hardtop? If so, this is the perfect electrical hoist to get the job done with one person. With the simple push of a button, you can take off the hardtop with ease. You don't have to drill or attach any equipment to your top for removal. Just use the rear Smart Hook to lift and store your hardtop.

With the well-balanced steel frame and newly included Balance Blade, this hoist can support any top with ease. Plus, mounting is simple. You can hook it to your ceiling or side wall. However, there are a lot of specs that aren’t included for customer information. Even directly from the manufacturer, it’s difficult to get the specifications on clearance or weight limit. This is a little worrisome if you are looking for something particular.

With that said, the customer reviews have positive things to say about the hoist and the company. Plus, there is a one-year warranty on the hoist for your protection. If you don’t mind spending more for the electrical Jeep hardtop hoist, this might be an ideal option for you. However, you will want to verify that it fits your needs with the manufacturer before making a purchase.

4. Hoister Direct 7803.Jeep

If you want to hoist your Jeep hardtop or any other equipment, you can use this Hoister Direct kit to get the job done with ease. You can mount it anywhere to provide a 6:1 mechanical advantage over lifting without. Because of this extra leverage, you can operate it alone whenever something needs to be lifted. With this hoist, you can lift up to 145 pounds, which is more than most hardtops.

With the simple installation instructions, you can turn your unused ceiling space into some extra storage room. It can also be mounted in a shop, apartment, or shed. Consider using it to lift a bicycle, cargo box, paddleboard, and other heavy items beyond the Jeep Wrangler hardtop. In fact, you could get a few if you have room for them, especially since it has a lower price.

With the self-locking cleat design, you won’t have to worry about an accidental release or slippage. However, there isn’t much information about a warranty. According to customers, it doesn’t look like the company offers any type of guarantee. With that said, there are plenty of positive reviews that lead us to believe it shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, the price is so low, it’s hard to complain.

5. Partsam

Most electric hoists are quite expensive, but not this model. In fact, it's priced comparably to a manual hoist but offers so much more versatility. With this hoist, you can lift up to 440 pounds, making it a heavy-duty option for far more than just a Wrangler hardtop. Lifting speed varies based on the setup, but it can reach up to 38 feet per minute.

The remote cord reaches almost five feet long, allowing you to use it anywhere. Plus, the electric hoist is capable of lifting regular and irregular shaped items. You can use it in the garage for your Jeep and other equipment or install it in a barn, attic, or anywhere you need to lift heavy objects.

While the customer reviews are favorable, it’s important to note that some people felt the line swayed a little more than it should. This causes some concern, especially when lifting heavy items such as the Jeep hardtop.

On the bright side, the company does provide customers with a one-year warranty to provide additional protection. We don’t think you will need it, but it’s always helpful to know there is a backup, just in case. Grab this hoist if you want an electric option with a manual price.

6. Lange Originals Hoist A Top Simple

Hoist-A-Top is one of the most known Jeep Wrangler hardtop hoists. The company has been trusted for many years and provides affordable solutions for your Jeep top storage.

If you want to remove the hardtop without a bunch of buddies helping out, this manual hoist is sure to be helpful. You simply have to hook two anchor points to the ceiling and attach the custom straps with hooks to your Jeep. It doesn’t take long to get started.

Then, you lift with the reliable worm drive hand crank winch and the braided steel cables. Because this set doesn't include nylon ropes, you won't be struggling to lift the hardtop. All of the instructions you need are included.

However, the trouble we run into when using this company's equipment is the lack of information provided. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to get some of the specifications wanted to ensure you purchase the right product.

If you are planning to buy this hoist, you might want to reach out to the company directly to make sure it will fit your needs. It also looks like there is no warranty provided with this hoist, although it doesn’t look like it will be needed.

7. Five Oceans

Another low-cost electric hoist comes from Five Oceans. This 220-watt hoist features a durable motor and a heavy-duty tethered remote control. You can also add on the longer 20-ft remote control if you need a little more flexibility. This hoist will lift up to 220 pounds, which is more than enough to raise your Jeep hardtop. Additionally, it comes with a pulley hook for dual-line operation.

It appears that the installation is fairly simple with understandable directions. The customers haven’t complained about installing this hoist, further proving that it shouldn’t take the average person long to complete. Additionally, the Five Oceans support team does provide a one-year warranty, which makes this option an even better value.

Sadly, some people are unhappy about the 220-pound lifting capacity rating. Customers think it is deceiving since this option requires a dual line that runs at half the speed to lift this much. When set up as a standard hoist, it will only lift 110 pounds, which might not be enough for what you plan to do. Still, this inexpensive electric hoist has been a top choice and continues to offer a lot of versatility. We recommend this hoist to remove your Gladiator or Wrangler hardtop if it can handle the weight.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can you remove the top on a hardtop Jeep? How much does a Jeep hardtop weigh?

A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited hardtop weighs 140 pounds, which is why you want to use the best hoist for removal.

Can the hoisting work on angled ceilings?

You can use some hoists on angled ceilings. Just read the product description to be sure it will work for you.

What’s the minimum ceiling height clearance needed to use the hoist?

You want to have ten feet of clearance, but some lower-quality models only require seven feet.

Can I mount pulleys directly to the ceiling?

You can hang a pulley from the ceiling, but you might require some additional hardware.

Can I use a hardtop hoist even if I don’t have a garage?

Some manufacturers sell hardtop lifts for use when you don’t have a garage.

How much does a Jeep hardtop hoist normally cost?

Your hardtop hoist price will depend on what type of model you purchase. For example, most mechanical models cost around $20 to $200, while the electric models can range from $150 to $400.

What other accessories do I need to remove my Jeep hardtop?

Not only will you want some heavy-duty straps, but the Jeep hardtop cart is beneficial for storage.

Is it possible to make your own DIY Jeep hardtop hoist?

You can make your own DIY Jeep hardtop hoist if you understand basic instructions. There are plenty of plans available online that don’t require too much effort.

Do hardtop hoists need regular maintenance?

All hoists, whether mechanical or electrical, require regular maintenance. Ideally, you will inspect your hoist with every use. If you notice any parts are worn or damaged, you will replace them before using the equipment.

Conclusion

What is the best Jeep hardtop hoist? We recommend the HARKEN 7803.16 JEEP as it offers a reasonable price and plenty of lifting ability. It also fits any Wrangler or Gladiator model.