Store a roof box and crossbars on the ceiling using a cargo lift

[John E Davies]

 

I used to empty and remove my Yakima Rocket Box Lo manually, then unclamp the crossbars and remove them. Reinstalling was a hassle because I had to measure and readjust everything each time. The box weighs 50 pounds empty, so it was pretty awkward getting it up and off the roof. It usually took me an hour of fussing to get everything “just right” and reloaded with cargo. I found a new in box heavy duty ceiling hoist on Craigslist for $150, MSRP was over $500. I mounted it to my 10 ft garage ceiling. Now I back the truck underneath, loosen the crossbar clamps, strap the bars to the hoist and lift the whole kit and kaboodle off the truck. It takes about five minutes, and I can lower it down to 4 feet off the floor to access the stuff I usually carry in the box on summer trips (chairs, flagpole, shovel, MaxxTrax, etc). The no-slip gearbox at the top is driven by a long crank handle, just like a manual canopy on an Ollie. The handle stores on a wall eyebolt when not in use.

The box throws no shadows, probably because I have so many LED shop lights up there😁.

The two safety straps are not really needed, but they make my wife feel better about having her SC400 underneath all that weight….. if we lived where there were earthquakes, they would definitely be needed, just in case the ceiling should shake violently.

John Davies

Spokane WA

 

[mossemi]

Now what are you going to do about getting the Christmas tree and Rubbermaid tubs off the top shelf?😁

Mossey