Lifting bracket created




Bracket installed




close up of bracket




view of brackets




locating peg




locating peg in use




Spreader bar




Hoist




Showing force in a straight line instead of sideways


I needed a way to quickly remove and reinstall my heavy cap so that I can pull a gooseneck trailer.


I am currently using a gantry crane, but will eventually mount the hoist directly to my ceiling.


The key to lifting a cap without breaking it is that the lifting force must be straight up. That is why I made the “H” shaped spreader bar. That metal bar takes all of the sideways force to the single point on the hoist.


When I ordered the cap, I had the rails installed that normally are used to put bicycles, boats, etc on top of the cap. That way I will have adjustable pick up points and cannot be blamed for failures due to drilling holes in the cap.



I welded up some brackets that will slide into those mounting rails. It worked out real well being adjustable as I did have to move the mounts by 3 inches to get the cap to balance.


Then, to quickly get the cap back onto the bed, I cut out some locating pegs that fit the center stake pocket holes with just a little bit of clearance. Now when I lower the cap I can just guide the cap with my hand until the pegs go into the hole.


Now I can remove or install the cap in a few minutes by myself!

 

I use this to lift my cap on and off by myself.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005AUH8OG/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1413516870&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

It is very easy to pull up and down with the 8 to 1 pulleys. I'd like to get a small winch one day to do it. I'll post pictures of my setup later if you are intrested. It hoists up and sits almost touching the ceiling in my garage.

 

thats great to have all that space so you can do it the right way.

I do it the wrong way....I perch 2 6X10 planks on one side of the cap and slide it off. It's a PIA, but my truck will not fit in my NYC garage.