Truck Crane

Bill Rubenstein · 11-08-2004, 07:31 PM

I'm a new owner (11/04) -- 2004, 4 x 4, Rockford, off road, big tow, utility bed package and some other stuff. Red Brawn. Build date was 2/04 but it only had 26 miles on it.

I have a need to be able to lift 700 lb. machines into and out of the bed but not too often. I've looked at the Harbor Freight crane which needs to be bolted down to the bed through a 7" x 9" plate. Looking under the bed, it doesn't look as if there is much there. Has anybody done this and if so, how?

I'd really like to use the hitch receiver to mount the crane only when needed. I envision it made from 2 x 2 square tubing. It would extend from the receiver, make a 90% turn, extend until it cleared the bumper, and then make another 90% turn. The crane plate would be welded on the second turn and the far end would be supported on a trailer jack. Any thoughts on the idea would be appreciated or if somebody has any better thoughts, so much the better.

O.T. -- The Rockford radio is not the best I've ever heard but it beats the heck out of the one in my last set of wheels -- a 1998 Mercedes CLK320.

I've gone through about one tank of gas so far, it appears that the gas gauge is pretty non-linear but I can live with that (the one in the Mercedes would stop working altogether at times -- replaced under warrantee) and so far no other problems except a scratch on one of the lower dash panels which they are going to replace.

One nice driving truck! It made the F150 I drove seem pretty tame.

Bill

vw1972bugs · 11-08-2004, 08:34 PM

Just pick up one of these...no sweat.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...281881793&rd=1

P.S. I couldnt find the type your looking for.

jakura · 11-08-2004, 08:44 PM

http://www.spitz-lift.com/

Saw this on the "Trucks" show on Spike TV

can either get one mounted in the bed or use the receiver hitch.

mick3643 · 11-08-2004, 08:58 PM

somebody told me harbor freight had a hitch mounted lift, you might check into that

Bill Rubenstein · 11-08-2004, 09:09 PM

This one is big bucks compared to the Harbor Freight which is about $130.00 plus some welding on surplus steel. The receiver hitch, I think is well over $200.00 alone.

Bill

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakura

http://www.spitz-lift.com/

Saw this on the "Trucks" show on Spike TV

can either get one mounted in the bed or use the receiver hitch.

Tom Roper · 11-08-2004, 09:38 PM

It would help if they showed some decent pictures....