chromiumOkie

I am wondering if anyone out there has used one of those truck bed crane/hoists? I am needing something to assist me in picking up an Equalizer hitch off the ground and hold so I can slide it into receiver. Recent back surgery forcing me to make adjustments. The tall cranes that have the 1,000 lb limits might be more than I need. I am leaning towards the lower profile bottle jack type, any suggestions?

TheCollector

they are the nicest things to have when picking up an engine block or trans from the junk yard my uncle has one bolted to the bed in his parts getter. it is nice to have. the ones that slide into the bed posts are great if you don't want a crane in the back all the time.

chromiumOkie

I hadn't seen the ones that slide in like that, I like not having it permanent. I'll have to check that out, thanks

TheCollector

no problem even if you get a bolt on one you can always just bolt it to a pice of steel that will slide into the post the manual hoist ones are cheaper and have less to go wrong.

SchuLace

What about a cherry picker? I would think that would work just as well.

TheCollector

way to big

SchuLace

Like this?

Shovel-ready project

If you are doing it at your garage, you can do what I do with my fifth-wheel hitch. Put an eye-bolt in the door header or joist and use a come-along ($20 at HF) to lift the hitch.

chromiumOkie

the eye bolt is good idea, but when we go on trips I'll need a way to unhook.

zap

If you know someone who has welding skills just use 1.5" 11 gauge tubing and make the frame you need. Then a boat winch and some pulleys to run the cable through should make a simple, light duty crane that will work for your purposes.