If your Jeep’s hardtop needs to be removed or installed manually, then you’ll need a hoist in your garage to lift it off and store it safely.
Not all hardtop hoists are equal. Some are designed for specific Jeep models, and others have limits to the weight they can support.
In this article, we’ll cover the five best hoists available for Jeeps, and we’ll also cover the basics of shopping for a hardtop hoist in our buyer’s guide at the end.
Top 5 Jeep Hardtop Removal & Storage Hoists
1. HARKEN 7803.JEEP T Knobs – Best Value Manual Hardtop Hoist
2. Garage Smart Motorized Lifter – Best High-Tech Hoist
3. HARKEN 7803.Jeep – Most Affordable Hardtop Hoist
4. Hoist-A-Top 014-210 – Best Power Jeep Hardtop Hoist
5. Smittybilt 510001 – Best Value Jeep Hardtop Pulley System
Below is a list of the best Jeep hardtop hoists for easy removal and safe storage.
1. HARKEN 7803.JEEP T Knobs – Best Value Manual Hardtop Hoist
The hoist supports a maximum of 145 lbs., so you won’t be expected to lift heavier hardtops. This kit is designed for a ten-foot garage ceiling.
We liked the price on this hoist and the safety features. The hoist locks into position as it lifts, so you won’t drop the hardtop if you lose your grip.
This kit comes with a set of convenient T-knobs that allow you to attach the hoist to your hardtop without using any tools, which makes the process faster.
- Fits all Jeep Wrangler model hardtops
- Lifts up to 145 lbs.
- Designed for a 10-foot a ceiling
- Manual lift requires some muscle
2. Garage Smart Motorized Lifter – Best High-Tech Hoist
They’ve eliminated the need for a corded or wireless controller by building Bluetooth connectivity into the hoist’s motor. You can control it with any Android or iOS device with the My Lifter app.
The hoist is designed to remove and store heavier hardtops up to 200 lbs with an electric motor.
We liked the smartphone integration as well as the complete DIY installation instructions. The only downside is the price you’ll pay for the technology included.
- Safely lifts up to 200 lbs.
- Controlled with the smartphone app
- Fits most Jeep hardtops
- This high-tech hoist is pricey
3. HARKEN 7803.Jeep – Most Affordable Hardtop Lift
We did, but this kit leaves out the extras to arrive at the best price we could find for a manual hoisted suited to light Jeep hardtops.
It’ll be a little less convenient without the T-knobs, but if you know your way around a toolbox, that won’t be too inconvenient.
- 145-lbs. lift capacity
- Designed to fit all Jeep Wrangler models
- This is a manual hoist without the handy T-knobs
4. Hoist-A-Top 014-210 – Best Power Jeep Hardtop Hoist
It has enough lift capacity to handle most hardtops and adjusts to your garage’s ceiling height. The lifter is designed to balance heavier hardtops, so they’ll stay stable once they’re in the air.
The price of this hoist is good for what you get, but it isn’t the lowest you can find for a power hoist. The controls are dated but effective, using a corded control box with enough cord to walk around your Jeep. We’d recommend this hoist for the heaviest Jeep hardtops.
- Designed for Jeep JK Wrangler models
- Corded controller box
- Power hoist can lift heavy hardtops
- The corded controller limits your movement
5. Smittybilt 510001 – Best Value Jeep Hardtop Pulley System
This hoist is powered with a 200-amp motor that can lift a 1,000 lbs., which should be more than enough lift capacity. The controls are basic, but we didn’t expect high-tech at the price point Smittybilt is offering.
We’d recommend this model for those with hardtops too heavy to lift manually and who have a limited budget. The instructions for installing the hoist leave a lot to be desired, so you might want to have it installed professionally.
- Fits Jeep CJ, YJ, TJ, and JK models
- Lifts up to 1,000-lbs safely
- Limited installation instructions
How to Select the Best Jeep Hardtop Hoist
Hardtop hoists are designed to attach to different hardtop sizes and styles found on one or more Jeep models. Some support heavier hardtops than others, and the controls can be more or less convenient depending on whether they are corded or wireless. These factors plus a few others go into whether a given hoist is right for your garage. Let’s consider the basic criteria for narrowing down your choices.
Compatible Models
The first thing to consider besides price when you begin comparing hoists is whether they are designed to work with your Jeep model. Hoists usually clamp or hook onto the hardtop to hold it securely, which means they may not fit hardtops of different sizes and shapes. Eliminate the hoists that don’t fit your hardtop first.
Size
Another physical limitation that a hoist might not fit is your garage space. You’ll need to look at the height of your ceiling. Some hoists can require at least a ten-foot ceiling to operate and have enough room for your Jeep to sit beneath them. You’ll also want to consider how the hoist is installed and if your ceiling can accommodate it.
Lift Capacity
Hardtops come in different materials and sizes, which means their total weight can vary quite a bit. When you’re comparing hoists, you’ll need to factor in their lifting power. Will it be enough with plenty to spare for your hardtop? If the hoist is rated for no more than the hardtop’s weight, it’ll do the job, but if you get a heavier hardtop in the future, it may not. The more weight the hoist can support, the better the choice it will be.
Controls and Power Design
Hoist designs range from self-powered electric winches to hand-cranked lifts. For power winches, you’ll want to look at the design of their controls. Many will have corded control boxes, while others have cordless controls that give you more freedom of movement. If your hardtop isn’t heavy, choosing a hand-powered hoist will save you some money and offer another way to get a little exercise, too.
The Bottom Line
Hardtop hoists that fit Jeep models come in several different modes ranging from manual pulley lifts to electric power winches. There are even hoists that use Bluetooth to integrate with a smartphone app. We tried to cover the bases for different user needs ranging from your budget to the weight of different hardtops. One of these outstanding hardtop hoists should match your needs. Stay tuned for updates to this round-up as we add reviews of new Jeep hardtop hoists as they are released.
