Lift for topper

Looking for ideas or plans for rig to lift topper up and hang from rafters.

The best one I have seen was one made by a friend of mine. He welded an "X" that would cross the top of the topper, and then welded arms that went down along the side of the topper. The last 6-10 inches he had ratcheting tie-down straps with hooks that would go under the bottom edge of the topper. These tie-downs worked so that he could lift the topper all by himself. He could ratchet up each side a bit until it was tight against the "X" on top. He did use a foam rubber around the "X" on top and the arms going down so they didn't scratch the topper. Once he got the topper ratcheted up tight, then he winched it up to the ceiling (winch attached with LONG lag bolts through the rafter, with extra cross bracing on the rafters to spread the load). His is an electronic winch, though you could easily use a come-along or a system of pullies depending on your skills and money. This guy pulls his topper 1-2 times a month to put a cycle or four wheeler in the back of his truck, and he could do this in about 20 minutes start to finish. He did say it takes longer to put it back on than to take it off, but only because he wants to make sure he has a tight seal when he puts it back down. I think he used a set of "C" claps to hold the topper on the truck, so it takes him just a few minutes to loosen it up. Make sense?

Big Chris

Boat winch mounted on the wall and a pulley attached over the center of the location you want the cap so go. Then hook a four way connector that will reach all four corners of the cap. That gets hooked to the boat winch cable. Back under it. Hook the four corners up. Unbolt/unclamp the top. Lift it up out of the way.

Get case of beer. Call several large friends. Lift topper off and set in back yard upside down. Line with plastic drop cloth to make pool for kids. Go get another case of beer. You and friends enjoy watching kids splash. Have fine day. :)