Garage door opener as a lift for a camper shell

Harbor Freight has several AC powered winches that should do the job. They probably cost less than the parts that you would need to modify the opener and would definitely be MUCH SAFER.

I'd use springs rather than a block and tackle.

Those garage door openers only have about 7' of travel, and a block and tackle reduces the available travel by whatever factor the lifting power is increased. 2X the lifting power means 1/2 the travel.

I used a 1,000 lb. cable come-along to lift the fiberglass shell off of my '80 Toyota 4x4 longbed. It was upholstered in shag carpet (remember, the 80's ;)), and had curtains and and a pop-up sunroof, so was plenty heavy. I had to stand on a step ladder, but it wasn't hard, just a little awkward. If it's a plain aluminum shell without add-ons, it'd be a snap.

(on edit, the length of rope you'd have to pull thru with a block & tackle would require a lot longer travel than most door openers, unless you're going to just lift it a few inches. Just taking the slack & stretch out of the rope will probably use up a foot or more of travel.)

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"

poncho62 wrote:
I use one of those 1000 lb ATV winches....works good

I'd look at something like that... those winches are pretty common and not too expensive. A lot of them are designed to be portable and can just hang off hooks from beams. Basic vehicle battery runs them.

I use one of those 1000 lb ATV winches....works good

I don't think I'd like the Up-Down simplicity of a garage door opener. If you can inch it up or down that might work.

Do a search for Jeep hardtop lifts. Numerous solutions and prices.

The first problem that comes to mind is the nature of a garage door opener. It's basically a toggle switch. Either on or off, unlike like a variable speed motor where you have control. With my old swing-up door and Craftsman opener, there's been more than a few times where the remote didn't respond quick enough and the door hit what was in the way. Unless you can control the speed, there could be problems. Otherwise, cool idea. Good luck.

Boat lifts are as small as 1/2 HP motor.

I know mine wouldn't lift the door when one of it's two springs broke, but it's a heavy door!

Actually, when I got the springs replaced, the door actually rises with only about a pound or two effort now.. It's pushing it down that the opener has to actually work..

I've got a 3/4 hp Craftsman chain drive..

My dad rigged up a block and tackle pulley system to lift up his hard tonneau cover (that thing is HEAVY!) but it needs two people to pull on opposite sides..

Sounds like a neat idea if you can make it work... Good luck!

Mitch

Great idea. Block and tackle system will reduce the force needed for sure, keep us posted.