Cheap truck shell hoist for low ceiling garage

I wanted to have some way to remove shell off the truck. Leer that I have back there is not exactly a lightweight thing. I thinks, it's 200+lbs. Plus I don't have enough room in the garage for a rack, and I have less than 8' ceiling there too.

Anyway, I decided to go a cheap and easy way - 4 hooks and tiedowns. I am sure it is not the fastest way to get the shell off, but easy enough and no help required.

Just wanted to share.

 

Looks good. When I had my ranger, all i used was two ropes one on each end. The ropes were about 2 inches off the bed. I would back up slip the ropes underneath and drive away. I had to lift the cap a little to get the ropes under but pretty easy. I wish I would have taken a pic back then.

 

Good thinking. The only bummer is you always have to back your truck in, but the cap is always safe.

 

I know... it is way harder than I thought it would be. Not backing up in itself, but backing up straight and aligned with the hoist. No other way to do it with the garage door in the way, though. Fortunately, I don't plan to take it off often. With the shell on is my primary mode of operation.