Hoist the shell using the rack?

Anyone ever hoist a shell off by connecting to the rack? Should I dare? My Gen 3 has a Prinsu rack, which is pretty strong, mounted to factory rails on the Leer shell. I'm not sure pulling 200lbs or so from the rack would be a good idea.

For my Gen 2, I ran the straps under the shell altogether to hoist it up, but that's more work. BTW, once hoisted I don't leave the shell hanging; it is set the shell down on overhead 2x4s.

Thoughts, other than "go for it and see what happens!"

 

I did that with my Ranger (Leer top) back in the 2000s, and more recently on an ARE V-Series from a Yakima rack, and currently with an ARE MX walk-in with toolbox from a bajarack.

I've never had any issues, so I'd go for it.

In the past I've connected up a pulley setup similar to a bike hoist using old garage door springs and carabiners. I've also used a couple of ratchet straps and an eye hook before that. Both were fine, but the former is a lot easier.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience with this. I have a nice pulley set up in the garage already. Running the straps under the shell on my Gen 2 was a pain. With the Prinsu on this shell I have some good attachment points.

 

Definitely. Reuse those mounting points and go for the most vertical pull you can so it doesn't sway when you start to lift it. The Tslot crossbars on the Prinsu make good points to pull from, but make sure your strap doesn't slip to the left or right or the whole thing will fall over.