Lightweight, tall floor jack suggestions

[spookybathtub]

I'm looking for advice on something, sort of related to my Yaris.
I have a large case that I use for work, and I frequently transport it in the back of my Yaris (3dr hatchback). It's custom-built to just fit in this car, after modding the cargo area.

The problem is, it requires two people to load or unload, and I want to be able to do this myself. This case weighs 300lbs, and is 24x33x35 inches. It rolls on wheels, but must be laid on its side to fit in the car.

I want some kind of lift mechanism, that I could use to jack the case up to the hatch height, then I can push it into the car. I want this to be inexpensive, and ideally it would fit in the car when not in use. Some scissor jacks are tall enough, but slow to crank, and the small footprint would probably cause it to tip over with the large case on top.

I'll take a photo later showing the case in the car, but for now here is one showing it open. You just have to imagine the lids closed.

[WeeYari]

I don't think you'll find anything 'inexpensive' and still sturdy and safe. Sounds like you need something like this, an ATV lift.



or this;

[CrankyOldMan]

That's a tough one. Since our car only has a class 1 hitch option--and can't really take any tongue weight--that rules out things like mobility scooter lifts that attach to a tow point. Finding a scooter lift that mounts inside the car is probably not going to happen either.

I'm thinking something that bolts to the seat attachment points and has sliding rails might be a workable solution, but only if you're mechanically inclined or have access to an engineer that does pro bono work.

Could you put another set of handles down by the base of the cabinet? You could put a movers blanket on the bumper, push the cart up against the blanket, then lift/tilt the case into the hatch.

It's probably too late to do this, but can you have it cut down into 2 stacking parts, with a latch/lock between them?

If all else fails, Harborfreight has a 40" x 48" trailer that regularly goes on sale for about $150. Add a hitch setup to the Yaris for about $100, get some ratchet straps, and away you go! Of course that doesn't take the elements into account, so you'd have to plan your travels accordingly.

[sex]

How about a winch or ratcheting strap setup? Any pictures of the cargo area?

[ezhacker1]

spooky, thats the most awesome field monitor/workstation i have ever seen.

This could work for you.
http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-...730-10041.html

[WeeYari]

^ good find. God I wish we had Harbor Freight up here.

[spookybathtub]

Thanks for the suggestions! Very helpful, I have some new areas to research now.

The rear seat has been removed so I could install a 4x4 plywood deck, which is a few inches lower than stock.


@CrankyOldMan The center of gravity is pretty low on this thing, making it difficult to lift/tip over the edge. But assuming my arms are strong enough, I fear the weight would break the bumper. I've always been careful to put the weight on the strip of plastic just inside the bumper, since it feels a lot more solid.

[spookybathtub]

Still hoping to do this very cheaply... I'm thinking of welding some kind of platform to the top and bottom of a scissor jack. Unfortunately none of these options, including this one, will fit in the car so I can unload at the job site, but at least it would be useful at home.

[sex]

Since you have some top clearance, how about raising the platform so you can slide some aluminum ramps underneath? Just copy the moving truck ramps design and have them slide out and down when needed.

[ezhacker1]

The hydraulic table cart design, would allow you to put the table edge right up to the edge of the hatch without weight on the bumper. (Edit: i didn't think about where you would put the cart after lifting it onto the car.... i guess it would work to put in and take out from your home, doesn't help you on location)

What kind of video work do you do? I also use my car to transport, video/photo gear, nothing like that box. Just tripods, light stands, slider. etc.

[why?]

Originally Posted by sex

How about a winch or ratcheting strap setup? Any pictures of the cargo area?

This is probably going to be the best idea for something that could stay in the car. you might have to do some custom work to make it viable. Or you could check out some of the systems they use for wheelchairs, some of those are amazing, they lift the wheelchairs and put them inside the car with zero outside assistance.