My back is aching...

Old injuries and the vicissitudes of old age are creeping up on me. Thinking ahead to more adventures in the wild -- didn't think some aches and pains were going to stop me, did ya?
-- I've been thinking about a way to help get some of my heavier gear in and out of the M101 CDN.
The main object of concern is our spiffy, but heavy, chuck box kitchen. Other things have come into the picture that I really don't want to have to pick up myself and lift over the edge of the bed. I'm not going to do a tailgate for several reasons. So how about a crane?
So I've been looking and thinking. For somewhere less than $90, HF has 2 compact models that look like just what I need:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-1647.html
or
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-60732.html
Both look pretty much alike. If I go this route, probably whatever's on the shelf at the local HF. I'm definitely going with a hydraulic, as cables are just too iffy for lifting if my back's hurting already, but open to any other ideas or suggestions as to the crane.
One thing is where to mount. I've actually got a tank holder on the drawbar right now that is heavy enough with a little mod it could support the base of the crane. That would be ideal for lifting stuff out of the bed with best reach and balance all around. I am a little concerned that an extreme trail might put the top of the crane through the back window. I haven't taken measurements yet, but I'm probably a little too paranoid.
Rear mounting would be in the way and unbalanced. A mount over one wheel, or just forward of it might work.
Even with the forward mount, I think I'll need to add some outriggers to each front corner of the trailer, although they may not be needed under all circumstances, like lifting when still coupled to the truck.
I thought I'd see what other's might have done about something like this or who might have suggestions.


Old injuries and the vicissitudes of old age are creeping up on me. Thinking ahead to more adventures in the wild -- didn't think some aches and pains were going to stop me, did ya?

The main object of concern is our spiffy, but heavy, chuck box kitchen. Other things have come into the picture that I really don't want to have to pick up myself and lift over the edge of the bed. I'm not going to do a tailgate for several reasons. So how about a crane?
So I've been looking and thinking. For somewhere less than $90, HF has 2 compact models that look like just what I need:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-1647.html
or
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-60732.html
Both look pretty much alike. If I go this route, probably whatever's on the shelf at the local HF. I'm definitely going with a hydraulic, as cables are just too iffy for lifting if my back's hurting already, but open to any other ideas or suggestions as to the crane.
One thing is where to mount. I've actually got a tank holder on the drawbar right now that is heavy enough with a little mod it could support the base of the crane. That would be ideal for lifting stuff out of the bed with best reach and balance all around. I am a little concerned that an extreme trail might put the top of the crane through the back window. I haven't taken measurements yet, but I'm probably a little too paranoid.
Rear mounting would be in the way and unbalanced. A mount over one wheel, or just forward of it might work.
Even with the forward mount, I think I'll need to add some outriggers to each front corner of the trailer, although they may not be needed under all circumstances, like lifting when still coupled to the truck.
I thought I'd see what other's might have done about something like this or who might have suggestions.