If you are lucky enough to have a Jeep Wrangler than you know it has a lot of sought-after features. But, one of the coolest things you can do with your Wrangler is remove the top. If your anything like me, you enjoy that fresh air on a warm summer night. However, if you have a hard top, and you’re by yourself, your out of luck. I have seen Jeep owners do some crazy stuff trying to get their tops off by themselves. One of them even tried to slide it off on two wood planks onto a folding table. Not only is that kind of stuff dangerous but you could end up with very costly repairs. The arrival of Garage Smart’s Hard Top Lifter has been a game changer. This is the solution I went with and I am happy to report I love it just as much as my Jeep.
Smart Home solutions have come a long way. There seems to be a smart home device for everything lately. Admittedly, not all of them makes sense, but this does. No more making a distress call to a friend for this guy. I’m pressing a button on my phone and up, up, and away that Freedom Top goes. This remedy could not be any easier. The Hard Top Lifter makes removing your vehicle’s hardtop a one-person job and gives you your garage back with its safe overhead storage capability. All you need to control the Hard Top Lifter is the MyLifter smartphone app on a Bluetooth-enabled device.
Before the unit arrived, I watched their online installation video a few times to get an idea of what I was in for. It seemed simple enough to install. The package finally arrived, and I could not wait to install it.
My Wrangler came with both a soft and hard top. After a year of ownership, the soft top had never been installed on my car. I had no place to store the hard top if I switched them. My intent was to remove the hard top and let it hang till the Fall and then switch back. Even if you don’t have a soft top and want to keep taking your hard top on and off daily, it’s as easy as opening and closing your garage door.
The packaging was well thought out and complete with all necessary parts and instructions. Even though the provided directions were clear, I found it easier to install while watching the video on my phone.
The first step is putting the framework together. This setup will be different depending on which model jeep you have. Once the framework is together you will turn your attention to installing the rails on the ceiling. The measurements are specific. I found it easiest to make a template from a cardboard box and use that to drill my holes. I also backed my jeep into my garage before doing this to measure the tailgate to the rear wall. I also wanted to make sure the top would clear the garage door opener as well. It may sound harder than it actually is, but I did the whole thing by myself. I would rate my ability as an average DIY’er so if you’re a little handy you should be fine.
Once your rails are installed and the two motors are attached, it’s time for the moment of truth. At this point you should download the app and then calibrate the cable lines. I backed my jeep in, unscrewed the necessary bolts and hooked up the harness. I cannot express to you how nervous I was the first time I tried it.
One I could not believe how fast and easy it was and two I was amazed how those little lifters were able to hold up this huge top. If that were not enough, there is an added bonus. Since Garage Smart thought of everything there is also a cargo net on the bottom of the harness. This is to store your Freedom Panels in. So, everything is neat and completely tucked on the ceiling.
As I said in the beginning Garage Smart is a game changer, it’s almost too easy. If you have a Jeep you want to be able to use all it has to offer. This makes it a no brainer. Often you invest your hard-earned money into things that promise an outcome and ultimately fail. This automated pulley system works well and has enhanced my Jeep experience. This might be the solution you’ve been looking for. If you any specific questions about the product please leave a message in the comment section below.