Wheel Lifter Fabrication Details

This system results in approximately a 4:1 reduction in force needed to lift a load. For example a 40kg load will require a force of 10kg on the strap.

The bracket is fabricated with 25x25mm rectangular hollow section (RHS) galvanised steel with 3mm wall thickness. I did not have the requisite skills to weld the joints so I paid a welder to do the job; it cost me $50.



The length was optimised for my LC100 so it would lift my spare wheels and also fit under the top tailgate door so it could be used for lifting heavy objects onto the tailgate. If you have wheels that are larger than my 33 inch 285/75/R16 then you will need to increase the length to accommodate the pulley system which means that it will not fit under the top tailgate door on a LC100. The extra length assists when manipulating the wheel over the wheel mounting bracket where it bolts on. I would start about 100mm longer and then cut the bracket to suit your vehicle.



The block and tackle system was something that I saw at a show a few years ago; I thought that it was a very clever idea and very compact, so I bought it knowing that it would come in handy one day. It is rated to 100kg. I can’t remember exactly what it cost, but I think it was about $50 to $70. You cannot order online; you need to either email or phone the number in the ‘Contact Us’ tab on the following website.
Jackstrap website

The picture below shows how the device fits straight into the standard Kaymar wheel carrier accessory brackets which are usually used to hold the Kaymar spotlight. This was a tight fit to start with so I had to remove some paint on the inside of the brackets with a file.



You will need to have a practice at lowering and raising the wheel as you have to make the wheel clear the protrusion that the wheel is normally mounted on; that is why there are three possible loops to attach the pulley system.

The last piece of the system is a stainless steel ‘D’ shackle and a flat strap with a cam buckle. This flat strap needs to be pulled very tightly around the wheel; if it is too loose it will not allow for enough space to accommodate the pulley system when the wheel is at the top.



This unit has not been tested to determine its maximum load bearing capability. I would suggest that the outer eyebolt will be OK with 40kg and the inner eyebolt will be OK with about 80kg. If you want to lift significantly heavier loads that this then the long section of the bracket will need to be reinforced.