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Old 03-08-2011, 01:20 PM   #11
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

I have one of the SMB portable lifts. 95% of the unit consists of a linear actuator made by Linak. It looks like SMB just put the foot pads on each end. From a quick check of the Linak website, it looks like they don't make that specific model anymore.

The tag on mine reads:
Linak
Item# 301105-00
ProdDate 04.12.13
W/O# L4476

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Old 03-08-2011, 02:16 PM   #12
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

Another alternative idea: the Irwin quick-grip wood clamps can have their orientation changed so that they work as a spreader. I'm not sure what kind of clearance you have, but I would think you could fit one between the bed rail and the top and essentially hand-jack the top up? For the price it may be worth exploring. The clamps would be pretty easy to store too.
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Old 03-08-2011, 02:30 PM   #13
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

rockbender:

Interesting thought. The squeeze grip ones look like they only squeeze closed, not open, so it's going in the wrong direction. And the crank type would possibly take too much strength to crank, and having enough strength to lift the penthouse is my wife's problem in the first place. But I appreciate the innovative ideas. Keep them coming. Someone is going to figure this out.

Thanks,

Mac
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Old 03-08-2011, 02:46 PM   #14
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

Check this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=5981&p=54057#p54057

dsw4x4 mentioned that he could convert to electric for about $1000. You'd be the guinea pig, I think; I'm sure there would be plenty of followers if it worked out

Cheers!
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Old 03-08-2011, 05:53 PM   #15
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

Google ratcheting cargo bar
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Old 03-08-2011, 05:57 PM   #16
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

Jage:

That looks interesting. Do you think it would be strong enough to raise the penthouse?
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Old 03-08-2011, 06:00 PM   #17
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

I do, I think the problem is going to be speed- you're going to be cranking a lot to get to that breakover point, but for an available solution... it could almost double as a safety support but I don't think 70" is enough.
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Old 03-16-2011, 07:02 PM   #18
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

Jage:

You just saved people hundreds of dollars. I ordered the Keeper Ratcheting Cargo Bar from Amazon.co (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AZ9KS) for $29.45 and it works great as a Penthouse Lift. I didn't bother to take it up all the way because it worked good enough in starting the lifting of the Penthouse. That's the only part my wife can't do is the first 6"-12" of lifting the Penthouse. After that it goes up easily. It didn't take much strength at all to work the ratchet on the cargo bar. What a great idea. And so easy to store. Thanks for the tip!

Mac
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Old 03-16-2011, 07:27 PM   #19
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

Mac - could you post a picture or two of how you use the Cargo Bar - where are you placing it? Thanks!
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Old 03-16-2011, 08:10 PM   #20
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Re: Electric Penthouse Lift

Better yet, get video of your wife doing it. Then we delete this thread, slap a forum logo on a cargo bar and resell it as "PH assist" for $300!

Also, which one did you purchase? There seem to be a few styles...
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