I know this has been discussed but I wasn't having much luck finding threads on this. Anyone own one of the hitch mounted or bed mounted cranes? I've managed without one but the back isn't getting any younger, maybe it's just a neat toy to play with. I haven't convinced myself yet. Leaning more to the hitch mount at this moment. The reasoning is; I have a flatbed that I use and the bed mount hitch would need mounted to use it. Otherwise I'd leave it off the majority of the time. Reviews on these seem mixed, from not having enough reach, running out of height to load into the bed to people loving it.
no welder and my friend who does weld says with todays prices of metal, it would cost more to build. No idea if that is accurate.
Probably true. But if building one gives you a more useful design then it is worth it. You can install a socket in the flatbed to hold the davit and lift it out when not needed leaving only a hole in the deck.
Bed of a pick up is very thin so you need a good thick plate to spread the load out over the support members under the bed, same holds true for flat a bed- some what dependent on it's construction.
Review from a forum member on the Gorillabac. He wasn't using it on a truck, however there is a hitch adapter you can get. I've toyed with the idea of getting one because my primary scrounging area is not conducive to bringing a trailer (narrow forest service road with limited turn-around locations). (2) Gorillabac review. | Firewood Hoarders Club Hydraulic Log Splitter Log Lift kit (gorillabac.com)
A bumper mount off to one side with legs to ground is the most effective style . If plugs into the receiver hitch then it needs to extend to one corner or the other . dead center just gets in the way - would need to keep spare tail light assemblies on hand. thumbs
