Okay, here’s my blog post about installing a small crane on my pickup truck:
DIY Pickup Truck Crane Installation
So, I’ve been needing a way to load heavier stuff into my truck bed. My back ain’t what it used to be, and wrestling things like generators and toolboxes was getting old, fast. I looked at those hitch-mounted cranes, but they seemed kinda flimsy. I wanted something solid. That’s when I decided to go all-in and install a small crane right onto the truck bed.
First things first, I picked out a crane. I didn’t need anything crazy huge, just something that could handle a few hundred pounds. I found a used one online that looked like it would fit the bill, it is small and perfact for my pickup truck, and the price was right. I think buy a used one is more affordable.
Next up, I figured out where to mount the darn thing. I wanted it to be accessible from the side and back of the truck, so I settled on the front corner of the bed, right behind the cab. I measured everything out like five times to make sure it would clear the cab when it swung around.
After I bought the crane,I went to get the crane by myself and take it back home.
Then came the scary part: drilling holes in my truck bed! I used a step bit to gradually enlarge the holes, making sure I didn’t go too big too fast. I also put down some painter’s tape to protect the paint around the holes.
I reinforced the mounting area with some thick steel plates underneath the bed. I didn’t want the crane ripping out the sheet metal the first time I used it! I bolted everything together with grade 8 hardware – the strongest stuff I could find.
- Checked the crane’s swing radius.
- Double-checked all the bolts.
- Made sure the wiring was all tucked away nicely.
Wiring it up was pretty straightforward. I ran the power cable to the battery and added a fuse for safety. I also installed a switch in the cab so I could control the crane without having to stand outside.
Finally, it was time for the test! I hooked up a small engine I had lying around and hit the switch. The crane whirred to life and lifted the engine with ease! I swung it around a few times, just to be sure everything was working properly.
Honestly, it was a bit of a project, but totally worth it. Now I can load and unload heavy stuff without breaking my back. Plus, it just looks cool! If you’re thinking about doing something similar, I say go for it! Just take your time, measure everything carefully, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
