Car lift and vehicle storage... (Page 1/3)
82-T/A [At Work] JAN 31, 09:48 AM
Guys... so I'm paying for vehicle storage for my Fiero... going on 11 years now, at ~$120 a month, respectively.

I moved nearby (again) where my cars are stored, and I'd like to at least bring home my Fiero.


I wanted to know... who here uses a car lift as vehicle storage, AND... what is the minimum height needed to store a car on a lift with another car underneath it.

The two cars are my Crown Victoria (bottom) and my Pontiac Fiero (would be on top).


Thoughts?


To be honest, this garage does not have an exceptionally high ceiling. I may have to modify the ceiling to make room in the rafters... but looking for a basic measurement of what I can expect before I even consider this path.
Thanks!!!
blackrams JAN 31, 10:17 AM
Can't speak as to a four-post lift but, most (my two-post lift) required a 12-foot ceiling. If the posts will go up through the ceiling joists, you can get by with a shorter ceiling height. How much shorter will depend on other factors (like the brand of lift you get). This assumes you can see the joists and there isn't an actual ceiling.

BTW, if you can get and use a lift, you'll love having it and so will your friends. Don't ask me how I know.

Rams

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 01-31-2022).]

Hank is Here JAN 31, 10:31 AM
I have a four post lift with a 10' ceiling. I have not used it for storage, I typically use it for work...I just happened to stumble on a great deal on a used lift (Backyard Buddy) which is why I have it.

Practically you would want a four post lift. I wold say take the height of the two vehicles and add one foot. The one foot is for the hieght of the ramp and for the lift to make it into ( and out of the locks).

In my opinion, the best option these days are Advantage brand lifts in terms of costs/quality . The use the backyard buddy style of posts, (box tubes) rather than forms steel uprights. My father has a Atlas brand lift and there is a noted quality difference our two lifts. While mine is rated for less I trust it more.

[This message has been edited by Hank is Here (edited 01-31-2022).]

blackrams JAN 31, 10:45 AM
Two versus Four Post lifts depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Both have advantages and dis-advantages. I chose a two post, that doesn't mean it's the right choice for anyone else.
Actually, I'd like to have one of each but, that would probably mean both would be in use by my "friends".

Rams

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 01-31-2022).]

williegoat JAN 31, 10:59 AM

quote
Originally posted by Hank is Here:

I have a four post lif with a 10" ceiling.


These yours?
Hank is Here JAN 31, 11:16 AM

quote
Originally posted by williegoat:

These yours?




OOPS! 10' (foot)
82-T/A [At Work] JAN 31, 12:33 PM
Ok, I'm going to go out and measure later today, and then start looking at some of these you guys mentioned.

I have two fears...

1 - My car falls off a lift, totally destroying two cars.
2 - My top car accidentally lowers on top of my bottom car, totally destroying the bottom car.

Are there safety mechanisms to prevent either?


Thanks!
theogre JAN 31, 12:57 PM
For storing 2 cars in one spot...
Basic terms, Add Height for both then add extra clearance for whatever lift and wheel drop when lift only lift the frame. Very short cars plus lift clearance often a lot more space needed then many garages have.

That's skipping Overhead Doors that limits height in areas where used. Building may have 15' ceilings but OH doors many only allow 7-10 feet high in their zone. Most Home garages don't have Roll Up OH doors so when up covers about same space over floor as close door size... Roll up OH doors are very expensive even w/o power openers.

Many lifts are not made to stack cars in one spot for long term even when installed right.
Frame lifts can damage the car if used to store them. Brake hoses and more does not like bending to the limit and stay there for weeks to months or longer.

Min Height and other clearance for a lift often depends on Lift Design.
Example: Many 2 post "sync" at the tops and need more space just to install them.
Other lifts "sync" at or below floor level and need clearance to drive over the "sync" parts and "tunnel." Many of these types are not made to drive over the sync tunnel, just people stepping on them.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Hank is Here JAN 31, 01:14 PM
1) Given your "falling off" fear I think 4 post is the way to go as you just drive on the ramps/runway. This also keeps the vehicle suspension "loaded" while in storage
2) When you use a lift (2 or 4 post) there are mechanical locks which are the primary means to hold weight. You can get under a car while the lift isn't locked but it would not be smart to rely on just hydraulics. Ocve the locking dogs to engage, release hydraulic pressure to just below the mechanical stops.


quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:

Ok, I'm going to go out and measure later today, and then start looking at some of these you guys mentioned.

I have two fears...

1 - My car falls off a lift, totally destroying two cars.
2 - My top car accidentally lowers on top of my bottom car, totally destroying the bottom car.

Are there safety mechanisms to prevent either?


Thanks!

[This message has been edited by Hank is Here (edited 01-31-2022).]

blackrams JAN 31, 01:51 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:

Ok, I'm going to go out and measure later today, and then start looking at some of these you guys mentioned.

I have two fears...

1 - My car falls off a lift, totally destroying two cars.
2 - My top car accidentally lowers on top of my bottom car, totally destroying the bottom car.

Are there safety mechanisms to prevent either?


Thanks!



Well, most have safety locks to keep that from happening. Can't fall off if put on properly.

Rams

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 01-31-2022).]