Viking Solutions Rack Jack II Hitch Mounted Hoist, Black

This device works very well within certain limits. Like others have said, you have to make a judgement call whether its worth bringing it with you and setting up or not. I am only only speaking to general use, and not something specific like hunting.At my age, a single item weighing 70-80 lbs is about the most I am willing to lift into my truck. At and above that is where this device comes in handy. I have several items that are above that and I need them put in my truck periodically, such as small outboards, inflatable boats (folded up in a bag), generators, and it has become a real back breaker or a ridiculous amount of setup to do that (ramps, etc.). These items weigh 75-250 lbs and they are relatively compact and easy to use with this device.I would say that items in the 75-150 lbs range work very well. The winching aspect is easy and controllable up or down. The winch mechanism does ratchet on the way up, but not on the way down without doing a two hand trick. The overall assembly does have some flex, but nothing of concern. The boom swings easily, despite not having a bearing of any kind at the pivot point.150-250 lbs is ok. The winching is a bit tougher, but still very manageable all around. The overall assembly flexes more, but still seems like its going to be fine. The boom does not swing as easily, and here is where a bearing or nylon bushing would have been good to have.I only tried one item above 250 lbs, with a weight of about 350 lbs. The overall operation becomes difficult to do this on your own. Its best to have someone do the winching and a second person controlling the load. Winching is tougher, especially going down. Lots of flex. Swing is less cooperative. You can do this solo, however, I would say about 350 lbs is the limit. If I were to be lifting items above 250 lbs on a regular basis, I would consider another model with stabilizing feet and/or something with an electric winch. It becomes very difficult to do the winching and controlling the load safely.You could potentially use this with an electric winch. Simply do not install the manual winch, cable and rollers. Use the upper roller brackets to create a loop point. Hook a marine electric winch onto that loop or adapt an ATV electric winch with a hook for same use. You set up the boom first and then hook on your winch at the top. Good to go. I would not recommend permanent attachment of an ATV winch, for example at the same location as the included manual winch. This upgrade would not necessarily be to increase capacity of the overall device. It would just be to make it easier to use, especially solo.Overall, I am happy with this device. These days keeping my back healthy is more important than money. Even if you went the way of boom plus an electric winch, the cost is very minor relative to back surgery and recovery time. As long as you have reasonable expectations, this device serves the purpose.

We used this hitch hoist to lift a 150lb outboard in and of our boat and it worked great! I was surprised how easy it was. Quick assembly and decent instructions. I would remove the cable on the winch before trying to get that one bolt threaded.

The overall design of this jack is very good. Easy to transport and assemble on site when ready to use. However, the main problem is the hand winch. It does not ratchet and you must watch to make sure the latch is engaged when you stop cranking up or down, otherwise it will freewheel. I called the manufacture and asked for a new hand winch. I was told they do not keep spare parts. They wanted me to return the whole thing and they would send me another one. That is way to much to go through for one bad part. I had already disposed of the box it came in and did not have a box that size and thickness to ship the whole thing back. I ordered a new winch and replaced the original one. This makes the overall price more. It is advertised as a 3 section set. Mine is in 4. The instruction sheet shows 3. The top curved section must be attached to the top post. A bolt is included. Not hard to see this and figure out you must attach it. However the instruction sheet should show this step.

Took first buck of season, and had two friends, bring my 4wheeler and put deer in the back. It fell off scooter, on way to club house. They were gone by time I drug it behind scooter. Had to use plywood and rope and pull it on truck, with " scooter". Bought this hoist, and took a buck last Thur and one on Fri! Back up to downed bucks, hoisted onto truck.... Like Magic, for this old Hunter.

So far, so good. I assembled this thing in about 30 mins. The only complaint is that the instructions talked about cotter pins, but used bolts instead. I like that, but had me scratching my head at first. Updated instructions would probably be best for someone who isn’t mechanicaly inclined. Other than that, it clears the tail gate, pivots, and cranks like a champ. Now for a deer…

I have only used this twice to lift a 100lb propane tank. The winch is poorly made and already failed and stripped a gear? Can be dangerous with this type of malfunction. I contacted the seller and have not had a response. Unfortunately cannot recommend due from my experience at least

Dang. This is beefy! Well made. Very tall. Like surprisingly. Haven’t actually used it on a deer yet, but it should work great.

Takes a little time putting it together the first time but then you are ready to go. Bought for my elderly dad and he loves it. Perfect for large loads.