It can be puzzling to pinpoint the pertinent hitch crane for pickup trucks. Each truck crane is a long-term commitment – we understand that very well.
But the difficulty hits when are exposed to probably a thousand options from which to pick.
That’s why we have collected data on hundreds of products from numerous tools & machinery companies to save you time and energy during your search for a new crane.
Here, we’ve done the heavy lifting by comparing and contrasting many popular pickup truck cranes, and hence you don’t have to.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Product Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| 1. MAXXHAUL 70238 Hitch-Mounted Crane | ✓ All-steel framework for durability and sturdiness. ✓ Fits with 2-inch receivers. ✓ 500, 750, and 1000 pounds of boom capacities. ✓ Lift ranges vary from 30 to 84 Inches. |
| 2. XtremepowerUS 2″ Hitch Mount Hydraulic Hoist Crane | ✓ Adjustable legs for stability. ✓ Fully furnished with a hydraulic ram. ✓ Complete 360-degree swivel. ✓ Backed by a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. |
| 3. JEGS Three Boom Capacities Hydraulic Hitch-Mounted Crane | ✓ Wide lifting range of 22-79 inches. ✓ Full 360-degree maneuverability. ✓ Offer universal fit. ✓ High pulling capacity of up to 1000 pounds. |
| 4. APEX LEGENDS Mount Pickup Truck Hydraulic Hitch | ✓ Black primer premium steel construction. ✓ Rotation to full 360 degrees. ✓ Offers a boom extension of 48 inches. ✓ Fits with all classes of 2-inch receivers. |
| 5. Ultra-Tow 1000-Lb. Capacity Hitch-Mount Hydraulic Truck Crane | ✓ Fits with a 2-inch receiver. ✓ Versatility with 360-degree swivel. ✓ Wide lifting range of 22-79 inches. ✓ 500, 750, and 1000 pounds of boom capacities. |
The best hitch crane for pickup trucks:
1. MAXXHAUL 70238 1000 lbs. Capacity Hitch Mounted Crane
| Brand | MAXXHAUL |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Product Weight | 62.92 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 53.5 x 21.5 x 9 inches |
| Weight Capacity | 500, 750, and 1000 pounds |
| Swivel Range | 360 Degrees |
| Lift range | 30-84 Inches |
| Receiver Size | 2 Inches |
| Vehicle Type | Pickup Truck |
When it comes to economical and compact hydraulic hitch cranes, the MAXXHAUL 70238 is one of the premier options on the market.
Still, by many measures, it excels and provides exceptional dependability and longevity compared to others at the same price point – and that’s precisely what made it feature on top of our list.
Solid build:
The industry-grade and alloy steel with powder-coated finish definitely draw attention at the first glance.
It is this all-steel composition that allows the crane to support an enormous 1000 pounds of weight and delivers some heavy-duty pulling at ease.
Even the chain has a steel hook, which is fully drop-forged. So, overall, the construction doesn’t let anyone put any questions to this unit’s integrity and efficiency.
Stability:
The crane remains superbly stable even in the face of extreme stress and heavy load.
Adjustable legs take the strain off the hitch receiver, allowing for safe load distribution.
So, the crane remains stable and lets you do the pulling effortlessly.
What’s more, hydraulic ram furthers the stability and also adds to the safety and security measures to a great extent.
Flexibility:
You will get the utmost flexibility with this crane on many fronts. A convenient hitch mount makes it easy to transport to any work/construction site.
For instance, the whole thing is fully detachable. You can just detach it and pack it in the trunk of your truck.
And when it comes to installing, you don’t need any sort of expertise – it is a simple pin installation.
So, when not even in use, you can store it in any corner of your house.
As the crane has powder coating over steel, it won’t even rust if you leave it outside. The same fact makes it an all-season workhorse as well.
Pros
- Steel framework that’s built to last.
- High-quality hydraulic ram.
- Convenient and simple storage.
- Completely detachable framework.
- Height-adjustable legs.
- Weather-resistant properties.
- Simple installation and uninstallation.
Cons
FAQs:
Can I use it to remove car/truck engines?
Yes, if it weighs below 100 pounds.
How long does it take in shipping?
Usually not more than a week.
2. XtremepowerUS 2″ Hitch Mount Hydraulic Hoist Crane
| Brand | XtremepowerUS |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Product Weight | 72 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 43.5 x 11 x 9 inches |
| Weight Capacity | 500 pounds |
| Swivel Range | 360 Degrees |
| Lift range | 36.20-56.7 Inches |
| Receiver Size | 2 Inches |
| Vehicle Type | Truck, Pickup Trucks, Trailer |
If you need to do limited-range limiting, why would you spend a fortune on a costly hitch crane for your pickup truck?
Keeping in mind such urgency and desire, XtremepowerUS has designed and marketed this Hydraulic Hoist Crane.
As it is manufactured in the United States, you get superb after-sale services comprised of a limited lifetime warranty furnished by the company.
In particular, the so many handy features this item packs make it a very efficient tool even with its limited 500 pounds pulling capacity.
Value for money:
It feels kind of insane to even articulate that one can buy this item at around $300. The 500-pound pulling capacity may hit a bit weird at first.
But when you factor in the cost and durability altogether, there is barely any crane in the contemporary market that comes close it this item.
So, it stands out to be a perfect and less costly item for personal use and light pulling for years.
Universal fit:
This crane fits all the vehicles with a 2-inch receiver irrespective of the hitch class. So, you can term it a lifetime investment in this regard.
As you only need a 2-inch receiver to keep it using for the rest of your life.
Safety ensured:
The hydralike ram is of course something that centers the safety measures. It makes it very easy to operate the crane and makes the crane feel lightweight.
And to make it more stable, the adjustable legs take up the weight proportionately easing the receiver from pressure.
So, even if you press it to pull 500 pounds, you don’t have to worry about risking the crane structure.
Overall, it improves the crane’s performance in all areas, including its precision, efficiency, and maintenance simplicity.
Pros
- Sturdy ally steel composition.
- A higher degree of stability.
- Complete 360-degree swivel.
- Features a top-notch hydraulic ram.
- It is easy to set up and take down.
- Space-saving and easy storage.
- Higher efficiency compared to the price.
Cons
- The lift range is limited.
- No instruction on installation.
FAQs:
How far will the boom reach the truck bed?
Based on the truck, it varies from 24″ to 30″.
Can it pull a Jeep Wrangler?
Yes.
3. JEGS Three Boom Capacities Hydraulic Hitch-Mounted Crane
| Brand | JEGS |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Product Weight | 143 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 8.5 x 51.75 x 19 inches |
| Weight Capacity | 500, 750, and 1000 pounds |
| Swivel Range | 360 Degrees |
| Lift range | 22-79 Inches |
| Receiver Size | 2 Inches |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
When it comes to automobile parts and accessories shipped directly to customers’ homes, JEGS High Performance ranks in the top two in the USA.
The company’s longevity and development over the years are truly remarkable.
But the company’s product line, including this crane for pickup trucks, is even more amazing.
It can do heavy-duty pulling, it can withstand pressure and it offers all the essential functionalities for efficiency.
Sturdy and sleek design:
There’s a sturdy mounting plate and the whole thing is made out of steel.
In addition, it has a modern and appealing appearance thanks to the yellow and black plated steel.
When placed side by side, you can see that it neither will rust, corrode, or be affected by weather-related damage. Consequently, you may rest easy knowing its reliability.
360-degree rotation:
It gives you access to 360 degrees! You don’t have to back up or move sides to have access to your surroundings.
You can just the truck in one direction, and do pulling any direction being in the same position.
Wide lifting range:
The 1,000-pound capacity and large lifting range (22-79 inches) make it ideal for loading and unloading heavy objects.
As a result, you may conveniently load and unload products on your vehicle from a faraway or close, from left or right, and from above and below.
Pros
- Alloy steel lasts for years.
- Heavy-duty lifting capacity.
- Furnished with a hydraulic ram.
- Ease of use with excellent maneuverability.
- Weather-resistant properties.
- Offers simple installation and uninstallation.
Cons
- No assembly manual.
FAQs:
How long is the boom?
43 inches.
Will it fit a cargo van?
Yes, with a 2-inch receiver.
4. APEX LEGENDS Mount Pickup Truck Hydraulic Hitch
| Brand | MAXXHAUL |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Product Weight | 62.92 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 53.5 x 21.5 x 9 inches |
| Weight Capacity | 500, 750, and 1000 pounds |
| Swivel Range | 360 Degrees |
| Lift range | 30-84 Inches |
| Receiver Size | 2 Inches |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
The APEX LEGENDS Mount Pickup Truck Hydraulic Hitch is an excellent option if you need an affordable and versatile crane that can do it all.
Though it has a few limitations, it can pull off your everyday heavy-duty lifting tasks so efficiently that you will find it a must in your life within days.
If it is not for the 48 inches boom extensions, it is one of the best products to buy for the money.
Portability:
In order to make it easier to travel and store, the hitch crane may be folded up into a compact size.
So, it makes portability easier than ever before. Additionally, even when it is folded up, the safety pins keep it secure throughout.
Durability:
The high-duty construction comprised of reinforced steel, which is further strengthened by the protective coatings, leaves no room for doubt about the reliability of this product.
That’s why it can pull 1000 pounds so effortlessly without. At the same time, it protects the devices from weather elements too.
Adjustability:
The crane certainly fits all classes of the 2-inch receiver making it universal. But what boosts its adjustability is the adjustable legs.
You can adjust it to 3 different heights to facilitate the lifting. It, by changing the support base height, also adds to the stability and level of weight distribution.
Pros
- All reinforced super-strength steel composition.
- High limiting capacity.
- Easy storage.
- Convenient portability.
- Universality with all 2-inch receivers.
- Superior maneuverability.
Cons
- Limited boom extension.
FAQs:
How much weight can it lift with a ford f-150?
Any weight up to 1000 pounds.
Is there any warranty feature?
Limited 2-year warranty.
5. Ultra-Tow 1000-Lb. Capacity Hitch-Mount Hydraulic Truck Crane
| Brand | Ultra-Tow |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Product Weight | 62.92 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 47.5 x 19.5 x 7 inches |
| Weight Capacity | 500, 750, and 1000 pounds |
| Swivel Range | 360 Degrees |
| Lift range | 22-79 Inches |
| Receiver Size | 2 Inches |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
This is an even more compact yet highly powerful hitch crane for pickup trucks manufactured by one of the industry leaders, Ultra-Tow.
It offers excellent full clearance, boom extension, and an enormous lifting capacity of up to 1000 pounds aided by a lifting range of 22-79 Inches.
Superior Stability:
Even under tremendous strain and weight, the crane maintains its exceptional stability.
Adjustable legs relieve stress on the hitch receiver and ensure that the load is distributed evenly.
This ensures the crane won’t go over and gives you easy pulling. In addition, the incorporation of a hydraulic ram further enhances the already high level of stability
360-degree swivel:
You can spin it around in a complete circle and lift everything from every angle without having to back up or shift positions.
So, it’s all about pulling from any direction while being stationary!
Weather resistant:
It can pull your biggest objects with ease and has a long service life because of its exceptional toughness.
It can be used as your reliable lifting equipment in any climate. It’s impervious to the weather elements, so it won’t rust, fade, chip, or crack.
Pros
- Strong alloy steel construction.
- Increased steadiness.
- All-the-way-around rotation.
- Features a high-quality hydraulic ram.
- Effortless assembly and disassembly.
- It’s compact and simple to put away.
- Superior effectiveness for the money.
Cons
- No assembly manual.
FAQs:
Do I need drilling to install it?
No.
What class hitch does it fit?
All classes.
FAQs about the best hitch crane for pickup trucks:
Is 360 Swivel Necessary?
It will be an overstatement to term it is “absolutely essential”. But it facilitates the operation and adds to the universality of the crane.
Using this, you can operate the crane in any direction. So, you should give it preference.
Does Hitch Class Matter For The Hitch Crane For A Pickup Truck?
The receiver hitch size is the first thing to decide.
Even all three classes, namely III, IV, and V with 2-inch receivers fit fine with most pickup truck cranes.
Is There Any Safety Requirement For Cranes?
A crane may need to have some parts inspected in accordance with the requirements of your state although this is not very likely for pickup truck cranes.
You’re required by law in some states to equip your crane with certain safety mechanisms.
What Should I Check While Buying A Pickup Truck Hitch Crane?
Before you put your signature on the dotted line, you should carefully examine the full package of the crane.
Major mistakes could be avoided by reviewing the document before signing off.
So, do a quick assessment of whether or not the package contains the functionalities and tools you require.
Final Words:
If you want to know the single most important rule for a hitch crane for pickup trucks it will be the protection of the goods, equipment, vehicle, and operator.
This necessitates stability even when fully loaded, a solid build from top-notch materials, and the ability to safely attach to the truck receiver hitch.
So, we have concluded our list keeping the rule in mind. To find the finest models for the widest range of applications, we prioritized those that have these qualities.
