Choosing the right tow boom or pickup truck crane can dramatically improve loading, unloading, and maintenance tasks. The following selections are among the most capable and portable options available, offering different lifting capacities and boom reach to fit various trucks and applications. This guide highlights five reliable picks, summarizes their features, and provides practical buying considerations to help you select the best crane for your pickup.
| Product | Brand | Capacity | Boom Options | Locking Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAXXHAUL 70238 Receiver Hitch Mounted Hydraulic Swivel | MAXXHAUL | 500–1000 lbs | Three boom capacities: 500, 750, 1000 lbs | Hydraulic swivel |
| Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane | Ultra-Tow | Up to 1000 lbs | 33″ to 53.5″ reach | Hydraulic lift |
| Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane with Hand Winch | Ultra-Tow | Up to 2000 lbs | 37″ to 51″ reach | Hydraulic ram, 360° pivot |
| MaxxHaul 51958 | MAXXHAUL | 1000 lbs | Three boom capacities: 500, 750, 1000 lbs | Hydraulic swivel |
| Receiver Hitch Mounted Hydraulic Swivel Pickup Truck Crane (Lunanniu) | Lunanniu | 500–1000 lbs | Three boom options: 500, 750, 1000 lbs | Hydraulic/safety features |
Introduction: This article examines five pickup-truck tow booms and hydraulic cranes designed for bed or hitch mounting. Each option provides a different balance of lift capacity, reach, and portability. The focus is on practical performance—lifting generators, pressure washers, engines, and other bulky gear from tailgate to bed or ground. All picks are designed for standard 2″ x 2″ receiver hitches or compatible mounts and emphasize ease of setup, safe operation, and compact storage.
MAXXHAUL 70238: Versatile 3-Stage Boom Crane
The MAXXHAUL 70238 hitch-mounted hydraulic crane is positioned as a portable lifting solution for pickup trucks with a 2″ receiver. It offers three boom capacities—500, 750, and 1000 pounds—allowing users to tailor the lift to specific loads. The crane’s hydraulic system enables smooth, controlled lifting of generators, pressure washers, or barrels from the truck bed or ground. Its overall footprint is designed to stay compact within the bed area when not in use, while still providing robust performance for frequent tasks. This model emphasizes affordability and ease of use for a broad range of enthusiasts and professionals.
Ultra-Tow 1000-Lb Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane
The Ultra-Tow 1000-Lb crane provides reliable lifting with a fully retractable reach from 33 inches to 53.5 inches. It features a hydraulic lift system and a locking mechanism that helps secure loads during lifting and transport. This crane is well-suited for lifting mid-weight items such as generators or pressure washers and is designed for straightforward installation in a standard hitch. It balances a compact form with enough height to reach items that sit in the bed or on nearby surfaces.
Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane With Hand Winch
This Ultra-Tow model raises the bar with a 2000-pound capacity, making it suitable for heavier items. The boom extends from 37 inches to 51 inches, and it pivots 360 degrees, enabling flexible loading from multiple angles. A hydraulic ram provides lifting power, and the unit is designed to withstand regular use in workshop, job-site, or hobby settings. Operators should observe safety guidelines for maximum loads and ensure proper installation to prevent sway during operation.
MaxxHaul 51958 1000-Lb Capacity Crane
The MaxxHaul 51958 mirrors the 70238 with three boom capacities (500, 750, 1000 pounds) and a 54″ x 20″ x 9.75″ footprint, making it a portable option for the pickup bed. It emphasizes an affordable, first-of-its-kind hydraulic design that streamlines heavy lifting by providing smooth, controlled operation. Ideal for truck bed use, it helps relocate heavy items in and out of the cargo area with reduced manual effort.
Lunanniu: 1000-Lb Hydraulic Swivel Crane
The Lunanniu crane is designed to fit standard 2″ x 2″ receiver hitches and offers three selectable boom capacities of 500, 750, and 1000 pounds. Its portable design emphasizes on-demand availability for lifting tasks, with an emphasis on ease of use and versatility. The 2″ hitch mount and hydraulic operation together enable efficient handling of heavy objects such as engines, generators, and other bulky gear, while maintaining portability and compact storage when not in use.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Selecting A Tow Boom Crane
- Load capacity: Match the crane’s lifting capacity to the heaviest item you plan to lift. If you frequently handle heavy equipment, prioritize models with higher max capacities (1000–2000 lbs).
- Boom reach and versatility: Consider the available boom lengths and whether multiple capacity settings or adjustable reach suits your typical tasks. A wider range provides more flexibility for bed-height lifting and ground-level loading.
- Mounting compatibility: Ensure the crane is compatible with your truck’s receiver hitch size (most use standard 2″ x 2″ hitches). Some models may require adapters or specific mounting hardware.
- Hydraulic vs. manual: Hydraulic cranes offer smoother, more controlled lifting and higher capacities, while manual winches can be simpler and lighter for smaller loads.
- Portability and storage: Look for foldable or compact designs with easy installation and removal so the unit does not occupy bed space when not in use.
- Safety features: Examine lifting mechanisms, locking joints, and stability aids. A reliable platform for load control minimizes tipping or sway during operation.
- Durability and materials: Powder-coated steel and corrosion-resistant components increase longevity in outdoor settings and frequent use.
- Installation effort and maintenance: Some cranes require more routine maintenance. Review user manuals for lubrication, inspection intervals, and safe operation guidelines.
- Warranty and support: A robust warranty and responsive customer support can reduce ownership risk for heavy equipment.
Overall, the best tow boom for a pickup truck balances capacity, reach, and practicality with ease of use and storage. For light to moderate loads, models like MAXXHAUL’s options and Ulra-Tow’s standard cranes deliver reliable performance. For higher-demand tasks, the 2000-lb Ultra-Tow crane provides greater headroom, while Lunanniu and MAXXHAUL 51958 offer versatile three-position booms for varied applications. Always follow manufacturer safety instructions and verify mount compatibility with your specific truck model.