Fold-Away Bumper Crane

As its name implies, the Fold-Away Bumper Crane is a hoist for lifting ‘cargo’ into/out of a vehicle bed then stores away into the rear bumper until needed again. Designed for pickup trucks (mini-/mid-/full-size), walk-in/box vans, and flatbed trucks, this hydraulically powered device allows a person to alone load/unload cargo weighing up to 3,000 pounds (depending on the model). It runs off the vehicle’s 12-volt battery and is operated by a wired or remote hand-held controller. The bumper in which the crane is stored replaces the vehicle’s existing bumper; thus, one has full use of the vehicle’s bed and tailgate. It comes with a built-in outrigger leg for stabilization. Erects in less than a minute, allows for 360º continuous manual rotation, has 4-foot fixed boom length, and is available with a lifting height of 77 or 85 inches.

Cost: $3,500-$4,000, depending on model

Impairment Category: Back, Strength/endurance, Upper extremity