FLEXIMOUNTS GL1 Overhead Garage Lifting Storage Rack, 4x4 Ft Heavy-Duty Metal Garage Ceiling Rack, Adjustable Organization System With 71''L Axle, 300lbs Weight, Black

Like many review mentioned, the instructions aren't the best. If you're handy and have experience assembling modestly complicated projects, you should be able to get through it. This is one time I'd suggest actually reading the instructions all the way through at least once before beginning. Knowing a few of the warnings ahead of time can save you some frustration (like the requirement of locating the lift/lower controls). The template wasn't helpful in my case (exposed rafters, but running perpendicular to the direction I needed to mount the unit), but I was able to take measurements from the template and work out the mounting locations on my own. Once you get the four mounting brackets installed in the right locations, you're 90% of the way done. The remaining steps are pretty straightforward and easy to complete.Some reviews mentioned that the cables bunched up and didn't wrap onto the spindles smoothly. The instructions are oddly worded there, but if you pay attention to how the cables attach to the spindle, you should be able to get them in the proper initial position. I think it helps if you actually have some weight on the shelf to keep the cables under tension when raising the unit. If one cable is slightly longer than the others (as was the case with mine), it may help to hold tension on it with your hands while raising the unit in order to get it to wrap smoothly. After a few ups and downs, with little adjustments here and there, I was eventually able to get all cables to wrap smoothly. My hope is that they'll develop a little bit of "memory" in the wrapped position and will return to that orientation more easily on their own in the future. I'm using this as a system to remove and store the hard top for my classic Bronco, so they will spend the entire summer wrapped about the spindle in the hot garage, so we'll see.But the overall design of the unit is quite good. The manufacturing tolerances are also accurate - I didn't have any issues fitting the pieces together at all. The cable system is fully redundant, so more than one cable would need to break before there's any danger of the shelf falling (*extremely* unlikely). The shelf is strong and the system handles significant weight with no issues. The option to disconnect the spinning handle and attach a power drill to the actuating rod was an excellent bonus.All things considered, I'm glad I got this unit and look forward to many years of removing, storing, and reinstalling my hard top as a simple (single-person) operation.

Update to previous review I wrote below.: The seller reached out to me multiple times after I posted my review and said that my photos show I was raising the shelves by rotating counterclockwise. Although I could swear that was what the manual states to do, I changed to clockwise and they are much better. I have left the original photos to show the before and added new photos to show the after. I really appreciate the customer service and I’m so much happier now that they cared enough to reach out and helpes solve my issue.Previous Review: Doesn’t stay level no matter how it’s weighed down. I have two I just purchased and installed. They are installed exactly to the template provided but they don’t raise up level. Both have the same issue. I installed them above my garage doors and them not being level as they raise up prevents me from being able to put much on them. There should be a way to change the cable lengths so they are level when raised. They are easy to raise and lower but the inability to stay level is a real negative

It's good enough, serves the purpose. Couple of things I wish were better. The wire spooling needs refinement. As others have also noted, the double-cable runs wind over themselves, which causes uneven lifting. You'll get a corner that's noticeably higher then the rest. Secondly, the wire grid platform is a large grid pattern, meaning big holes. If you have items without flat bottoms, you'll be better off putting some plywood down. The wire platform is also a little flimsy, bows a bit when you add some weight to it. Not worried about it's strength, but it could use perhaps a cross brace between the two ends. Lastly, I found the hardest part about doing this alone is trying to tape the template to the ceiling. It's big and flimsy, but does make for a good install if you can get it stuck. A kid helper with a broom handle makes a difference.Overall, recommended. Serves its purpose.