How Tall Does Your Garage Need to Be for a Parking Lift?
As vehicles become larger, especially SUVs, parking lifts have become increasingly popular. They offer a convenient and relatively affordable way to maximize the space in your garage. But how tall does your garage need to be to accommodate a parking lift? Here is a quick overview to help you decide.
What are parking lifts and what are they for?
A parking lift is a mechanical or hydraulic system designed to lower or elevate parked vehicles to create more parking space in an enclosed area, typically below or above the the lift. If you’re tight on space in your home garage or wish to park multiple cars in one section, then a it may be a good option. The systems allow you to stack your vehicles on top of each other, essentially doubling, or even tripling the amount of space you have. They are especially essential for car storage garages where space is limited.
Other options for parking lifts include:
- Two-post lifts: These don’t move due to their floor bolting. They lift the vehicle car from its middle section.
- Scissor lifts: These are portable lifts suitable for minor repairs.
- Four-post lifts: Most consider these lifts the most secure since they are typically bolted onto the floor to avoid movement. These four-post lifts allow you to drive the car onto them and elevate it from four corners.
- In-ground lifts: These are built into the floor and allow you to keep your garage space since they descend when unused.
- Parallelogram floor lifts: These look similar to the scissor lift but have a different raising mechanism. Instead of crossing hydraulic legs, they use parallel hydraulic legs.
How tall does a garage need to be to fit a parking lift?
Depending on the source, the minimum height requirement for a garage to fit a parking lift can change dramatically. For example, Autostacker claims that typical parking lifts will fit in garages with ceilings as low as 8 feet and as high as 12 feet, depending on the height of cars.
On the other hand, Jerry reports that most garage parking lifts require at least 12 feet of headroom. Despite the varying reports, the consensus seems to be that a garage needs to be at least 12 feet tall to comfortably and safely fit a parking lift. Of course, the height required might also depend on the type and size of the parking lift you choose.
Recommended parking lifts
There are many different types of parking lifts on the market, so it’s essential to do your research to find the best one for your needs. To help you get started, here are a few recommended parking lifts from CNET.
1. Triumph NT-9FP two-post auto lift
The Triumph NT-9FP is a repair garage lift with three and two-stage lifting arms working in asymmetrical and symmetrical hoists, depending on the car’s repair needs. It gives you up to 72 inches of clearance from the ground with various launch positions for limited space accommodation. With a 4.6 average star rating out of 5 on Amazon, it’s a popular choice among customers.
2. APlusLift HW-10KOH two post overhead auto hoist
The APlusLift’s HW-10KOH two-post parking lift is an ideal choice for those with heavy vehicles. With a 10,000 pounds maximum weight capacity, you can lift large SUVs, Ford F-series pickup trucks, and typical Chevy Silverado. In addition, the lift can fit one car on the upper deck and leave space below.
3. BendPak XPR-10AXLS extra tall
The BendPak XPR-10AXLS two-post car lift ranks high among high-weight capacity parking lifts with higher height clearance. It has a 10,000-pound capacity and can hoist a vehicle up to 75 inches from the ground. It also has a highly sophisticated lifting mechanism compared to other models and works perfectly in professional repair shops.
