How do I install my Elevate motorized storage platform?

Summary

Installing an Elevate motorized storage platform takes 5 parts: build the platform frame, find your ceiling joists, mount the motor rails and 4 motors, connect power, then pair the motors in the DURA-LIFT Elevate app and set the travel limits.

Applies to: DURA-LIFT Elevate Motorized Storage Lift, models DLSEM4Fx4F (4x4), DLSEM4Fx6F (4x6), and DLSEM4Fx8F (4x8). Based on Operation Guide Version 3.

Before you begin

Warning: Improper installation can cause property damage, serious injury, or death. Read all instructions before you start. If you have any doubt about the strength of your ceiling, stop and consult a qualified structural engineer. If you're unsure how to anchor hardware into ceiling joists, we recommend hiring a professional.

Your ceiling must have:

• Standard wood-framed ceiling joists. Elevate is not designed for metal framing.
• A flat, horizontal surface. Do not install on angled ceilings or walls.
• A power outlet nearby, plus clearance from garage doors, lights, and openers.

Included parts: 4 motors, 4 power adapters, 4 DC cables, 4 rails, 8 lag screws, 4 cotter pins, a power adapter bracket, track covers (long, short, side, and gap covers), a cable management clasp, and the platform frame parts.

Tools required: ladder, stud finder, tape measure, pencil, safety glasses, 7/16" combination wrench, power drill, Phillips screwdriver, socket ratchet driver, 1/4" drill bit, and 1/2" socket.

Optional: power impact driver and 1/2" nut driver bit.

Part 1: Assemble the platform frame

Build the frame on the floor first. Check your parts against the table for your platform size.

1. Attach the side rails to the corner posts. Connect 2 C-channel side rails (item 4) to the 4 corner posts (item 2) using 8 screws and nuts. Tighten and align all connections before moving on.
2. Build the long sides. On the 4x6 and 4x8, join two C-channel beams (item 1) end to end for each long side. On the 4x8, leave the middle holes open for the center brackets.
3. Add the center support brackets. Secure each center support bracket (item 3) between the long sides, lip facing up and all in the same direction.
4. Close the frame. Attach the corner posts to both long sides with screws and nuts. See the platform diagram in your guide for hole positions.
5. Add the wire decks. Place the wire decks (item 5) on top of the frame.
6. Add the carabiner clips. Place a carabiner clip on each of the 4 corner posts.

Part 2: Choose a location and find your ceiling joists

1. Pick a spot. Choose a location near a power outlet, with clearance for your garage door, lights, and joists.
2. Measure your joist spacing. Most garages use 16" or 24" on center, but older homes and custom builds can differ. Double-check before you drill.
3. Mark the joist centers. Use a stud finder to find each joist and mark its center with a pencil.
4. Plan your rail positions. The motor rails are spaced to match your platform: 48" for a 4x4, 72" for a 4x6, and 96" for a 4x8 along the platform's length. Your guide includes ceiling joist drawings for 16" and 24" spacing, with joists running either direction. Match your layout to the drawing for your platform size.

Part 3: Mount the motor rails and motors

Each motor rail must be anchored into the center of two ceiling joists with lag screws. These lag screws carry the full weight of the system.

1. Pre-drill the rails. Hold each motor rail in position, line its holes up with your joist marks, and drill pilot holes with a 1/4" drill bit.
2. Secure the rails. Fasten each rail with the provided lag screws and washers, tightening firmly with a 1/2" socket and wrench. Make sure both ends are secure. Do not overtighten, which can strip the wood or damage the hardware.
3. Position the motors. Place each motor between the lag screws, matching your platform size and mounting points. Point all motors in the same direction, with power adapters facing the same way, for easier cable management.
4. Seat the motors. Push each motor up into the rail along the dotted track, line it up with the hook curves, and slide it along the rail until fully seated. Check that both sides sit in the grooves.
5. Lock the motors in place. Insert the push pin (cotter pin) through each motor to secure it.
6. Inspect. Before operating, check that all lifting cables are seated in the pulleys and free of wear or damage. If you find a defect, stop and contact DURA-LIFT.

Part 4: Connect power and manage cables

1. Connect each motor to its power adapter. Plug the elbow end of the DC cable into the motor and the straight end into the power adapter.
2. Plug in. Plug the power adapters into your outlet. The motors run on 110V AC. Each power adapter cord is 6.2 ft long and each DC cable is 3.11 ft long, so plan your layout around your outlet.
3. Route the wiring. Run the wiring beneath the rail.
4. Add the covers. Snap on the short track covers, long track cover, and track gap cover. Line up the bumps on each cover with the dots on the track.

Part 5: Pair the motors and set limits in the app

Set up the app

1. Download the DURA-LIFT Elevate app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Create an account or sign in.

Pair each motor

1. In the app, tap Add Devices.
2. On the motor, hold the CODE button for 1 second. The red light flashes when the motor is in pairing mode.
3. A list of available motors appears in the app. Find the one whose code matches the code printed on your motor, then tap it.
4. Rename the motor. We recommend this so you always know which motor you're adjusting.
5. Tap Pair.
6. Repeat for all 4 motors.

Once connected, each motor runs a brief safety test and limit calibration. When it's done, the app shows a green status and the motor shows a solid red light.

Attach the lifting cables

Do all of this with the platform on the floor.

1. Release cable. On the motor's Device Control screen, press and hold the Lower Limit arrow to let out enough cable to thread through the pulley block and back up to the rail.
2. Thread the pulley. Route the cable through its pulley block and clip it to the rail with a carabiner, in the first hole closest to the motor (the side with the power cable). Keep cables hanging as vertically as possible. Angled cables can damage the motors.
3. Clip to the platform. Use Set Limits to lower the motor until the pulley reaches the corner post. Clip it to the post with the carabiner.
4. Remove slack. Adjust the motor's raise and lower limits until the cable is tensioned, without lifting the platform off the ground.
5. Repeat for all 4 motors.

Create a group and set group limits

1. Create the group. Open the Groups tab, tap Create Motor Group, enter a name, then tap Add Device and select your 4 motors.
2. Inspect. Check that every cable is seated in its pulley with no wear, fraying, or damage. If you see a problem, stop and contact DURA-LIFT support.
3. Set the group lower limit. Make sure each motor has equal slack, then quickly press Group Lower Limit. All 4 cables should be equally tensioned without the platform leaving the ground.
4. Set the upper limit. The first time you raise the platform to the ceiling, set the upper limit to prevent collisions. Allow for both the height of your stored items and your ceiling. If your stored items get taller, update the upper limit.

To raise or lower the platform, use One-Touch Group Control in the group. All motors in the group must show green before the platform will move.

Load the platform

Distribute weight evenly. Store heavier items near the corner posts and lighter items toward the center, and secure your items before each use.

Common issues

My motor doesn't show up in the app, or won't pair. Press the CODE button on the motor again so the red light flashes, then try pairing again.

The platform won't move. All motors in the group must show green in the app before the platform will operate. Check each motor's status.

The platform stopped and won't move after I loaded it. If the load goes over the weight limit, the built-in weight sensor stops the system and locks it to prevent damage or injury. Remove some weight and make sure it's evenly distributed. The limit is 370 lbs (4x4), 360 lbs (4x6), or 350 lbs (4x8).

The platform hangs unevenly. Check that all 4 cables have equal tension and hang straight down, then reset the group lower limit with the platform on the floor.

Can I install Elevate on metal joists or an angled ceiling? No. Elevate must be anchored into standard wood ceiling joists on a flat, horizontal ceiling.

My joists aren't 16" or 24" apart. Each motor rail must anchor into the center of two joists. If your spacing doesn't allow that, contact us before you drill.

Someone else in my home wants to control the platform. Share the group from the app instead of pairing the motors again. Pairing motors a second time can trigger a motor safety check and may damage the motor. See the group sharing article for steps.

Still need help?

Email our Elevate support team at Elevatesupport@duralifthardware.com. Include your model number (DLSEM4Fx4F, DLSEM4Fx6F, or DLSEM4Fx8F) and photos of your installation so we can help faster.

Related

• How do I use the Elevate LCD Bluetooth remote control? (link to FreshDesk article)
• How do I share my Elevate group with another user? (link to FreshDesk article)
• Motorized Storage Lift FAQ