How do I install my Elevate Multi-Purpose Single Motor Lifter?

Summary

Installing the Elevate Multi-Purpose Single Motor Lifter takes 4 parts: assemble the 27 1/2" lifter frame, mount the motor rail into two ceiling joists, pair the motor in the DURA-LIFT Elevate app and thread the cable, then hook up your gear.

Applies to: DURA-LIFT Elevate Multi-Purpose Single Motor Lifter, model DLSEMMSL (Operation Guide Version 2).

Capacity: 100 lbs, such as up to 2 bikes or e-bikes, golf bags, coolers, lawn chairs, or a wheelbarrow.

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. The lifter 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: 1 motor, 1 power adapter with DC cable, 1 motor rail, 2 lag screws, 1 cotter pin, 1 lifter rail (frame), 2 pulley wheels, 3 hooks, 5 clevis pins (60mm), 1 carabiner hook, six 4 ft straps, two 10 ft straps, a power adapter bracket, a cable management clasp, and track covers (long, short, side, and gap).

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 lifter frame

1. Lay the lifter frame flat on the floor.
2. Starting from one end of the frame, count 3 holes inward. Position a pulley bracket at that hole.
3. Repeat at the other end.
4. Secure each pulley with a clevis pin.
5. Check your measurements: the pulleys should be 20" apart, about 2" in from each end, and the assembled frame is 27 1/2" long.

You'll add the hooks in Part 4, once you know what you're lifting.

Part 2: Mount the motor rail, motor, and power

The motor rail must be anchored into the center of two ceiling joists with the 2 lag screws. These lag screws carry the full weight of the lifter and your gear.

1. Pick a spot. Choose a location near a power outlet, with clearance for your garage door, lights, and joists.
2. Mark the joists. Use a stud finder to find two joists and mark their centers.
3. Pre-drill. Hold the motor rail in position, line its holes up with your marks, and drill pilot holes with a 1/4" drill bit.
4. Secure the rail. Fasten it with the 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.
5. Position the motor. Place the motor between the lag screws, lined up with where the pulleys on your lifter frame will sit.
6. Seat the motor. Push it up into the rail along the dotted track, line it up with the hook curves, and slide it along until fully seated in the grooves on both sides.
7. Lock it. Insert the cotter (push) pin to secure the motor.
8. Connect power. Plug the elbow end of the DC cable into the motor and the straight end into the power adapter, then plug the adapter into your outlet (110V AC).
9. Manage the cables. Route the wiring beneath the rail and snap on the track covers, lining up the bumps on each cover with the dots on the track.
10. Inspect. Check that the lifting cable is free of wear or damage. If you find a defect, stop and contact DURA-LIFT.

Part 3: Pair the motor and set it up in the app

Pair the motor

1. Download the DURA-LIFT Elevate app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then create an account or sign in.
2. In the app, tap Add Devices.
3. On the motor, hold the CODE button for up to 3 seconds. The red light flashes when it's in pairing mode.
4. Find the motor in the app whose code matches the code printed on your motor, then tap it.
5. Rename the motor (for example, "Bike Lift"), then tap Pair.

The motor runs a brief safety test and calibration. When it's done, the app shows a green status and the motor shows a solid red light. If the motor doesn't appear or won't pair, press the CODE button again and retry.

Thread the cable

Do this with the lifter frame on the floor, directly under the motor.

1. On the motor's Device Control screen, press and hold the Lower Limit arrow to let out enough cable.
2. Route the cable through both pulleys on the lifter frame and back up to the motor rail.
3. Clip the cable end to the rail with the carabiner, in the first hole closest to the motor (the side with the power cable). Keep the cable hanging as vertically as possible. Angled cables can damage the motor.
4. Use Set Limits to take out the extra slack without lifting the frame off the floor.

Create a group and set limits

Even with one motor, the lifter runs from a group in the app.

1. Open the Groups tab, tap Create Motor Group, and give it a name.
2. Tap Add Device and select your motor.
3. Inspect the cable and hardware. The cable should sit in both pulleys with no wear, fraying, or damage.
4. With the frame resting on the floor and the cable tensioned, quickly press Group Lower Limit to set the lower limit.
5. The first time you raise your items to the ceiling, set the upper limit so they don't hit the ceiling. Allow for both your ceiling and the height of your items.

To raise and lower the lifter, use One-Touch Group Control in the group.

Part 4: Attach hooks and load your gear

Add the hooks. Hook placement depends on what you're lifting. Position the hooks so they support the size and balance of your item. Keep the total load under 100 lbs and spread it evenly so no single point is overloaded. Heavier items should sit closer to the pulleys.

Option A: Bikes

1. Route one 4 ft strap through the front wheel and one through the rear wheel.
2. Connect each strap to the nearest hook on the frame.
3. If you're storing 2 bikes, alternate their direction so the handlebars have clearance.
4. Tighten the straps and check that the bikes are stable, supported, and level.

Option B: Other gear (golf bags, coolers, chairs, wheelbarrows)

1. Use the 10 ft straps to secure your items to the frame.
2. Tighten each strap until there's no visible slack and the items can't shift, slide, or fall.
3. Arrange the items so the weight is spread as evenly as possible across the frame.

Before every lift

• Check every hook, strap, and connection point. Don't operate the lifter until everything is secure.
• Make sure your upper limit clears the ceiling for what you're storing. If you switch to taller items, update the upper limit.

Common issues

My motor doesn't show up in the app, or won't pair. Hold the CODE button for up to 3 seconds until the red light flashes, then try again.

The lifter won't move. Open your group and check that the motor shows green. The lifter won't operate unless the motor is connected.

The lifter stopped and locked while lifting. The built-in weight sensor stops and locks the system if the load is over 100 lbs. Remove some weight and spread the load evenly.

My load tilts when it lifts. The weight isn't balanced. Move heavier items closer to the pulleys, re-tighten the straps, and check that the cable sits in both pulleys.

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

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

Still need help?

Email our Elevate support team at Elevatesupport@duralifthardware.com. Include your model number (DLSEMMSL) and photos of your installation.

Related

• How do I operate my Elevate lift with the app? (link to FreshDesk article)
• How do I install my Elevate Multi-Purpose Lifter (dual motor)? (link to FreshDesk article)
• Multi-Purpose Lifter, single motor