How do I install my Elevate Multi-Purpose Lifter (dual motor)?

Summary

Installing the Elevate Multi-Purpose Lifter takes 4 parts: join the two frame halves into one 55 1/4" lifter frame, mount two motor rails so the motor cables line up with the pulleys 45" apart, pair both motors in the DURA-LIFT Elevate app as a group, then hook up your gear.

Applies to: DURA-LIFT Elevate Multi-Purpose Lifter (dual motor), model DLSEMML (Operation Guide Version 1).

Capacity: 200 lbs, such as up to 6 bikes or 4 e-bikes, ladders, kayaks, or paddleboards.

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.
• Room for two motor rails about 45" apart.

Included parts: 2 motors, 2 power adapters with DC cables, 2 motor rails, 4 lag screws, 4 cotter pins, 2 lifter rails (frame halves), 1 lifter bracket (connector), a hardware bag (8 screws and nuts), 2 pulley wheels, 6 hooks, 12 clevis pins (60mm), 2 carabiner hooks, twelve 4 ft straps, two 10 ft straps, a 4mm T-handle hex key, an 8mm open-end wrench, a power adapter bracket, a cable management clasp, and track covers.

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. Join the halves. Lay the two lifter frame halves on either side of the connector bracket. Line up all the center holes, insert the connector, and secure the halves with 4 cotter pins through the aligned center holes.
2. Bolt the joint. Insert the screws through the bottom of the frame and thread the nuts on from the connector side. Hold each screw with the T-handle hex key and tighten the nut securely with the 8mm open-end wrench.
3. Add the pulleys. Starting from one end of the frame, count 7 holes inward and position a pulley bracket there. Repeat at the other end. Secure each pulley with a clevis pin.
4. Check your measurements: the pulleys should be 45" apart and the assembled frame is 55 1/4" long.

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

Part 2: Mount the motor rails, motors, and power

Each motor rail must be anchored into the center of two ceiling joists with 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 the joists and mark their centers.
3. Plan the rail spacing. Place the two motor rails so each motor sits directly above one of the frame's pulleys, 45" apart. This lets each cable drop straight down through its pulley. The rails can run along the joists or across them, as long as each rail anchors into two joists.
4. Pre-drill. Hold each rail in position, line its holes up with your marks, and drill pilot holes with a 1/4" drill bit.
5. Secure the rails. Fasten each rail with 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.
6. Position the motors. Place each motor between its rail's lag screws, lined up with the pulley below. Point both motors the same direction, with power adapters facing the same way.
7. Seat the motors. Push each motor up into its 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.
8. Lock them. Insert a cotter (push) pin to secure each motor.
9. Connect power. For each motor, plug the elbow end of the DC cable into the motor and the straight end into the power adapter, then plug the adapters into your outlet (110V AC).
10. Manage the cables. Route the wiring beneath the rails and snap on the track covers, lining up the bumps on each cover with the dots on the track.
11. Inspect. Check that both lifting cables are free of wear or damage. If you find a defect, stop and contact DURA-LIFT.

Part 3: Pair the motors and set them up in the app

Pair each 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 first 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 that motor, then tap it.
5. Rename the motor (for example, "Bike Lift Left"), then tap Pair.
6. Repeat for the second motor (for example, "Bike Lift Right").

Each 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 a motor doesn't appear or won't pair, press its CODE button again and retry.

Thread the cables

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

1. On a motor's Device Control screen, press and hold the Lower Limit arrow to let out enough cable.
2. Route the cable through the pulley below it and back up to the motor rail.
3. Clip the cable end 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.
4. Use Set Limits to take out the extra slack without lifting the frame off the floor.
5. Repeat for the second motor.

Create the group and set limits

1. Open the Groups tab, tap Create Motor Group, and give it a name.
2. Tap Add Device and select both motors.
3. Inspect both cables and all hardware. Each cable should sit in its pulley with no wear, fraying, or damage.
4. Make sure both cables have equal slack, with the frame resting on the floor. Then quickly press Group Lower Limit to set the lower limit. Both cables should be equally tensioned without the frame leaving the ground.
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. Both motors must show green before the lifter will move.

Part 4: Attach hooks and load your gear

Add the hooks. Hook placement depends on what you're lifting. Keep the total load under 200 lbs and spread it evenly so no single point is overloaded. Heavier items should sit closer to the pulleys.

For bikes, use one hook per bike and space them evenly along the 55 1/4" frame:

Option A: Bikes

1. Route one strap through the front wheel and one through the rear wheel of each bike.
2. Connect each strap to the nearest hook on the frame.
3. When storing several bikes, alternate their direction so the handlebars have clearance.
4. Tighten the straps and check that every bike is stable, supported, and level.

Option B: Other gear (ladders, kayaks, paddleboards)

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

A motor doesn't show up in the app, or won't pair. Hold that motor's CODE button for up to 1 seconds until the red light flashes, then try again.

The lifter won't move. Both motors in the group must show green. Open the group and tap Connect All.

The lifter stopped and locked while lifting. The built-in weight sensor stops and locks the system if the load is over 200 lbs. Remove some weight and spread the load evenly.

The frame tilts or lifts unevenly. One cable may have more slack, or the load isn't balanced. With the frame on the floor, adjust that motor's limits until both cables are equally tensioned, then reset the group lower limit. Move heavier items closer to the pulleys.

My cables hang at an angle. The motor rails aren't lined up with the pulleys. Each motor should sit directly above its pulley, 45" apart. Angled cables can damage the motors.

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 motors again. Pairing a second time can trigger a motor safety check and may damage the motors. See the app operation article for steps.

Still need help?

Email our Elevate support team at Elevatesupport@duralifthardware.com. Include your model number (DLSEMML) 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 Single Motor Lifter? (link to FreshDesk article)
• Multi-Purpose Lifter, dual motor