Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Loading an engine, generator, lumber bundle, or shop machine into a pickup can quickly become a two-person job. The VEVOR Electric Pickup Truck Crane HXCZDJ-01 gives you a bed-mounted lifting point, a 3,500 lb electric winch, and a crane rated for loads up to 1,100 lb. Its folding frame and 360° swivel add useful flexibility, but safe results depend on correct mounting, proper rigging, and your truck’s payload limits. This review explains what the crane can do, where its limits matter, and who should consider it.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8/10, recommended with caveats
Best For: Pickup owners who regularly load engines, machinery, lumber, or bulky equipment and can install a reinforced mounting point.
Bottom Line: The electric winch, folding alloy-steel frame, and 360° rotation make controlled loading easier than a manual crane. The main tradeoff is installation: this is not a universal clamp-on accessory, and the truck, mounting surface, wiring, rigging, and load position must all be suitable.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | VEVOR |
| Model | HXCZDJ-01 |
| Product type | Folding, truck-bed-mounted electric jib crane |
| Maximum crane load | 1,100 lb / 499 kg |
| Winch configuration | 3,500 lb electric winch |
| Control | Wired switch |
| Material | Galvanized alloy steel |
| Product weight | 75.6 lb / 34.3 kg |
| Listed product size | 5.51 × 4.27 × 0.86 ft / 168 × 130 × 26 cm |
| Lifting mode | Single or double rope |
| Rotation | 360° swivel |
| Boom adjustment | Three settings for length, height, and angle |
| Wire rope | Approximately 8 m, according to the manufacturer’s product Q&A |
| Best use | Loading engines, machinery, workshop equipment, lumber, and other balanced loads within the rated limit |
Before You Buy: The 3,500 lb figure describes the electric winch, not the crane’s lifting capacity. Treat 1,100 lb as the maximum crane rating, and follow the manual for the allowed load at each boom and rope setting. Your truck’s payload rating and reinforced mounting structure may set a lower practical limit.
What Is the VEVOR Electric Pickup Truck Crane?
The HXCZDJ-01 is a folding jib crane designed to mount in a pickup bed. Instead of lifting cargo by hand or relying on a portable engine hoist, you can raise the load with an electric winch, rotate the crane, and lower the item into the bed or onto the ground.
VEVOR lists a 1,100 lb maximum load, a 3,500 lb electric winch, a wired switch, single- or double-rope lifting, and a 360° rotating support frame. The boom has three settings, so you can change its working geometry for different reach and height needs. The frame folds when not in use, which helps preserve more bed space than a fixed full-size lifting system.
This design suits repeated loading jobs better than occasional household moving. You still need compatible wiring, rated lifting gear, a strong mounting point, and enough truck payload capacity for the crane plus the load.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Mechanics who need to move engines or heavy shop components into a pickup.
- Contractors and property owners who regularly load machinery, generators, or bundled materials.
- Buyers who can reinforce the mounting area and want electric lifting with 360° positioning.
Skip If
- You need a temporary, no-drill, or universally compatible installation.
- Your truck lacks enough payload capacity or a structurally suitable mounting location.
- You need certified lifting above 1,100 lb or a crane with powered rotation.
Materials and Build Quality
The main structure uses galvanized alloy steel. That gives the crane the stiffness needed for lifting while helping the exterior resist corrosion. Galvanizing does not make steel maintenance-free, so exposed fasteners, scratches, pivot points, and the fixed post still need regular inspection.
At 75.6 lb, the crane adds meaningful permanent weight before you load any cargo. Include that weight when checking the pickup’s payload figure. The folding design is useful for transport and storage, but you must secure the crane in its approved folded position before driving.
A locking pin helps hold the support frame in position. Check that the pin is fully seated before every lift, and stop using the crane if you see bent steel, cracked welds, loose mounting hardware, damaged wire rope, or unusual winch noise.
Lifting Capacity and Electric Winch Performance
The crane is rated for a maximum load of 1,100 lb, while the electric winch is described by a 3,500 lb pulling-force rating. Those numbers serve different purposes. A stronger winch does not increase the structural rating of the boom, mast, base, mounting hardware, or truck bed.
The wired switch lets you control the hoist while standing away from the immediate load path. VEVOR lists single- and double-rope modes, and its product Q&A reports an approximate lifting speed of 5 meters per minute. Rope configuration can affect speed, line travel, and mechanical advantage, so follow the supplied manual rather than choosing a setup by guesswork.
The boom’s three settings improve versatility, but extra reach generally places more leverage on the crane and mounting point. Keep the load centered, avoid side pulling, and use the shortest practical reach that safely clears the truck.
Boom Adjustment, Folding Design, and 360° Rotation
The rotating support frame can swivel through 360°, allowing you to lift beside or behind the truck and then position the load over the bed. This reduces the need to reposition the vehicle for every pick. Rotation is manual, so a suspended load can still swing if you push too quickly or work on uneven ground.
The three-position boom changes length, height, and angle. That helps when moving a tall engine, reaching beyond a tailgate, or placing equipment closer to the crane base. Select the position before attaching the load whenever possible, and confirm that every pin is installed correctly.
The crane folds for storage, which is helpful when you need more usable bed space between jobs. Measure your planned mounting area and the surrounding clearance before drilling. The manufacturer’s listed overall product size is 5.51 × 4.27 × 0.86 ft, but your required working envelope will also depend on boom position and rotation.
Installation and Safety
This crane should be treated as a structural installation, not a simple bed accessory. Thin sheet metal alone may not safely distribute lifting forces. The correct mounting method depends on your truck, bed construction, reinforcement, fastener grade, and access beneath the mounting area.
Follow the VEVOR manual and your vehicle manufacturer’s guidance. A qualified fabricator or installer is the safer choice when you cannot confirm the mounting structure, electrical routing, or payload effect. Do not drill near fuel lines, brake lines, wiring, tanks, or structural components without identifying them first.
Use lifting straps, chains, shackles, and hooks that are rated for the load and suitable for the attachment points. Never stand under a suspended load, lift people, exceed the crane rating, drag a load sideways, or operate on unstable ground. Keep bystanders clear and use wheel chocks when the worksite or load could cause vehicle movement.
Pro Tip: Test the complete setup with a light, stable load before handling expensive equipment. Watch the base, bed, fasteners, boom, rope, and truck suspension for movement or flex, then stop and correct any problem before increasing the load.
How It Performs in Real Use
Loading an Engine or Workshop Machine
The electric winch reduces the physical effort required to raise a balanced engine or compact machine. The 360° swivel helps you move the load from beside the truck into the bed. An engine leveler or properly arranged sling may still be needed to control tilt and prevent contact with the bed sides.
Moving Lumber or Long Materials
The crane can help lift bundled lumber or similar materials when the load stays balanced and within the rated limit. Long items can rotate or swing easily, so use tag lines and a second trained person when you cannot control orientation from a safe position.
Jobsite Loading
For generators, pumps, compact tools, or construction equipment, the folding design keeps the crane available without occupying the entire bed. Uneven terrain increases risk, so park on firm, level ground and avoid lifting when the truck is leaning or the load must be dragged toward the crane.
Occasional Home or Property Use
The crane can reduce strain when loading heavy equipment, but installation effort may outweigh the benefit for rare use. A portable shop crane, trailer, ramp, or equipment rental may make more sense when you only need lifting support once or twice a year.
Setup Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confirm payload first: Add the crane’s 75.6 lb weight, the cargo, passengers, tools, and other bed equipment before comparing the total with the truck’s payload rating.
- Plan the swing path: Check tailgate, cab, bed rails, toolboxes, lights, and nearby obstacles before raising the load.
- Use the correct rigging: Attach only to lifting points that can support the load. Do not hook onto fragile handles, sheet metal, or unknown brackets.
- Avoid shock loading: Raise and lower smoothly. Sudden starts, drops, snags, and swinging loads can create forces above the static weight.
- Inspect before use: Check mounting bolts, pins, wire rope, hook, electrical leads, and frame condition before each lifting session.
- Protect the winch and steel: Store the crane folded and secured, keep electrical connections dry, and repair damaged protective coating before corrosion spreads.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 1,100 lb maximum crane rating covers many engines, machines, and jobsite loads.
- Electric winch reduces manual cranking and uses a wired control.
- 360° swivel supports loading from different sides of the truck.
- Three boom settings provide more control over reach and height.
- Folding galvanized alloy-steel frame saves bed space between jobs.
Cons
- Safe installation may require reinforcement, drilling, wiring work, and professional fabrication.
- The 3,500 lb winch rating can be mistaken for the crane’s 1,100 lb load limit.
- Manual rotation and suspended-load control still require careful rigging and safe technique.
Is It Worth the Price?
The VEVOR crane offers strong value for buyers who would otherwise need a helper, portable engine hoist, or repeated equipment rental. Its electric winch, swivel base, adjustable boom, and folding design combine several useful functions in one truck-mounted system.
You get the most value when you lift suitable loads regularly and can complete a safe installation without excessive modification. It is less compelling for occasional use, very light cargo, or a truck that cannot support the mounting forces and added payload.
Before buying, compare the total project cost rather than the crane alone. Reinforcement plates, professional labor, wiring protection, rated rigging, and corrosion maintenance can add to the final expense.
How It Compares to Alternatives
A manual 1,100 lb VEVOR truck crane may cost less and avoid electrical setup, but it requires more effort during each lift. VEVOR also offers a 2,200 lb electric model with a 6,000 lb winch for heavier work, though that larger system places greater demands on the vehicle and installation.
A hitch-mounted hydraulic crane can suit buyers who do not want a permanent bed installation, while a portable shop crane works better on flat workshop floors. The HXCZDJ-01 makes the most sense when you want electric lifting, 360° bed-side positioning, and a folding crane that stays with the truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this VEVOR truck crane lift 3,500 lb?
No. The crane’s listed maximum load is 1,100 lb. The 3,500 lb number refers to the electric winch configuration and must not be treated as the structural lifting capacity.
Will it fit every pickup truck bed?
Universal fit should not be assumed. You need enough working clearance, a structurally suitable mounting area, safe access for fasteners and reinforcement, compatible wiring, and enough remaining payload capacity.
Can one person operate it?
The wired electric winch and rotating frame can reduce the need for manual lifting. A second trained person is still useful for tag-line control, visibility, and long or awkward loads, especially when the cargo can swing.
Does the crane rotate under electric power?
The electric system powers the winch. The product description lists a 360° swivel support frame, but it does not describe powered rotation, so plan to position the boom manually and control load swing carefully.
Is professional installation recommended?
Professional installation is sensible when the bed needs reinforcement or you cannot verify the structure beneath the mounting point. A qualified installer can also route and protect the electrical connections without interfering with vehicle systems.
What maintenance does it need?
Inspect the frame, fasteners, pins, hook, wire rope, winch, and electrical leads before use. Keep moving points maintained as directed by the manual, repair damaged coating, and stop using the crane if any load-bearing part is bent, cracked, loose, or badly corroded.
Can replacement parts be purchased separately?
Availability may be limited. In the manufacturer’s product Q&A, VEVOR stated that its website did not sell the fixed-post component separately and that the product was sold as a set. Confirm current parts support before buying if long-term serviceability is a priority.
Who should skip this crane?
Skip it when you need more than 1,100 lb of rated capacity, cannot create a reinforced mounting point, or only need lifting help once. A portable hoist, ramp, trailer, or rental may be safer and more economical in those cases.
The Bottom Line
The VEVOR HXCZDJ-01 is a practical choice for mechanics, contractors, and pickup owners who regularly handle balanced loads within its 1,100 lb rating. Its electric winch, three-position boom, folding frame, and 360° swivel improve convenience, but the crane is only as safe as its mounting, rigging, wiring, truck capacity, and operator technique.
Buy it when you can support a proper installation and will use it often. Skip it when you need a temporary no-drill solution, powered rotation, or capacity beyond the model’s verified limit.
