Moving a Heavy Chassis into My Garage Solo: A DIY Adventure

by Ed October 21, 2024

Ever found yourself staring at a non-running vehicle or heavy chassis, wondering how on earth you’re going to get it into your garage alone? That’s exactly the pickle I found myself in recently. I’ve got this hefty chassis sitting outside, and pushing it uphill into my garage just isn’t happening—especially with that slight incline mocking me every time I look at it.

The Dilemma

Here’s the situation: I’ve got a heavy, non-operational chassis that needs to move from point A (outside) to point B (inside my garage). Towing it with another vehicle isn’t an option due to space constraints and the inability to get a tow vehicle inside the garage. Plus, I’m a one-man show here. Sure, I could ask my wife for help, but she’s juggling the kids, and I prefer tackling these challenges solo when I can.

The Lightbulb Moment

So, how do I, a lone DIY enthusiast, move this beast into the garage without pulling a muscle or two? After some brainstorming—and maybe a bit of head-scratching—I came up with an ingenious solution involving a bolt-on hitch receiver, some concrete anchors, and a trusty come-along winch.

My DIY Solution: Installing a Floor-Mounted Hitch Receiver

I decided to install a hitch receiver directly into my garage floor. This would serve as a solid anchor point for a come-along, allowing me to pull the chassis into the garage smoothly.

Materials I Used:

Hitch Receiver: https://amzn.to/3YoGlOx
Shackle Hitch: https://amzn.to/3BKSjcx
Drop-in Concrete Anchors: https://amzn.to/3Yr0Dav
Drill Bit: https://amzn.to/3Nt9UbG
Set Screws (plug screws): https://amzn.to/4f5qTwj
Screw Bolts: https://amzn.to/4dPEqqM
Washers: https://amzn.to/4dPEruQ
Rock Hard Water Putty: https://amzn.to/4eX7IVK

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Choosing the Spot

I picked a spot at the back of my garage where the hitch wouldn’t be a tripping hazard—right next to the back wall and close to an outlet (just in case I upgrade to an electric winch later).

2. Marking and Drilling Holes

Placed the hitch receiver on the floor as a template.
Marked the bolt hole locations.
Used a hammer drill with a masonry bit to drill into the concrete. (Pro tip: a corded hammer drill would’ve been faster, but my cordless one did the job.)

3. Installing the Concrete Anchors

Inserted the wedge anchors into the holes.
Hammered them down until they were flush and snug.
Checked to make sure they didn’t move or spin.

4. Mounting the Hitch Receiver

Bolted the hitch receiver to the floor using the anchors.
Ensured everything was tight and secure.
Attached the shackle hitch mount.

5. Finishing Touches

I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I wasn’t going to leave those anchor holes looking rough. I mixed up some rock hard water putty and filled in the gaps around the anchors. Once it dried, I sanded it down and painted over it to match the garage floor. Now, when the hitch isn’t in use, I can remove it, and the floor is flush—no tripping hazards here!

Putting It to the Test

With the hitch receiver installed and the come-along connected, it was the moment of truth. I started cranking, and slowly but surely, the chassis began to move up the incline and into the garage. Success!

Why This Setup Rocks

Solo Operation: I didn’t need to bother anyone for help.
Cost-Effective: Used materials that are readily available and not overly expensive.
Safe and Controlled: Having a secure anchor point made the process smooth and reduced the risk of accidents.
Versatile: This setup isn’t just for this one chassis. I’ll be pulling engines and other heavy equipment in the future, and this anchor point will come in handy.

Thinking Ahead: Upgrading to an Electric Winch

While the come-along works great, I’m considering mounting a 12V electric winch on a hitch receiver tray in the future. With an outlet nearby, I could power the winch and make the process even easier.

Final Thoughts

This project was all about finding a practical solution to a common problem. If you’ve ever been in a similar situation, I hope my experience gives you some ideas. It’s amazing what a little ingenuity and some basic tools can accomplish.

Check Out the Full Process

Want to see the step-by-step and how it all came together? Watch my full walkthrough on YouTube: Moving a Heavy Chassis into My Garage Solo.

Join the Conversation

Have you tried something similar? Think I’m crazy for drilling into my garage floor? Drop a comment below or on the video—I’d love to hear your thoughts and any tips you might have.

By sharing my DIY adventures, I hope to help fellow enthusiasts tackle their own projects with confidence. Remember, with a bit of creativity, no challenge is too big to handle solo!