Car Parking and Storage Lifts: How to Choose One for Your Garage
4-post storage lifts, two-car stackers and multi-level car stackers: how to choose a parking lift for a home garage or business.
Quick answer: A car parking or storage lift lets you park one vehicle above another in the same footprint. For most home garages, a 4-post storage lift is the simplest choice: it carries the vehicle on its tires and doubles as a service lift. For more cars in the same space, a two-car stacker or multi-level car stacker stores two to six vehicles. Start with your ceiling height, floor space and the heaviest vehicle you will store.
Compare models on our parking and storage lifts page.
Types of car parking and storage lifts
- 4-post storage lifts. One car on top, one underneath. The vehicle sits on runways, so there is no need to find lift points, and many models also work for oil changes and other service. Examples on our site include the Katool KT-4H850 and KT-4H110 and the Mayflower Pro 8000.
- Two-car stacker lifts. A wider 4-post lift that holds two cars side by side on top, with two more parked below. The Olympic 4PXW-10 is an example.
- Multi-level car stackers. Three or four levels for collectors, dealers and storage businesses. Examples include the Olympic Triple Stacker-S, Triple Stacker-XL, 4032-4 and 4032-6.
How to choose a parking lift
- Ceiling height. This is the first limit. Add the height of both vehicles, the runway thickness and clearance. See car lift ceiling height, concrete and power requirements.
- Capacity. Choose a rated capacity above the heaviest vehicle on the top level. Check each level's rating on multi-level stackers.
- Footprint. Measure the length and width of the lift against the bay, and leave room to open doors and walk around.
- Concrete and installation. Check the vendor's published floor requirements for the model.
- Power. Confirm the voltage each lift lists against your garage outlet.
- Storage vs. service. If you also want to work on cars, choose a 4-post lift that the vendor lists for both storage and service.
- Accessories. Drip trays protect the car below; a rolling bridge jack lets you lift wheels off the runways for brake and tire work. See jacks and stands.
Deciding between a level car stacker and a tilting lift for a low ceiling? See car stacker vs tilting parking lift.
Parking lift vs. 2-post lift
A 2-post lift is built for service and lifts the car by its frame; it is not meant for long-term storage. A 4-post storage lift carries the car on its tires, so it suits parking and storage. For more on this choice, see 2-post vs. 4-post car lifts.
How much does a car storage lift cost?
At the time of writing, 4-post storage lifts on our site run from roughly $3,500 to $4,300 shipped, two-car stackers from about $8,500, and three- and four-level stackers from roughly $16,500 to $23,500. Prices change, so check the parking lifts page. Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
How high does a garage ceiling need to be for a car lift?
It depends on both vehicles and the lift. Add the vehicle heights, the lift's runway and clearance, then compare with the lift's published overall height.
Can I use a storage lift for repairs?
Many 4-post lifts are listed for storage and service. Check the product page; adding a bridge jack makes wheel and brake work easier.
Is a parking lift safe for long-term storage?
4-post lifts are designed to hold a vehicle on its tires with mechanical locks engaged. Follow the vendor's instructions for locking and loading.
Related
See all car lifts, 4-post car lifts and our car lift buying guide. Questions? Contact us.
