Viking Solutions SWIVELIFT Hitch Game Hoist Review: The Back-Saving Tool Every Truck Owner Needs

There’s a unique mix of triumph and dread that settles in after a successful solo hunt. The stalk was perfect, the shot was true, and now the real work begins. I can recall one particular evening, miles from the nearest road, with a heavy whitetail buck down. The sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, but all I could feel was the daunting reality of hoisting over 200 pounds of dead weight into the bed of my F-250. Alone. Every grunt, every strained muscle, every failed attempt to get a solid grip was a brutal reminder of my limitations. It’s a scenario that plays out for hunters, campers, and farmers everywhere: the challenge isn’t just acquiring the heavy object, it’s managing it. That single, back-straining lift can turn a great day into a week of pain or, worse, a serious injury. This is the problem that drives people to seek a better way—a mechanical advantage that doesn’t require a second set of hands.

What to Consider Before Buying a Hitch-Mounted Lifting System

A hitch-mounted lifting system, especially one in the Vehicle Cargo Baskets category, is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for reclaiming independence and preventing injury. These devices are designed to transform multi-person jobs into manageable one-person tasks. Whether you’re loading a harvested deer, a heavy generator for a campsite, a fifth-wheel hitch, or even home appliances, the main benefit is leverage. By using a winch and a swiveling boom or platform, these hoists multiply your strength, allowing you to lift and position heavy, awkward loads with precision and safety. This not only saves your back but also protects your vehicle from the dents and scratches that inevitably come from wrestling heavy objects over the tailgate.

The ideal customer for a product like the Viking Solutions SWIVELIFT Hitch Game Hoist is someone who frequently works alone and needs to lift items weighing between 100 and 300 pounds into a truck bed. This includes solo hunters, off-grid campers, mobile workers who handle heavy equipment, or even homeowners moving bulky items. It’s for the person who values self-sufficiency. Conversely, this might not be the best fit for someone who only needs to transport light cargo, as a standard hitch basket would suffice. It’s also not designed for industrial-level lifting exceeding its 300-pound capacity. For those needing to move extremely heavy items, a dedicated engine hoist or small crane would be more appropriate.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Vehicle Compatibility: First and foremost, check the height of your truck bed and the configuration of your tailgate. A lift that works perfectly on a standard F-150 might not clear the tailgate of a high-clearance F-250 or fit the receiver on a UTV like a Polaris Ranger. Measure your vehicle’s hitch height and tailgate clearance, and compare it to the hoist’s operational height to ensure it can lift high enough to swing the load into the bed.
• Capacity & Performance: Be realistic about your needs. The 300-pound capacity of the Viking SWIVELIFT is ample for most large game, generators, and tool chests. However, the performance is also about the winch mechanism. A manual hand-crank winch is reliable and simple, but requires physical effort. Consider if you’d prefer a model that can be modified for an electric winch if you anticipate frequent, heavy use.
• Materials & Durability: Look for powder-coated steel construction. This finish is crucial for resisting rust and corrosion, especially if the hoist will be exposed to rain, mud, and blood. Pay attention to the thickness of the steel and the quality of the welds. While a heavy build adds to durability, it also adds to the overall weight you’ll have to handle during setup.
• Ease of Use & Assembly: A great tool is one you’ll actually use. A system that breaks down into manageable pieces for transport and can be assembled in minutes without a full toolbox is ideal. Check for reports on assembly difficulty; some designs have frustrating quirks, like poorly placed bolts, that can turn a quick setup into a major headache. Long-term care involves keeping the winch cable clean and lubricating moving parts.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a lifting system that not only does the job but becomes an indispensable part of your gear.

While the Viking Solutions SWIVELIFT Hitch Game Hoist is an excellent choice for solo lifting, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the broader market of cargo solutions. For a comprehensive look at all the top models, including static baskets and other transport options, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Heavy-Duty Helper with a Few Quirks

The arrival of the Viking Solutions SWIVELIFT Hitch Game Hoist was met with anticipation. As many users have noted, the packaging can take a beating during shipment. Our box arrived with some definite signs of a rough journey, and upon opening it, we found that the internal zip ties had broken, allowing the heavy steel components to shift and scuff each other. While the powder-coated finish is tough, there were a few cosmetic scratches right out of the box—disappointing, but not a deal-breaker for a tool destined for hard work.

The unit breaks down into three main parts: the hitch-mounted base, the main vertical mast, and the platform/winch assembly. Weighing in at over 50 pounds, the components feel substantial and robust. The steel is thick, and the welds appear solid. Assembly is straightforward for the most part, connecting the three pieces with pins. The infamous winch installation, however, lived up to its reputation. Attaching the winch to its bracket involves fitting a bolt in a very tight space, a task that required some patience and a magnetic telescopic tool, confirming the “hack” many users discover. Once assembled, which takes about two minutes after you’ve done it once, the hoist feels secure and ready for action. You can explore the complete package and its components online to see how it all fits together.

Deep Dive: Putting the SWIVELIFT to the Test

A tool’s true worth is only revealed in the field, under load. We didn’t just assemble the Viking Solutions SWIVELIFT Hitch Game Hoist in the garage; we put it through a series of real-world tests designed to push its limits and assess its practicality, from the initial setup pains to the moment of truth with a heavy load hanging from its cable.

Assembly and Setup: The Good, The Bad, and The Winch

Viking Solutions advertises a sub-one-minute assembly, and for the main components, that’s largely true. The hitch mount slides into a standard 2-inch receiver, the vertical mast drops into place, and the platform assembly slides onto the mast. It’s a simple, pin-based system that is genuinely fast. The challenge, as we and countless other users discovered, is the initial, one-time assembly of the hand winch onto its mounting plate. The design places one of the mounting bolts directly behind the cable spool, leaving almost no room to work. We spent a frustrating 20 minutes contriving ways to get the nut threaded, finally succeeding with a combination of needle-nose pliers and a magnetic retriever. As one user smartly suggested, temporarily removing the cable spool makes the process infinitely easier. It’s a significant design flaw in an otherwise simple setup process.

Once past that hurdle, field setup is a breeze. The three parts, while heavy, are manageable. We did notice a fair amount of play once the unit was in the hitch receiver, causing it to wobble. This is a common issue with many hitch-mounted accessories. We immediately installed a hitch tightener/anti-rattle clamp, which we consider an essential accessory for this product. It solidified the entire structure, eliminating the wobble and inspiring much more confidence when lifting a heavy, off-balance load. Another minor gripe confirmed by others is the excessive length of the winch cable. It comes with about 20 feet of cable, but you only ever need 5-6 feet to go from the ground to the bed of a truck. The extra cable just clutters the spool. Following the advice of an experienced user, we trimmed the cable down to about 8 feet, which made it much cleaner and easier to manage.

Real-World Lifting Performance: Beyond the Deer Stand

This is where the Viking Solutions SWIVELIFT Hitch Game Hoist truly shines and justifies its existence. Our first test was a 180-pound generator—an awkward, heavy box that is a nightmare to load alone. After strapping it to the 36.5″ x 21.25″ platform, we began cranking the winch. The gear ratio is well-chosen, providing enough mechanical advantage that lifting the load felt controlled and required minimal effort. The winch has a locking mechanism, so you can pause at any point without the load crashing down.

The hoist lifted the generator smoothly until it was just above the height of our F-250’s open tailgate. This is the magic moment. With a gentle push, the entire mast and platform assembly swivels 360 degrees. We easily rotated the generator over the bed of the truck. The most crucial detail here, which some users have noted, is clearance. On our truck, the platform barely cleared the tailgate support cable, requiring a slight outward pull as we swiveled. This is highly dependent on your specific vehicle. After swiveling the load into place, you simply release the winch brake and lower the item gently onto the truck bed. The entire process was calm, controlled, and, most importantly, safe. We repeated the test with a heavy toolbox and a large cooler full of ice, and the result was the same every time: effortless loading. This is a feature that really sets it apart for anyone tired of waiting for help.

Build Quality and Durability: Steel Bones with a Few Weak Points

The core structure of the SWIVELIFT is undeniably robust. The square steel tubing and solid welds give it a heavy-duty feel that inspires confidence when a 250-pound object is suspended in the air. The powder-coat finish, despite the shipping scuffs, held up well against being banged around in the truck bed and exposed to morning dew. It’s built for the field, not for a showroom. However, our testing confirmed a few minor weak points that users have consistently pointed out. The platform is made of a wire mesh, which feels flimsy under a concentrated load. When we loaded a fifth-wheel hitch, the small feet of the hitch caused the mesh to sag. We quickly adopted a common user modification: adding a custom-cut piece of 3/4″ plywood to the platform. This distributed the weight evenly and created a much more stable surface, a highly recommended and inexpensive upgrade.

The manual winch itself is functional but basic. It feels like a standard, off-the-shelf boat trailer winch. One user mentioned modifying the unit to accept an electric ATV winch, which is a fantastic idea for someone who will use it constantly. For the average hunter or camper, the hand crank is perfectly adequate. The rollers that the platform rides on are simple bolts, and while they worked fine during our tests, we can see how they might wear over time with heavy, repetitive use. Regular inspection and a dab of grease would be wise. Despite these minor issues, the fundamental design is sound and built to handle its rated capacity. You can get a closer look at its construction and see the heavy-gauge steel for yourself.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Viking Solutions SWIVELIFT Hitch Game Hoist is overwhelmingly positive, centered on one key theme: it’s a “back saver.” One user, an injured combat veteran, shared how it allowed him to continue enjoying fishing trips with his son by making it possible to load and unload a heavy inflatable boat by himself. Another buyer purchased it for their husband, who no longer has to “suffer the next day from a sore back” after moving their heavy inverter. The core functionality—lifting heavy things for one person—is consistently praised.

However, the praise is almost always accompanied by a few common criticisms that mirror our own findings. The “painful” and “difficult” winch assembly is the most frequently cited issue, with many users creating their own hacks to get the bolt installed. The flimsy wire mesh on the platform is another common point, with many, like us, recommending a piece of plywood for reinforcement. A few reviews also mention the wobble in the hitch receiver and the overly long winch cable. One detailed review noted that the hoist was not compatible with their Polaris Ranger UTV, as both the receiver connection and the vertical mast were too short—a critical piece of information for potential UTV owners. This feedback confirms that while the concept is brilliant, the execution has a few rough edges that can often be smoothed over with minor, DIY modifications.

How Does the Viking SWIVELIFT Compare to the Alternatives?

The Viking Solutions SWIVELIFT Hitch Game Hoist is a specialized tool. While it functions as a cargo carrier, its primary purpose is lifting. Its main alternatives are typically static cargo carriers that offer capacity but no lift assistance. Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right product for your needs.

1. OKLEAD Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier

The OKLEAD carrier is a traditional, robust hitch-mounted basket. Its key advantage is a much higher weight capacity of 500 pounds, compared to the SWIVELIFT’s 300-pound lifting limit. It also offers a significantly larger surface area for carrying bulky items like coolers, luggage, and camping gear. However, it provides zero lifting assistance. You must be able to manually lift everything you place in it. This makes it a superior choice for someone who needs to transport a large volume of gear that is comprised of individually manageable items, but it’s not a solution for the solo user needing to load a single, heavy object like a generator or a harvested deer.

2. ARKSEN Extra Wide Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket

The ARKSEN carrier is a completely different approach, mounting to the roof of your vehicle instead of the hitch. This is an excellent option for preserving access to your truck bed or vehicle’s trunk and for keeping muddy or dirty gear outside the vehicle cabin. Its primary advantage is freeing up the hitch for towing. However, its weight capacity is only 150 pounds, and lifting anything onto the roof of an SUV or truck is physically more demanding and potentially more dangerous than lifting it into a hitch basket. This is best for lighter, bulkier items like camping chairs, tents, or spare tires, not for dense, heavy objects.

3. Mockins XXL 70″x30″ Cargo Carrier w/License Plate Bracket 500 Lbs Cap

Similar to the OKLEAD, the Mockins XXL carrier is a high-capacity (500 lbs) static hitch basket. Its standout features are its enormous 70″x30″ size and the inclusion of a waterproof cargo bag and a license plate bracket, which is a thoughtful touch for legal compliance. This is the ultimate choice for maximizing cargo space for family road trips or hauling large amounts of equipment. Like all static baskets, it doesn’t solve the problem of lifting. It’s a pure hauling solution. If you can lift it, the Mockins can carry it, but it offers no help in getting it up there, which is the entire purpose of the Viking SWIVELIFT.

Final Verdict: An Essential Tool for the Self-Reliant Adventurer

After extensive testing, the Viking Solutions SWIVELIFT Hitch Game Hoist has earned a permanent place in our field gear. It is a brilliantly designed solution to a very real problem. While it has some undeniable flaws—namely the frustrating winch assembly and the slightly flimsy platform mesh—these are minor hurdles that are easily overcome with a bit of patience and a small piece of plywood. What you get in return is invaluable: the freedom to hunt, work, and adventure alone, without ever having to worry about how you’ll handle a heavy load. It transforms a potentially dangerous, back-straining task into a safe, controlled, one-person operation.

We recommend this hoist without reservation to any hunter, camper, farmer, or tradesperson who regularly needs to load heavy objects into their truck by themselves. It’s not just a convenience; it’s a safety tool that protects your most valuable asset—your body. The small annoyances in its design are completely overshadowed by its immense utility and the independence it provides. If you’ve ever strained your back or had to call a friend just to load something into your truck, this is the tool you’ve been waiting for. Don’t hesitate; make the smart investment in your back and get your Viking SWIVELIFT today.