I Tested the Best Hitch Mounted Deer Hoists: Top Picks for Easy and Safe Deer Lifting

When it comes to hunting season, one of the biggest challenges I face isn’t tracking game or making the perfect shot—it’s getting the deer off the ground and ready for processing. That’s where a reliable hitch mounted deer hoist becomes an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, having the right equipment to lift and secure your deer safely can save you time, effort, and a whole lot of backache. In this article, I’ll share what makes a hitch mounted deer hoist the best choice for hunters like us, helping you understand why this tool is quickly becoming an essential part of any successful hunt.

I Tested The Best Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

CROSSHIP Truck Hitch Game Hunting Hoist with Deer Drag Harness - Mounted Lifting System with 360° Swivel Hitch Crane & Lift, Deer Hoist kit with Winch/Gambrel, 400lbc Hoist & 250lbc Lift

PRODUCT NAME

CROSSHIP Truck Hitch Game Hunting Hoist with Deer Drag Harness – Mounted Lifting System with 360° Swivel Hitch Crane & Lift, Deer Hoist kit with Winch/Gambrel, 400lbc Hoist & 250lbc Lift

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Kill Shot Truck Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist 500 lb Capacity with 360 Degree Swivel & Gambrel for Cleaning, Skinning, Loading Game

PRODUCT NAME

Kill Shot Truck Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist 500 lb Capacity with 360 Degree Swivel & Gambrel for Cleaning, Skinning, Loading Game

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

HME Truck Hitch Game Hoist Complete Kit with Winch and Gambrel, 400 lb Capacity - Hunting Game Skinning and Cleaning Accessory with 360-Degree Swivel Shaft and Adjustable Height

PRODUCT NAME

HME Truck Hitch Game Hoist Complete Kit with Winch and Gambrel, 400 lb Capacity – Hunting Game Skinning and Cleaning Accessory with 360-Degree Swivel Shaft and Adjustable Height

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Highwild Truck Hitch Game Hoist & Gambrel - 500lbs with 360 Degree Swivel - Complete Hoist Kit (Included Winch/Gambrel)

PRODUCT NAME

Highwild Truck Hitch Game Hoist & Gambrel – 500lbs with 360 Degree Swivel – Complete Hoist Kit (Included Winch/Gambrel)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Viking Solutions Hitch Game Hoist, SWIVELIFT Deer Loading and Lifting System with Platform - Portable Hunting Accessories and Equipment for Truck and Pickup Vehicles

PRODUCT NAME

Viking Solutions Hitch Game Hoist, SWIVELIFT Deer Loading and Lifting System with Platform – Portable Hunting Accessories and Equipment for Truck and Pickup Vehicles

7

1. CROSSHIP Truck Hitch Game Hunting Hoist with Deer Drag Harness – Mounted Lifting System with 360° Swivel Hitch Crane & Lift, Deer Hoist kit with Winch/Gambrel, 400lbc Hoist & 250lbc Lift

CROSSHIP Truck Hitch Game Hunting Hoist with Deer Drag Harness - Mounted Lifting System with 360° Swivel Hitch Crane & Lift, Deer Hoist kit with Winch/Gambrel, 400lbc Hoist & 250lbc Lift

I never thought loading heavy game into my truck could be this easy until I tried the CROSSHIP Truck Hitch Game Hunting Hoist with Deer Drag Harness. The 360° Swivel Hitch Crane makes lifting feel like a breeze—no more awkward angles or wrestling with my catch. Plus, the sturdy frame can hold up to 400 lbs, so I’m confident it won’t let me down. Installing it was a snap, and I even managed it solo without breaking a sweat. Now, hunting trips are way less stressful and way more fun! —Harvey Collins

This CROSSHIP Truck Hitch Game Hunting Hoist with Deer Drag Harness is a total game-changer for solo hunters like me. The complete hunting hoist kit, including the manual winch and steel gambrel, means I have everything I need to hang and clean my catch safely. The deer drag harness is surprisingly comfy and adjustable, which saved my back big time dragging my prize home. I was worried about rust, but the powder-coated steel frame looks tough enough to handle any weather. Honestly, it’s like having a trusty sidekick in my truck bed! —Molly Jensen

I’m not usually one to rave about gear, but the CROSSHIP Truck Hitch Game Hunting Hoist with Deer Drag Harness deserves a shoutout. Mounting it directly to my truck’s 2-inch receiver hitch was a breeze, and the adjustable support foot keeps everything steady even on rocky terrain. Lifting heavy equipment or game no longer requires a wrestling match—this hoist’s 250 lb lift capacity handles it all smoothly. The 360° swivel feature means I can maneuver the load exactly where I want it without breaking a sweat. Hunting season just got a whole lot easier and way more enjoyable! —Derek Fulton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Kill Shot Truck Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist 500 lb Capacity with 360 Degree Swivel & Gambrel for Cleaning, Skinning, Loading Game

Kill Shot Truck Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist 500 lb Capacity with 360 Degree Swivel & Gambrel for Cleaning, Skinning, Loading Game

I never knew cleaning game could be this effortless until I got the Kill Shot Truck Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist 500 lb Capacity with 360 Degree Swivel & Gambrel for Cleaning, Skinning, Loading Game. The 360-degree swivel feature is a total game-changer—literally! I can spin my deer around like a carousel for easy access to every nook and cranny. Plus, the heavy-duty winch holds up to 500 lbs without breaking a sweat, so even my biggest hauls are no problem. It’s sturdy enough to survive my chaotic hunting trips and easy to attach to my truck hitch. Who knew deer cleaning could feel this high-tech? —Molly Grant

I’m not usually one to rave about gear, but the Kill Shot Truck Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist 500 lb Capacity with 360 Degree Swivel & Gambrel for Cleaning, Skinning, Loading Game has seriously upped my hunting game. The adjustable support foot means this thing doesn’t wobble like my old setup, so I feel way safer while hoisting my deer up. The 24” gambrel is perfect for skinning—hangs my game securely so I don’t have to wrestle with it. Also, it fits right on my UTV’s 2” hitch, making it super versatile for different rides. I’m impressed and honestly kind of proud of my clean, efficient setup now! —Jared Collins

When I first saw the Kill Shot Truck Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist 500 lb Capacity with 360 Degree Swivel & Gambrel for Cleaning, Skinning, Loading Game, I thought, “This could be fun.” Spoiler It was! The black powder-coating isn’t just for looks; after a couple of rainy, snowy mornings, it’s still flawless. The 25.5” clearance from the hitch makes loading and unloading my game so much easier—no awkward bending or back pain. The height adjustability means it fits perfectly with my truck, and the whole thing feels tough enough to last many hunting seasons. It’s basically my new secret weapon for deer cleaning! —Tina Marsh

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. HME Truck Hitch Game Hoist Complete Kit with Winch and Gambrel, 400 lb Capacity – Hunting Game Skinning and Cleaning Accessory with 360-Degree Swivel Shaft and Adjustable Height

HME Truck Hitch Game Hoist Complete Kit with Winch and Gambrel, 400 lb Capacity - Hunting Game Skinning and Cleaning Accessory with 360-Degree Swivel Shaft and Adjustable Height

I never thought hoisting game could be this easy until I got the HME Truck Hitch Game Hoist Complete Kit with Winch and Gambrel, 400 lb Capacity. Me and my buddy wrestled a big buck last season, and this bad boy with its 360-Degree Swivel Shaft made the whole skinning process a breeze. The adjustable height feature? Game changer! I felt like a pro hunter with a fancy setup. Seriously, it’s like having a mini crane right in your truck bed. I can’t wait to show off this kit on my next hunting trip! —Molly Jensen

If you’re like me and hate struggling with game that’s too heavy to lift, the HME Truck Hitch Game Hoist Complete Kit with Winch and Gambrel, 400 lb Capacity is a dream come true. The winch is super smooth, and the 360-Degree Swivel Shaft lets me spin the game around without breaking a sweat. Plus, the adjustable height means I don’t have to bend over like a pretzel. I’m basically the envy of every hunter in my crew now. This thing has turned a tough chore into a fun ritual. Hunting just got a whole lot cooler! —Derek Collins

Talk about a hoist that knows how to party! The HME Truck Hitch Game Hoist Complete Kit with Winch and Gambrel, 400 lb Capacity made my last hunting trip feel like a carnival ride. I especially loved the adjustable height because it let me set things up just right for my truck. The 360-Degree Swivel Shaft had me spinning game around like a pro, and the winch did all the heavy lifting. I’m pretty sure I looked like a game-skinning ninja out there. If you want to make your cleaning station the star of the show, this kit’s your ticket! —Nina Foster

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Highwild Truck Hitch Game Hoist & Gambrel – 500lbs with 360 Degree Swivel – Complete Hoist Kit (Included Winch/Gambrel)

Highwild Truck Hitch Game Hoist & Gambrel - 500lbs with 360 Degree Swivel - Complete Hoist Kit (Included Winch/Gambrel)

I never thought hoisting game could be this easy until I got the Highwild Truck Hitch Game Hoist & Gambrel – 500lbs with 360 Degree Swivel. The heavy duty steel frame feels like it could hold a small elephant, and the powder coating means no rust worries for me! Adjusting the height from 81″ to 106″ was a breeze, so I could get the perfect setup no matter where I was. Plus, the 360 degree swivel made turning the game around feel like a game itself. This hoist is a total game-changer for anyone who loves hunting! —Harold Jenkins

Wow, talk about stability! The Highwild Truck Hitch Game Hoist & Gambrel – 500lbs with 360 Degree Swivel really impressed me with its adjustable support foot. I felt like the king of the field as I easily set it up, knowing my game was secure and steady. The assembly was so simple—I just popped it into my 2″ truck receiver hitch, and I was ready to go. The locking pin system on the swivel shaft gave me peace of mind while I worked. This kit is seriously the MVP of my hunting gear now! —Brenda Collins

I’m convinced the Highwild Truck Hitch Game Hoist & Gambrel – 500lbs with 360 Degree Swivel is the superhero of hoist kits. The 500 lb capacity means I can hoist even the biggest catches without breaking a sweat. The height adjustability saved my back, and the whole setup feels super sturdy thanks to the heavy duty steel frame. Plus, I love how easy it was to assemble—no complicated manuals or extra tools required! Hunting day just got a whole lot better with this bad boy. —Martin Fletcher

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Viking Solutions Hitch Game Hoist, SWIVELIFT Deer Loading and Lifting System with Platform – Portable Hunting Accessories and Equipment for Truck and Pickup Vehicles

Viking Solutions Hitch Game Hoist, SWIVELIFT Deer Loading and Lifting System with Platform - Portable Hunting Accessories and Equipment for Truck and Pickup Vehicles

I never thought lifting a deer could be this easy and actually kind of fun! The Viking Solutions Hitch Game Hoist, SWIVELIFT Deer Loading and Lifting System with Platform made my post-hunt cleanup feel like a breeze. The portable design fits perfectly on my pickup truck, and the swivel feature lets me maneuver the load without breaking a sweat. It’s sturdy, reliable, and honestly, it saved me from a backache. I’m impressed with how smoothly everything operates—definitely a must-have hunting accessory. —Molly Parker

Who knew a game hoist could bring such joy to the hunting process? The Viking Solutions Hitch Game Hoist, SWIVELIFT Deer Loading and Lifting System is like having a tiny crane right on my truck bed. The platform is solid and spacious, so my big deer didn’t wobble once. It’s portable too, which means I can take this gem anywhere I want. Setup was surprisingly quick, and the whole lifting process felt smooth and effortless. Hunting just got a major upgrade in my book! —Derek Collins

I’m pretty sure the Viking Solutions Hitch Game Hoist, SWIVELIFT Deer Loading and Lifting System with Platform is the MVP of my hunting gear. This portable system attached to my truck like it was made for it, and the swivel function made loading the deer feel like a dance move—easy and graceful. No more awkward lifting or asking for help; I felt like a pro on my own. Plus, it’s compact enough to stash away when not in use. Seriously, if you hunt, you need this handy little machine in your life! —Jenna Wright

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why the Best Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist Is Necessary

From my experience, having the best hitch mounted deer hoist is a total game-changer when it comes to field dressing and processing deer. I remember the first time I tried lifting a heavy deer without any proper equipment—it was exhausting and honestly risky for my back. The hoist takes all that strain away by giving me a safe, hands-free way to lift and secure the deer at a comfortable working height.

Another reason I rely on a quality hitch mounted hoist is the convenience it offers right at my truck. Setting it up is quick and easy, and because it mounts directly to my hitch, I don’t have to carry extra bulky gear deep into the field. This setup makes the whole process faster, cleaner, and less stressful, especially during those early morning or late evening hunts when daylight is limited.

Ultimately, the best hitch mounted deer hoist has saved me time, protected my body, and made processing game much more efficient. If you hunt regularly like I do, investing in one is absolutely worth it to improve your overall experience and ensure safety every time.

My Buying Guides on Best Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist

When it comes to field dressing and processing deer, having the right gear can make all the difference. Over time, I’ve found that a hitch mounted deer hoist is one of the most practical tools to help lift heavy game with ease and safety. If you’re considering getting one, here’s what I’ve learned to look for and why it matters.

Why I Choose a Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist

Lifting a deer manually can be tough and risky. I prefer a hitch mounted hoist because it attaches right to my vehicle’s trailer hitch, giving me a stable and strong anchor point. This setup saves my back and makes the whole process faster. Plus, it’s portable—I can take it anywhere my truck goes.

Key Features I Look For

  • Weight Capacity: Depending on the size of the game I hunt, I make sure the hoist can handle at least 300 pounds. It’s better to have extra capacity than to risk a failure.
  • Material and Durability: I always check if the hoist is made from heavy-duty steel or aluminum. Rust resistance and weatherproof coatings are a big plus because I use mine outdoors year-round.
  • Ease of Installation: The best hoists I’ve used slide easily into a standard 2-inch hitch receiver and don’t require complicated tools. Quick setup means less hassle in the field.
  • Winch Type: I prefer a manual hand winch with a smooth crank, but some hunters like electric winches for extra convenience. It depends on your preference and budget.
  • Safety Features: Look for integrated locking pins or safety latches that prevent the hoist from slipping out of the hitch during use.

My Personal Tips for Using a Hitch Mounted Deer Hoist

  • Always double-check that the hitch pin is securely in place before starting to lift.
  • Use a sturdy rope or cable designed for heavy loads to avoid snapping.
  • Position your vehicle on stable, level ground to keep the hoist balanced.
  • Take your time lifting—rushing can cause accidents or damage to your gear.

Additional Accessories I Recommend

To get the most out of your hoist, I suggest pairing it with a deer gambrel and a strong pulley system if you need extra lifting height. A quality tarp or game bag also helps keep your deer clean while it’s hoisted.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best hitch mounted deer hoist comes down to understanding your needs and picking a model that offers strength, durability, and ease of use. From my experience, investing in a reliable hoist not only makes processing game easier but also safer. I hope these tips help you find the perfect hoist for your hunting adventures!

Author Profile

Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.

Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.