A hoist mechanism for loading an object onto a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include an affixed roof rack having at least two transverse bars. The hoist mechanism includes: a horizontal bar and a vertical lift mechanism. The horizontal bar is affixable to a transverse bar, is hollow, and has an open end. The vertical lift mechanism is removably mate-able with the horizontal bar and includes: a vertical mast; a boom joined to the upper end; an insert bar fits into the open end, located away from the boom, and is releasably affixed in the horizontal bar; and a lift wire with a grapnel at a distal end, the lift wire running between the end of the boom and down the vertical mast. Wherein after the horizontal bar and insert bar are is affixed to the vehicle, the object is attached to the grapnel and hoisted onto the vehicle.