Abstract: A lifting apparatus for mounting to a vehicle includes a base assembly that is adapted to cooperate with the vehicle. Extending from a base of the base assembly is a plurality of columns. The base assembly further includes a connecting mechanism that securely attaches the base assembly to a bed of the vehicle. The lifting apparatus further includes a platform assembly having a platform and a plurality of outer column receivers extending from the platform. The outer column receivers cooperatively engage with the columns of the base assembly to allow sliding engagement therebetween. Cooperating with the platform assembly is a driving mechanism that is adapted to elevate the platform assembly relative to the base assembly. The driving mechanism includes a lifting chain, a motor assembly, and a gear assembly. The lifting chain has a first end attached to the base assembly and a second end attached to the platform assembly.