A universal lift for transporting a load into and out of a vehicle (100) comprises: a. a first tubular member (101) attachable to roof rails (121, 122) on the vehicle (100); b. a second tubular member (102), telescopically movable in and out of the first tubular member (101); c. a carrying arm (106), displaceable along the second tubular member (102); and d. a hinging support (103, 104, 105), telescopically movable in and out of the second tubular member (102).