A roof rail hoist system includes a support rail mountable to a vehicle roof. The support rail includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion including a recess that extends between the first end and the second end. A winch arm is mounted to the support rail. The winch arm is pivotable between a first position, wherein the winch arm resides in the recess and a second position, wherein the winch arm extends outwardly from the support rail. A winch motor is mounted to the support rail. The winch motor includes a cable spool. A winch cable is provided on the cable spool.