Idea on how to make a rack / cover / support for roof top tent...!

[e9999]

I saw some discussion about how to make a support system for a roof top tent or a canvas cover for a trailer.

How about this:

- find an inexpensive used roll bar with a double hoop in front
- cut in 2, and remove rear, so you have 2 matched single tube hoops
- add a transverse bar using the cut off horizontal stubs (could use the removed diagonal legs)
- use one hoop in front, one in rear. Already have feet.

ready to go.


could use something like this (if you're lucky you may even find one in the Parts for sale forum... )

 

[alf]

2badfjs is building me custom hoops as we speak. I will post up picks when they are done.

 

[2badfjs]

2badfjs is building me custom hoops as we speak. I will post up picks when they are done.

i saw this and thought of you kevin,just before i saw that you had replied

i think i'll go bend some tube now.

 

[Rockrawler]

How tall are you guys planning on mounting the tent over the top of the trailer? I'm worried about stability myself & thinking on keeping it as low as possible, am I being to cautious? You planning on something like this:

 

[Blue 60]

not a roll bar...

I don't want to be picky, but that is not a roll bar. It is a bed bar. There was an article back in the early 90's in Peterson's or 4Wheel off-road that explained the simple difference. Here's how it relates to us.... Roll bars (cages) are normally .120 walled (or thicker) pipe or tubing that are frame mounted and Bed bars are usually much thinner metal that sometimes can barely hold the lights that are mounted to them or buckle under the pressure of the bolts holding them together.
I'm not saying this is a bad idea (because I think its a great idea), just be careful and check the tube thickness before you attempt this. You would be suprised how weak some of that thinner tubing is.

Blue 60

 

[alf]

How tall are you guys planning on mounting the tent over the top of the trailer? I'm worried about stability myself & thinking on keeping it as low as possible, am I being to cautious? You planning on something like this:

The hoops 2badfjs is fabing for me will 28" from the top of the trailer. I arrived at this height when considering a few issues:

1. I wanted the deployed tent to be at least 6' off the ground so that I could have standing area underneath. I plan to use some side panels off of one of my Oztent RV tents to create an enclosure for the area underneath the tent. This enclosed area can then be used to hang out in if its raining or for additional sleeping quarters. Also at this hieght a canopy for the other side can be stretched out to provide shade at the cooking station.

2. I wanted enough height so that I could build a custom 24" tall kitchen box that will run down the entire side of the trailer. This box will have a hinged lid that when opened will double as a 6' x 24" kitchen counter.

For the most part my trailer is not going to be towed down the trail. It will almost always be parked at the camping spot and returned to after a day of wheeling. Therfore some of the issues with being a bit top heavy have been negated. I am however hoping it won't tip over when I have the tent deployed and a full occupancy load. I have seen some expedition tent trailers with leveling stands at the corners which may be needed if it is a bit tippy.

The hoops can always be shortened but not lengthened.

 

[REZARF]

good idea's alf, looking forward to seeing it as it goes man!

Rezarf <><