Removable Cage/RTT System?? Stupid Idea??

[NorCalBorn]

I've been playing around with this idea for a little over a year now and I am wondering if anyone else has tried it, their impressions and hurdles, and if it is worth doing?

Basically, (*pic for reference mostly) to take a work truck rack system, of course shortening the front up a lot, adding cross tubes to make a platform, replace the side tubes making them longer and a little wider so I could make use of rollcage tube joints at my sliders as the mounting point. I could easily use the rack for trips, work, etcetera and be able to mount a hannibal on top.

Best part, IMHO, is you could remove the cage and stuff, place it at camp (*note to self, steel ring and heavy cable system so it stays there, as well as the necessity of a system to lift it on and off both at home and in the field!) and go out wheeling, reducing your chances of damaging the system or having things be really top heavy.

What it would go on.. (*I have an immaculate, non-roof-railed top, and frankly, don't feel like drilling and nut-serting, as this could be used for our other family rigs also.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Its quite common to do it that way in oz and south africa. Mine is a variation on that also.
I carry the lightest gear up top and the heaviest down below.
You could also add some lift up sides to the frame and make it secure if you have fridges and tools in there

 

[NorCalBorn]

Thanks for the reply Rosco..how about..

*post-apocalyptic deflection shields all the way 'round.

I was hoping someone from out your way would reply as it is where I remember seeing the idea on a rental rig from Perth. If you know of any good reference pics of Hilux's feel free to clip them in, as I know the one I saw was one of the double cabbed Surf's, a 1993 IIRC. It would be great to see one on a Surf (4Runner).

 

[sirenmoses]

I like the idea.

Kinda kicking around something similar, but trailer based, so's I can use the trailer to haul other stuff when not wheeln/camping.

 

[roscoFJ73]

I would do it this way with a cage sitting on top of the edges of the tub. Then you can have your spare tyres and tools at the bottom,your camping and cooking gear in the middle with the sleeping compartment up top.
I would use extendable jacks for lifting and supporting the unit when you go wheeling.
Rather than bolting it down ,I would use locating pins and clips or rigging screws

Cover the cage with canvass so it doesnt look so much like jail and to keep prying eyes out
We use these a lot when travelling as some of the outback towns are well known for removing anything not under lock and key.


If you want pics there are plenty on Google images. canopies for utes - Google Image Search

 

[NorCalBorn]

*Note, for a 4Runner/Hilux Surf so if i was to make a spot for the tires/etc it'll make it even more of a brick in the wind. I know I could make a decent deal out of the roof system and as someone recently noted, body roll on the frame will be a factor also, so it's either harder body mount bushings or cutting the cage so it'll be a little wide so there's no interference.

So, basically, still a dream idea right now. Note also I am using a full-size U.S. domestic vehicle rack as a base as it is already a larger footprint than a Hilux vehicle would need, saving me possible headaches later when having to figure out triangulation for the side legs. **BTW, great idea as far as lift-legs, basically cheat and do it R.V. style. I like it! You are giving me even more ideas now, possibly more mount options as far as making it an enclosure using panels/etc that can be stored and attached upon arrival. Basically if i use the right materiaals it could be a breakdown solid structure. (*Lower elevation spot for a kid/dog to sleep maybe.)

I going to play with some GoogleSketchups now that I found (Credit to: John (*?'s) ) image he made...*Excellent design upload man, thanks!

 

[Luke111]

Would you not save a few bucks and just have the whole thing fabbed instead of buying that rack and then chopping the whole thing up? I like the idea , I think you could have it made for a lot less, just my 2 cents.

Lou

 

[NorCalBorn]

Would you not save a few bucks and just have the whole thing fabbed...

Actually already been considered, but from initial quotes and consults this is cheaper and easier. Only drawback I saw was I really think (if one for myself) I would want the DOM, just for the sake of it.

I am analyzing the stats on the fatigue/failure strengths of the tube joint units because let's say you wheel into a place, then need to wheel out, if you're going to multipurpose it, get the safest and most reliable tubing and design available. It's going to weigh a bit no matter what, I just need to figure this all out...

I have even gone so far as to mention this to Marc from XP Camper and want to chat with him to see about cashing in from giving my thoughts on fiberglass and alloys a while back.

FWIW a m-16 trailer and RTT would serve the same purpose, but I am digging the prospect of a multilevel via panel install idea more and more.

Us up above, kid ( 25 weeks to go! Woot-Woot!) and dog below, seperated storage/etc...waaay too much thought and not enough action here from me.

 

[roscoFJ73]

So you are going to chop a wagon into a dual cab,right?

 

[NorCalBorn]

No, going to make a detachable RTT/Cage system for expeditions with a 4Runner.

 

[roscoFJ73]

No, going to make a detachable RTT/Cage system for expeditions with a 4Runner.

Is the 4runner a pick up?
In oz all the 4Runners were pickups with a removable fibreglass top,we only had them in the 80s and then they went back to being all Hiluxes.
But I think in the US most are wagons now

 

[Volcano cruiser]

This is not a dumb idea. As soon as I get past my engine swap and painting I'm taking a breather from mods for a bit. The removable roof rack that can support a RTT will be the first thing on my list when I get back into the game. You may not get over there much but if you do a search for RTT and roof racks on 40 series rigs there are a ton of pics of lots of different configurations. I know that you are planning this for a 4runner but you may get some ideas re: attachment points, number of attachment points and their placement on the rig, lots of good discussion.
Good luck

 

[NorCalBorn]

Roscoe, yes, think Hilux Surf, that's the U.S. equivalent for our 2nd generation 4Runners..wagon/suv but on a frame instead of unibody.

Volcano, thanks, I'll visit there and check things out, and yes, I don't go in there as much since we finished up and had to sell off the 45..I do occasionally still harass the 60 guys though, I suck. I will steal any good ideas though.