BoilermakerSteve
Observer
I have been thinking about building a roof top tent for my Ford Excursion for awhile. I have learned a lot from this site.
Here are the parameters I have been considering:
- Use a regular mattress and bedding, if we want
- Maximize the size and weight capacity of the Excursion (we have 1,600 lbs of cargo capacity without any upgrades)
- Something I can build without having to buy a bunch of tools
- Relatively easy to stand/kneel to get dressed etc.
Here is what I have been considering.
If I did all the math correctly the frame components weigh about 140 lbs.
The wood colored parts are 1/4" plywood and the wood rails are doubled up 3/4" plywood to make the edges of the frame.
The pink is 2" extruded polystyrene insulation. It is 2 1/8" wide strips on the base making a corrugated base.
My thought is to fiberglass base interior to increase the strength of the base. The entry platform on the flip down side is a 1/4" plywood, foam, plywood sandwich.
The tent would be held up with hoops like most are.
I will have a friend weld up hinge and corner supports out of 1/8" flat stock.
Here are my questions:
1. Is this strong enough?
2. How would you make it better
3. I know nothing about fiberglass work. Can I get away with just fiberglassing the interior of the base, or do I need to do the outside as well?
4. Is this a crazy idea to go so big?
Any suggestions and ideas are welcome. My hope is to start on this this summer.
Thanks,
Steve
Here are the parameters I have been considering:
- Use a regular mattress and bedding, if we want
- Maximize the size and weight capacity of the Excursion (we have 1,600 lbs of cargo capacity without any upgrades)
- Something I can build without having to buy a bunch of tools
- Relatively easy to stand/kneel to get dressed etc.
Here is what I have been considering.
If I did all the math correctly the frame components weigh about 140 lbs.
The wood colored parts are 1/4" plywood and the wood rails are doubled up 3/4" plywood to make the edges of the frame.
The pink is 2" extruded polystyrene insulation. It is 2 1/8" wide strips on the base making a corrugated base.
My thought is to fiberglass base interior to increase the strength of the base. The entry platform on the flip down side is a 1/4" plywood, foam, plywood sandwich.
The tent would be held up with hoops like most are.
I will have a friend weld up hinge and corner supports out of 1/8" flat stock.
Here are my questions:
1. Is this strong enough?
2. How would you make it better
3. I know nothing about fiberglass work. Can I get away with just fiberglassing the interior of the base, or do I need to do the outside as well?
4. Is this a crazy idea to go so big?
Any suggestions and ideas are welcome. My hope is to start on this this summer.
Thanks,
Steve