adj height rack for RTT on a trailer

[the dude]

Has anybody come up with a solution for raising a RTT on a trailer when deployed but having it sit tight to the lid when it transit? I would prefer something I could raise and lower with one person.

I want to be able to use the annex of our Simpson tent when it is on the trailer.

I have searched but I haven't found much info.

Thanks

 

[DrMoab]

I faced the same problem and still do to a certain extent. I bought the trailer with these Thule racks on them thinking it would be a great soloution but its very hard to handle. First, there is no way to seal the trailer up good. I want to build some sort of lockable lid for it but right now I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas.

The second problem is it's pretty much impossible to handle by yourself. The only way I have found to make it work is this...

Using two cheap scissor jacks on each side. This sucks and it is time consuming but until I can come up with a better way it's my only option.

It does work out well with the annex though. Here is a shot raised to full height with the annex attached.

And this is travel height. With it down there is zero movement from side to side. The racks are super stable.

One other good thing about this set up is if it only the wife and I going I can leave the annex off and open the tent down low. It's super quick and easy set up this way.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Maybe you could use a bridging ladder across the trailer and the AT trailer stabilizer to lift the tent?

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Subscribing! Been racking my brain on this also.

So far I have had no ideas that will work with a lockable, weathertight lid.

I had thought about a set of lifting rams, like on an 'Alaskan' camper, or the 12V lifting legs for a pick up camper, but I don't think the stability would be there.

Plus, the tent would have to be lifted, to open the hinged lid. Assuming the lift rams were mounted to the outsides of the trailer tub for some stability.

That would be a pain to grab something from/load something into the trailer.

 

[DrMoab]

Ive thought about mounting a lid that is semi-permanent. Meaning I could take it off but it wouldn't hinge. Then building some kind of drawer slide like they build for the beds of pickups that would allow me to slide the entire contents of the trailer out the tailgate.

At this point I'm still at a loss though.

 

[azxplorer]

Considered something like this sketch? It could be made from square tubing and/or angle. You could get it more compact (but more height) by using opposing knee joints and a sleeve that slides down over each joint to lock it in place, similar to the legs of a folding table. Either way, it would allow one person to raise it.

Cheers.

 

[UK4X4]

My old zebra trailer had adjustable mounts, n shape frame each end, on the rtt a U bolt was used and left slightly loose.

Lift end 1 and put clips in holes, repeat at the other end, I could do this myself.

the EMT tubing I used was only attached at the bottom so was able to move slightly

UP

Down

up and down !

Detail-ish

 

[indiedog]

Could you use a scissor style pop top lifter as used on pop top caravans? The lift range would be similar and I think would fit on the sides of the trailer. Would inhibit access a bit though.

Another idea I just had is to use gas struts and house them inside telescoping tubes. This would keep it all aligned and make it a lot easier to lift up. They wouldn't need to be too powerful, just enough to move the tent up with light assistance. Should be pretty simple to do.

 

[the dude]

Thanks for some of the ideas. I think I like the idea of a scissor lift style on two sides. Not sure if I can fab something or find some thing that would work. The straight extension poles are simple but require some strength/ability to set up. I like the idea of using a strut if I go that way to make it easier.

I guess I won't know for sure if it will be too tall raised permantly above the trailer until I get it up there. I have widenend the axle on the M101 but maybe I need to stretch it out a little bit further.

This is going to be a winter project but I will keep you updated,

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Considered something like this sketch? Cheers.

I know on my trailer, I don't have enough room to do this, either to one side, or fore/aft.

I like the 'knee joint' idea though. Just wonder how sturdy the tent will be?

I guess I won't know for sure if it will be too tall raised permantly above the trailer until I get it up there. I have widenend the axle on the M101 but maybe I need to stretch it out a little bit further.

,

I know that the RTT's catch a lot of wind, if up higher than the tow rig.

Mine is about the same height as both my Jeeps, and it still cathces the wind.

Something to think about.

 

[the dude]

I know that the RTT's catch a lot of wind, if up higher than the tow rig.

Mine is about the same height as both my Jeeps, and it still cathces the wind.

Something to think about.

I have that one covered, it won't be taller then my tow rig, no matter what I do.

I do agree that they catch a lot of wind, and that is one of the reasons I want to come up with a solution to put it on my trailer over the Cruiser.

 

[TacoDell]

What is the intention of raising the RTT sky high ?

Closer to heaven ? ~I've heard prayer works~

Bears ?... ~an high voltage perimeter fence would be easier~

Besides... a good sized bear could push a lite, tall trailer, along with the RTT and occupants, over onto its side... if it had the mind to.

Or is just so you have a premium view, towering over all the other RTT's, at the KOA ? :neener:

 

[DrMoab]

What is the intention of raising the RTT sky high ?

Closer to heaven ? ~I've heard prayer works~

Bears ?... ~an high voltage perimeter fence would be easier~

Besides... a good sized bear could push a lite, tall trailer, along with the RTT and occupants, over onto its side... if it had the mind to.

Or is just so you have a premium view, towering over all the other RTT's, at the KOA ? :neener:

You must not have read the OP's post very closely. The reason he needs it high (and me too) is so you can use the annex that comes with the tent. If the tent sits too low the walls of the annex will also sit too low. They only have about 1.5 feet of adjustability.

 

[TacoDell]

oh... yeah must have skimmed past the annex part.

Well... makes sense then...

maybe a light duty modified scissor lift cart/table ?

specs of that ^

eh... just trying to be constructive, after my failure.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I actually thought about using some type of scissor jack.

But it would make the lid useless (ie: unable to hinge open) unless the scissors were outside the box.

And I hate to cut a tailgate or doors into my M416, as it's still in great shape, and everything done to it thus far, is easily undone, to return it to original.

I guess there will have to be some compromises, between weight, stability and functionality.:coffeedrink: