Design ideas or help

[Sgt Grunt]

I am starting to redesign my mounting system for my roof top tent on my m416 and would like to hear some input from the group on build ideas. I currently have 2 inch tube almost like a roll bar loop from a fj 40 at both ends with cross bars welded and the tent sits on top, 3 feet or so above the top of the trailer. I tried to make the height be adjustable, however it didn't turn out, so it stays in the higher position all the time. So I am wanting to figure out a better way to change the height so I can have it low for the road and high for in camp.

Any ideas would be great...

Thanks in advance,

DB

 

[Feileod]

More info please

I might have some ideas, but first why won't your original adjustable design work?

 

[Scott Brady]

This could be an interesting solution:

XPorter

 

[erin]

Am I correct to assume that you are experiencing binding when trying to lift it from the lower pos. to higher setting?

 

[Sgt Grunt]

Am I correct to assume that you are experiencing binding when trying to lift it from the lower pos. to higher setting?

I am experiencing binding, I have to have everything pretty tight in order to keep it from clunking around while driving, also I didn't want it sloppy while sleeping in it either. I am thinkg about having some parts machined to maybe help.

Scott, I had seen those and like the design but kind of want something that looks a little more purpose built and less production.

 

[Sgt Grunt]

I might have some ideas, but first why won't your original adjustable design work?

Ideas are more than welcome. Like the other post, it binds as I go up and down. It might need some sort of hinge point.

 

[Walldog]

IIRC Unistrut makes some channels that slide into their standard strut.
Not sure on how tight the tolerances are so, there might be some slop.


Just a thought.

 

[oldcj5guy]

I'll have my tubing bender set back up in the next couple of weeks if you need any help in that area. I only have a 1.5 and a 1 1/8 die for it at the moment, but for what you are doing the 1.5 should work good. I will be getting the 1.75 die after the new year if that is a better size.

 

[60seriesguy]

I've seen a few people attempt this, but with mixed results. The biggest issue is that it adds complexity to the trailer, and therefore the chance that something will fail. Any particular reason why you want to have it down? Is it throwing the center of gravity off?

I've actually thought of the possibility of raising mine in a similar arrangement, but I always come back to the same thought: "why mess with a good thing?"

Tell us more about the uses you give the trailer and the idea behind making it adjustable?

 

[oldcj5guy]

I imagine he is going for a lower center of gravity while traveling

 

[Sgt Grunt]

Trailer

The main reasons I originally had for making it adjustable were. #1 Center of gravity, since I have added some weight to the frame via legthening the tongue and adding propane bottles. #2 Less wind resistance, since I have added a roof rack to the 80. #3 To be able to lower the tent in camp or on the road to prevent/discourage theft of gear in the trailer, obviously be able to lock it in the down position. #4 Be able to set up very quickly when traveling with the tent in the low position. So if I could do it, and keep it simple and functional I would still consider it.

Any other thoughts????

Darryl