Fabricators, please step inside

[hidesertwheelin]

So I am working on my utility trailer project, and am trying to devise of a cheap way to raise and lower my RTT on my trailer. I only need it to go up 18" or so. I've seen all the actuators and other fancy stuff, but I'm not sure I really want to go that way. What I was thinking was building a frame for the RTT to attach to, and then attaching the frame to tome angle iron mounted inside the bed at 4 different points. This would mount the tent at either the front or the rear of the trailer when in the down position, and when lifted up, it would be in the centered on the trailer. The I could attach some bracing to the arms to lock them in place. I've been thinking of simple ways to raise the tent, from something as simple as attaching a rope to the back of the platform and pulling up to raise it it, to using garage door springs like an old Bethany tent trailer. So am I off my rocker? Or is this a doable project?

Here are some crappy MS Paint drawing..... don't laugh to much

Some info on the Bethany Tent trailer pop up system.

http://78bethany.blogspot.com/

 

[Lord Al Sorna]

Totally do-able if you set your mind to it! I like the idea of having a countering force like the garage spring to help with the weight. From the lower position you will effectively have to lift the weight straight up before you get any leverage from the supports. With that, what if the supports went all the way to the floor, giving you better angles?

 

[Deleted member 96197]

I like it, seems totally doable. I tend to lean toward simple as possible, so I would personally probably avoid the springs and what not; and either pull it from the back or push it from the front, which ever gets you better leverage.

 

[Vinman]

What about using a boat hand winch to lift and lower the RTT? They can be had for approximately $20.00 or so.

 

[Sikocycles]

Scissor jack? Someone else one here did that

 

[hidesertwheelin]

What about using a boat hand winch to lift and lower the RTT? They can be had for approximately $20.00 or so.

Ya, I've was looking at those on Harbor Freight earlier.

 

[hidesertwheelin]

I'm thinking of using some square tubing (maybe 1 1/4"?) with heim joints on either end. One to connect to the rtt frame and one to connect to the trailer body. I would have to build some sort of stop on the trailer to prevent the arms from moving past 90 degrees. Would this be strong enough? I was thinking for the braces I could cut some square tubing that fit snugly over the 1 1/4" on both sides than went from the trailer bed to the bottom of the rack. Then I could drill a hole through both the clamp and the arm and use pins or bolts to keep them together? Thoughts?

Other option I was considering

 

[Bill Idaho]

If you went "over center" (or past 90 degrees-vertical), then you would only need one brace, rather than going to 90 degrees on your main support and needing a brace for both directions.

 

[donrafa7]

what are the benefits of having the RTT higher? Looks? or is it for the cover aspect?

 

[hidesertwheelin]

what are the benefits of having the RTT higher? Looks? or is it for the cover aspect?

So I can use the annex room when my entire family goes.

 

[Martyinco]

So you're looking at doing something similar along these lines?

 

[hidesertwheelin]

So you're looking at doing something similar along these lines?

View attachment 385897

View attachment 385898

Yes, something like that, but beefier because I'm fat :chowtime:. Is there a build thread for that trailer?

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

Ya, there's a few varients on that style, but it does work.

https://americanadventurist.com/forum/threads/articulating-rtt-rack.432/
http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/75222-A-new-twist-on-bed-mounted-RTT-s