Leveling/Lifting Roof Top Tent rack with Actuators

[Dragos28]

So I finally joined the club and bought my own rtt. After being around several members that have them and checking out their setup I've decided to build a rack that will best serve my needs.

1. I want the rack to keep the rtt at cab height when traveling
2. I want to be able to use my annex
3. I want to be able to easily access my gear in the bed of my truck
4. I want to be able to level the rack not the truck

I've brainstormed and drawn out what I want to do and also have found similar projects done by others.

I will be using 4 actuators to raise the platform. Each actuator will be individually controlled as to be able to level the rtt.

2" square tube with 1 3/4" inside will be the rail system to which the actuator will attach to.

Cutting out the gussets for the rails



Testing the rail system for binding














Had to level the truck since the ground wasnt! lol
















Gusseting the top frame

 

[Dragos28]

Testing out the articulation/movement



The welds 6011 root pass 7018 2nd pass






Fully extended its 7.5' to the bottom of the RTT





Wife and Kid tested and approved

 

[oscar the grouch]

Nice. Im going to have to remember this if I ever get into a pickup again

 

[big a]

That's really cool!

 

[pray4surf]

Well done! - I like seeing other solutions to the same issues I encountered.

In hind sight, is there anything you'd have done differently?

 

[Dragos28]

Well done! - I like seeing other solutions to the same issues I encountered.

In hind sight, is there anything you'd have done differently?

Thus far I dont see anything that I would change. But I havent taken it out camping or hit any really hard trails.

It was suggested that I do lateral support on the rails where they attach to the bed. But I'm betting on the 1/2 bolt with a large washer under the bed to be sufficient.

I'm open to suggestions if there's any design or structural elements that could be improved upon.

 

[Dragos28]

Done

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB8cfYJL6D4

 

[Raul B]

looks great.....

 

[pugslyyy]

nicely done. Linear actuators are lots of fun - all sorts of stuff you can do with them.

 

[smd3]

Do you raise all four corners at once,or independently for leveling? (Which is kind of what it looks like with the joints)

 

[franks71vw]

For those of us that have hard toppers would it be safe enough to put a roof tent on them? My topper is made from fiberglass and just thinking of adding the roof tent so the kids can sleep out and on top. Guessing I would have to attach the actuators to the topper roof? great pictures and great idea op...

 

[Dragos28]

Do you raise all four corners at once,or independently for leveling? (Which is kind of what it looks like with the joints)

Sorry for the late response.

I built the control box to give me both option, i can lift all 4 at one time or each one independently. however, it is best to lift in pair as to not cause too much strain on the actual top frame. ie, front to back or side to side.

i've taken it out on a couple of HIGH speed runs in death valley and i have a trip coming up this weekend to anza borrega. its worked flawlessly.
what i've learned is that i actually dont want a level tent, i actually want the side where our heads are at to be a few inches higher than our feet, makes for much better sleep.

 

[Dragos28]

For those of us that have hard toppers would it be safe enough to put a roof tent on them? My topper is made from fiberglass and just thinking of adding the roof tent so the kids can sleep out and on top. Guessing I would have to attach the actuators to the topper roof? great pictures and great idea op...

Not sure about how that would work...

but here is something you might consider..

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/topper-lift-mixing-boxrocket-rtt-trailer-topperezlift-styles.351180/

 

[Hnoroian]

Sorry for the late response.

I built the control box to give me both option, i can lift all 4 at one time or each one independently. however, it is best to lift in pair as to not cause too much strain on the actual top frame. ie, front to back or side to side.

Be careful when lifting either side (f/b/s/s) the lifting edge will put stress on the frame or the lift itself, like you said. Just keep in mind that there will be a hypotenuse from the triangulation when lifted independently or paired sides. Something will eventually give, bend, or break... Great job btw. I keep thinking about a RTT but don't want to spend the $$$

 

[Dragos28]

Be careful when lifting either side (f/b/s/s) the lifting edge will put stress on the frame or the lift itself, like you said. Just keep in mind that there will be a hypotenuse from the triangulation when lifted independently or paired sides. Something will eventually give, bend, or break... Great job btw. I keep thinking about a RTT but don't want to spend the $$$

exactly, the lifting has to be done in pairs. can't lift just one actuator at a time.