How do you plan to load/unload the shelters?
Have not totally decided yet. Either a slide out from rack that would be built into an overhead frame atop the bed or chassis. It would act like a Gantry Crane when extended. Once extended.... then use winches from this extension to lower each unit down separately.... This concept could double as how one would lift Motorcycle or ATV up to the bed etc as well. Part of this whole bed/chassis cover frame could be light weight.... only most rear section that would cary weight of lowering shelter, thus all of it would not need to be heavy duty? Overall this frame would also be what would support the bed cover, be it tarp or some light panels of some type. Roof of frame would be where the Solar panels are mounted permanently. That way solar can be used with Shop trailer mentioned earlier for they would not remove along with the modules. It would stay with truck. Guess that could be an advantage or disadvantage now that think about it. hmmm
Orrr.. instead of a slideout Gantry like rack for removing Units.... mount one set of legs on a unit... drive forward.... mount second set legs..... drive out from underneath. Repeat if second box is mounted as well. Would still though leave the need to somehow raise and lower other things (motorcycle, ATV etc. etc)
Another option would be to take one of the S280 shelters and cut down the height. The skid that is attached to the bottom of the shelter is removable and adds about 6-8" to the total height.
That is an option reviewed in my feeble mind and have not discounted that idea yet. Not sure I have the skill to maintain the integrety of the shelters engineered design doing this, thus might end up with a Box that no longer can be considered able to assist reducing cab crush in a flop or roll.
BTW the skid; as you call it, removed creates other issues. That skid raises base of box over the transmission that I'm pretty sure part of rises several inches above the trucks chassis. Also believe that skid is part of the structural strength of the box. The Beds have the same skid. Skid is a chassis for them you might say and forces are spread along it. I do know that the battery box has to be changed if one goes to a lower height skid of box or bed for that matter. Person I bought my truck from tried it with the bed. After doing it realized you could no longer access the top of the battery box etc. so he put it all back to (almost) OEM.
Good points and much thanx for throwing your thoughts in the hat..... Keep them coming folk. Helps me and future readers make sure we've looked at it from all angles before making final design decision.
