Maggiolina RTT, can they be opened from inside?

[Abitibi]

No, I don't plan to lock myself inside the retracted tent like a clam but I'm thinking of permanently mounting one on top of my ambulance. I'd cut the ambo's roof and the tent's floor for access. The plan is to get extra headroom along with extra bed for the kids. I figure the Airtop model would work best but would the other models be feasible? Seems like that crank would complicate things a little...

So, anyone interested to sell me their Airtop for $1500 or less?

Cheers
Mr. D

 

[Mike S]

They are not designed to be opened from the inside, but I have seen a couple that were fitted as you are suggesting, and modified to open from the inside.

 

[Abitibi]

Cool, would be great to have pictures or first hand knowledge, curious how involved it is...

Thanks!
Mr. D

 

[ToolBox Guy]

I'm sure that you have researched it, but what about a Westy top?

Would they be cheaper? Replacement fabric is still available and you could just push it up from the inside.

 

[Abitibi]

I looked at them but matching the curved popup roof to the flat ambo roof seems harder to accomplish. Plus they seem even harder to come by (the 80's style are more common but involve even more curves)...

Just gotta be patient and lucky I guess!

Cheers
Mr. D

 

[Mike S]

Not sure that I have any photos. I'll look and see.

 

[Abitibi]

Thanks, that'd be great.

 

[jonesw3]

This may work?

1986 VOLKSWAGEN VANAGON FIBERGLASS POP TOP $150

http://gulfport.craigslist.org/pts/3865164290.html

 

[Abitibi]

That was my first thought but when you take a close look at the way the hinges attached to the curved top you realize it makes it very difficult to adapt to a flat roof... Would be nice for the price though! The newer Eurovan's popup roof might be better suited but haven't had a close look yet. Thanks anyway!


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[Abitibi]

I sealed the deal, next will be to seal it to the roof!



But until I'm ready to cut some big hole in it that thing is going on the Patrol

Cheers
Mr. D


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[86scotty]

Any updates on this Abitibi? A friend and I are thinking about trying this with an old SUV.

 

[Abitibi]

Yes there's a big update coming up!

I actually sold the Autohome as if I was to cut an opening the actual head room wouldn't have been large enough. Instead I jumped on the great deal that came up a month or so ago and got a new James Baroud Classic Evo XXL for under $2700.

I picked it up last week...


And didn't take me too long to hack it! I now have doubt they'll still honor that 5 yrs warranty! lol


I was surprised how much structural integrity it kept with that giant piece missing but one strong point for the James Baroud compared to the Authohome is that they use a connecting rod between each side of the lift mechanism. I had no idea so it was a nice surprise. Anyway, no floor and still working great!


I won't lie, it was nerve wracking to cut a giant hole in a brand new tent but it was good practice on my nerves before cutting another big hole in the perfectly sealed ambo roof! I'm hoping to be somewhat done by the weekend...

 

[proper4wd]

This is great, and genius. I have often dreamed of doing this with a small teardrop style trailer for extra space.

 

[Abitibi]

Well, anything to maximize space!

Getting there, the roof is now cut, just working on re-enforcing the structure. Getting close!

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[overland_tennessee]

Very cool.