Trailer answers
build thread for this trailer? or just details about the tent lift?
Dan
There isn't a build thread because I didn't build it. A fellow AZFJ'r did. She's painted Desert Tan now to fit in with the terrain around Arizona.
The awning is a Camping Lab 2000mm and will soon be for sale.
The Lifting system was 4 x 75lb gas shocks that pushed the tent up quite effectively, until they didn't and it was insanely expensive to replace all 4. It's basically square tubing (the black part) sliding inside larger square tubing (The Tan Part) (Sorry, don't have the wall measurements etc.) I have to grease the inner shaft with marine grease (Which get's on everything). I am hunting for a good cover (Shock style cover) that would fit.
Pulling it down required a ratchet strap, and was a pain in the ***.
New system involves 30" scissor jacks, a Ryobi Impact, a 3/4" socket and about 200% less time to raise/lower.
The jacks rest on a couple of 1/2" square tubes welded to the lid, and the top is stabilized by a couple of bolts.
The whole contraption comes off and sets aside so you can open up the lid.
This weekend will be my first time using the new system in Action. I have raised / lowered several times with the tent onboard, and it works pretty well, as long as you don't raise one more than the other (Basically take turns) I can get the platform up/ down in about 60 seconds with the impact. Not tried the manual crank yet, but it's a backup if the battery is dead. I got the scissor jacks on Amazon and since I'm not a welder, contracted out that work. I did paint a yellow line on the inner tube because it was hard to know when to stop cranking. Now there's a mark.
Basically there are 4 pins that go through holes that keep the top elevated. (As you can see from the images below, the Annex doesn't sit flat so I will likely drill some more holes, but then the lid won't open as much. Always consequences to build decisions. )
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Also had the very skilled Crazy John make me a spare tire mount too. Reused the Spare Tire mount from my FJ once it became useless upon my EXP1 rear swingout install. Now it's useful again. Swingout owners, there's a market now for those old tire mount bells.
This one shows the Water Jug mount. Turns out to be a REALLY handy spot for a water jug. (Near the lid opening/Awning shade/kitchen areas)
Overlooking Sedona on the Hotloop
A few Action shots from Summit X
The zipper on the cover broke on the way, now replaced
That RTT is the 2014 Grand prize for Summit 8. Best dollar ever invested.
