zukrider
Explorer
so i decided to build a rack for my samurai, and i think the way it is built is best here in general, for all to see.
it starts with myself being laid off, and cheap! i decided to use 3/4" emt for the rack itself. being an electrician, it is free to me, and i bend it all the time. but still, for the normal person, it is cheap at $2-3 a stick. i used 2 sticks for the main hoop, and 6 sticks for the cross pieces. i have a bunch of steel around from a former purchase, so i used what i had to make the feet and build the clamps for the rain gutter. 1/4" x 4" strap make up the feet/side supports. the bottom clamps were made from 1 x 2 .125 wall tube, cut into 2 pieces. and the clamp mechanism is made from 3/8's bolts and 1/2" round tube.
i like to think ahead, and since i cant afford a rooftop tent, nor would the weight be a good idea on a Sami, but i still like the idea. i have decided to make a platform that will easily attach to the rack, as well as store under the rack. it will be sized according to my better tent, an REI half dome 2.
at 52" x 88", it is a little big. i will be using 3/4" hard plywood (need suggestions on this). i plan to cut it down the middle making 2 pieces at 52" x 44". they will attach with a piano hinge, and will sit on rack hinge side down. with this, i made the rack 44 1/2" so it will accept the folded platform underneath. it will slide in on some 2" light gauge angle iron. ill figure something slick to keep it in at the back while still easy to undo and remove.
when deployed, it will sit across the rear of the rack up close to the rear door of the Samurai, and will hang off both sides. i plan to use barrel bolts to hold it to the rack. i will use 2 on either end, sliding into the rack itself, holding it square. in the middle will be 2 more, also sliding into the rack, but they will travel front to back. this will help keep the hinge in the middle from "rising" up when weight is applied to the ends. then i will setup the tent on that, and walaa! it really is a super easy tent, and i am excited to get this going. i have yet to get the platform material, but it will be here soon!
and now some pics
feet
ill have the final clamps made tomorrow, and a coat of paint on it. and next week, ill have the material for the platform.
thanx for looking.
it starts with myself being laid off, and cheap! i decided to use 3/4" emt for the rack itself. being an electrician, it is free to me, and i bend it all the time. but still, for the normal person, it is cheap at $2-3 a stick. i used 2 sticks for the main hoop, and 6 sticks for the cross pieces. i have a bunch of steel around from a former purchase, so i used what i had to make the feet and build the clamps for the rain gutter. 1/4" x 4" strap make up the feet/side supports. the bottom clamps were made from 1 x 2 .125 wall tube, cut into 2 pieces. and the clamp mechanism is made from 3/8's bolts and 1/2" round tube.
i like to think ahead, and since i cant afford a rooftop tent, nor would the weight be a good idea on a Sami, but i still like the idea. i have decided to make a platform that will easily attach to the rack, as well as store under the rack. it will be sized according to my better tent, an REI half dome 2.
at 52" x 88", it is a little big. i will be using 3/4" hard plywood (need suggestions on this). i plan to cut it down the middle making 2 pieces at 52" x 44". they will attach with a piano hinge, and will sit on rack hinge side down. with this, i made the rack 44 1/2" so it will accept the folded platform underneath. it will slide in on some 2" light gauge angle iron. ill figure something slick to keep it in at the back while still easy to undo and remove.
when deployed, it will sit across the rear of the rack up close to the rear door of the Samurai, and will hang off both sides. i plan to use barrel bolts to hold it to the rack. i will use 2 on either end, sliding into the rack itself, holding it square. in the middle will be 2 more, also sliding into the rack, but they will travel front to back. this will help keep the hinge in the middle from "rising" up when weight is applied to the ends. then i will setup the tent on that, and walaa! it really is a super easy tent, and i am excited to get this going. i have yet to get the platform material, but it will be here soon!
and now some pics
feet
ill have the final clamps made tomorrow, and a coat of paint on it. and next week, ill have the material for the platform.
thanx for looking.
