Telescoping rack question

[cr500taco]

I'm building a telescoping rack on my trailer. When the rack is fully lifted how much of the inner tubimg should still be inside the outer tubing? I think my lower upright tubing will be 3' tall and the rack will be 5' total.

 

[john61ct]

Can't be answered other than "enough to be stable" without more details, ideally spec'd out drawings.

If this is for awnings or solar panels, take high winds into account.

 

[PacificNorthWestJeeper]

Can't be answered other than "enough to be stable" without more details, ideally spec'd out drawings.

If this is for awnings or solar panels, take high winds into account.

DITTO

 

[jays0n]

Unless I can't do math that sounds like 2' of overlap on an overall 5' leg? If so that's almost 50%. I have an RTT and an awning on my telescoping rack and I don't have even near that much overlap, I've never had any stability issues. I'd say you're fine.

 

[maust]

2' of over lay I'd say is plenty. Assuming 4 legs that would be 8' of total overlap with legs on each corner.

As an example, for mountain bikes only 4" of overlap is needed for a seat post.

With a telescoping rack is there any binding / friction with multiple legs?

 

[VanWaLife]

Usually hard to get a tight fit with telescoping tubing because there is an internal seam. I'd say more important than overlap (maybe 1' is good) would be having some sort of thumbscrew so you can clamp the inner tube to the wall of the outer tube when extended, and pay attention to where the outer tube's inner seam is. You'll want them all oriented in the same direction, and ideally be able to pin the inner tube to a non-seamed side of the outer tube. If that makes sense...

 

[billiebob]

I take it you are talking about a raised platform for the RTT.
I'd want at least a 12" overlap extended with a lynch pin to hold it midway.
The important thing with an RTT is how much of the lower pipe is unsupported.
I use this for my ladder rack, 9" overlap.