Roof rack and tie down points

[eamarquardt]

The comment about the rain and gale force winds got me thinking (a rare occurance). I've thought about adding some brackets or at least some reinforced places on the side of the trailer to mount brackets that would extend up to mount/support pipes for a roof rack on top of the trailer. Then I could carry my inflatable boat (without having to deflate it) or other stuff on top of the tear. Thinking that anchoring a ez-up or other canopy to these brackets on top of the tear would be easier and faster than driving stakes into the ground and would open up a world of possibilities. If the winds are strong enough to lift an ez-up and a tear, you should have packed up and been gone long ago! So, haven't decided how exactly I'll add the brackets and if they'll be permanent or removable (probably the latter) but will definately have brackets up there.

Just a thought.

Cheers, 73, K,

Gus

[Oasis Maker]

Mount receiver tubes (side out) to each corner of your tear. The possibilities are endless after that. We had a thread going with all of the many"what ifs" we could think of and a roof rack mounted as you mentioned was one of them. I have considered doing this down the line too as I have already maxed out my Jeeps cargo capacity with racks.

Check out this link: Why 4 Receiver Tubes

Scott G.

[eamarquardt]

I've read that string and there are a lot of good ideas and applications for the mounts that you suggest. I'm talking on top of the trailer (or at least the top of the side). Having mounts reach from the frame to over the top of the tear would make things more complicated and would not be as strong as brackets mounted near the top. I'm not talking about carring a ton or so up there, just a surfboard, inflatable, or perhaps bikes.

Not the same concept (IMHO) but they both are good and have their merits.

Cheers, 73, K,

Gus

[High Desert]

I've had a similar idea Gus. I agree, it would add a wide range of possibilites to both carrying things and for attachments in camp. Like having some slide out tubes that extended a few feet out over the side of the trailer. Add an inexpensive small tarp and you have an easy, small awning. Lots of cool things could be done with it with some thought. And for a minimal weight addition.

[eamarquardt]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. They could be the starting point of an integrated lightweight awning or tent over the entire rig or at least secure tie down points for an external ez-up or canopy. I have some ideas on how to make them detachable so you don't have "ears" sticking up all the time so you can cover the tear and not have them as real wear points.

Cheers, 73, K,

Gus

[Ageless]

How about PVC pipe couplings inset into the sidewall near the top? When not in use they are plugged; then one in front; oneaobove the door and one towards the rear. Simple slide in PVC framework for your mini-awning and the aft two become mounting points for the roofrack.

[High Desert]

How about PVC pipe couplings inset into the sidewall near the top? When not in use they are plugged; then one in front; oneaobove the door and one towards the rear. Simple slide in PVC framework for your mini-awning and the aft two become mounting points for the roofrack.

now that you mention it I think Bob Henry did something like that on his Chubby TD.

[eamarquardt]

I was thinking of SS (due to my marine background) but realize that ss would be overkill, even for me. Thinking more along the lines of aluminum now. I have an adversion to PVC as it degrades in sunlight and is somewhat brittle. Also it seems to stick to itself and is hard to slip apart once it's together. But, a lot of people make lots of stuff out of it and it seems to work for them, but, I prefer other materials and have the machines and ability to work in ss and aluminum.

There you have it (again), the world according to Gus.

Cheers, 73, k,

Gus

[grant whipp]

Gus ...

... have you considered a removable tubular rack system as a base for your various ideas? I sell a set of "clip-on" racks (similar to Yakima and Thule, but with more upright towers) that clamp onto/into short sections of SS "rails" (almost like rain gutters) that are the only permanent attachment on the trailer. I've had a set on my 'drop for quite a while, and I'm still discovering/developing various uses for it ... ...! Currently, I have a basket on it that carries bulky stuff that I don't want inside the trailer or car:


... but I've designed an extension that provides a privacy area for changing clothes or hiding a porta-pot ... could easily be adapted for all kinds of other uses ... then completely removed (except the SS "rails") when not wanted/needed. Oh, and it's also currently the anchor point for my market umbrella ...

Just something to consider ...

CHEERS!

Grant

[Moosemt]

I am thinking of making a rack for the top of my planned grasshopper like trailer that will b steel framed as I have access to this stuff and have no issues with weight on the frame. Wondering if after skinned if I could attach it through the skin down to the steel framing with a bolt and us a thick rubber washer (sealed for leaks) to rest the rack on???

[prohandyman]

Grant
Do your mounts accept standard rails, or do you offer rails (bars) to fit your brackets?