Hi TeriL,
I like the idea of a simple lift roof, but that statement is much easier
to make than actually designing and building one. [I guess that is
preaching to the choir eh?] Here are some other links for ideas or
examples for you to visit if you so choose:
These first ones have what I call a "Zig-N-Zag" lift roof approach.
Here's an off-road camper from Australia that uses this double-
lift roof approach:
http://www.brix.com.au/http://www.brix.com.au/index.php/z-camp ... setup.htmlAnd here is a South African PU camper using that approach:
http://www.safaricampers.co.za/Default.aspxBoth of those have canvas infills for the sidewalls. But I see no reason why
such sidewalls shouldn't be solid, as these links show:
An expedition vehicle:
http://www.offroad-schmiede.com/index.php/hubkabinen - click on the
gallery pics to view them larger.
Here's a few pages of a forum that appears to discuss the original design and build
of this style roof on one expedition vehicle. It's in German, "but the pics aren't"
- Ha!, [I use Chrome as a browser and that has a translation choice on the right click]:
http://www.viermalvier.de/ubb_portal/ub ... onzept_malI believe it said, somewhere in the text, that the larger/main lifting roof was raised by
electric actuators [not necessarily that exotic now-a-days] and the secondary lift roof
was raised by gas struts. I've seen more pics of this roof design on expedition vehicles
elsewhere on the web, but can't locate any other pics at the moment.
And here is a link to the American Chalet A-Frame folding camper that has a solid wall front
"dormer", which is basically the same idea or design:
http://www.chaletrv.com/folding-trailers/xl-1935The photos show inside views of it.
There is the view 'out there' that folding, telescoping, and expanding, etc., designs aren't
really worth it as they are more complicated and more expensive to build and very hard
to seal against water leaks. It is much easier and less expensive to just build a unitary
type structure/body. I can see that argument or view very easily, but designing to one's
own specific needs may not be met by that, admittedly very K.I.S.S., approach. So
design on and show how it is possible to get it done and meet your needs and vision.
A solid wall lightweight TTT like this should be very possible, especially using aluminum
square tube or small dimension wood members and foam and lightweight skins using a
composite-style building method. Using foam-core panels with perimeter framing should
be a good approach as the edges need a solid core to attach to each other and mount
any piano style hinges etc.. [See Linuxmanxxx's build posts.]
Cheers,
Norm/mezmo
If you have a house - you have a hobby.