Building my own safari rack

[nfrey2]

So I just got this idea approve by my kin/dyn professor for my class project.
The picture explains it best.

[Funrover]

Dude that is sweet!!!!! One question....... If you have nothing in the basket......... Does it fold flat? Also what are you thinking of useing as far as material? That looks sweet....... I hope to build a slide or fold out style one....... Also........ Just a quick thought.... the front bar that goes to the bumper....... Make it a ladder for easier access!!

[nfrey2]

I've gotta decide whether or not i wanna make it fold flat, it adds alot more complexity to the analysis. I probably wont b/c if I have nothing in it I'll just take it off. But yeah the ladder idea rocks! Also the platform would in a pinch work as a sand ramp.

For the basket of the rack im gonna use thin walled steel, and the platform will be most likely out of aluminum. I gotta do a weight calc on it still.

[Funrover]

can you use telescopeing arms....that way it does drop all the way.. Takeing it on and off will become annoying after a bit.....

[Funrover]

if your platform is also a sand ladder.... It will hinge in the center.... Is there a supprt beam for when you set the tent on it?

[nfrey2]

Since it is as wide as the wheel base it should work as one single piece on the sand latter. Using it as a sand ladder is a last resort because i wouldnt want to bend it.

The telescoping pieces would work but I worry that they would add more play in the system. If they fit tight enough not to then they'll most likely jam up. The linakges should allow for it to lay flat I would just have to adust the postive stops on the linkages to do so.

I'll only put the linkage system on when I'm gonna go on decent trek. Otherwise I'll just rock the basket rack to carry my mt bike in to school.

[Funrover]

That should be sweet man.......... Definitly keep me updated....... Does the basket just attach to the rain gutters? Can't wait to see it man!!

[nfrey2]

here is this mornings start on the roof rack, will have the whole thing done by 2morrow night as its due date is approaching. also calculated weight is 105lbs +-5lbs.

[01001010]

Very nice man! Are you still stickin the the Tent Idea?

[MuddyRangeRover]

Awesome! Love it!~

[nfrey2]

yup, im gonna start on the tent part tomorrow.

[siam]

what mounting method are you going with.. ?

[nfrey2]

To mount the rack or the tent?
for the rack im using the $50 a set Atl british ones.

[nfrey2]

my chop saw got repo'd by its owner for the weekend, so I'll have to wait on getting the rest of it built.

[MuddyRangeRover]

Nice rover.
What moutns are you using to attach the High lift to your front bumper?