Topper Lift - mixing boxrocket rtt trailer & topperezlift styles

Ok, so here was my plan...

I had a platform in the back of the truck to sleep on, nice padded bed (not in the pic 3" memory foam now and some carpet pad), storage under it.

The issue was that I could not sit up comfortably when in the topper and I don't like the toppers that go above cab height. My solution was found when I saw this.





And the TopperEZLift



So I set out to make my own.

I wanted to build a square tube frame inside the topper that reinforced the roof of the topper and lifted from that frame instead of the fiberglass edges. The topperEZlift uses thick plates under the topper edges that would then cause a gap around the topper and force you to use a lot of toppertape to keep it sealed. I'd rather have the topper mount to the truck normally, unless I wanted it to then raise up 10"

I went out and bought the steel, bought a portaband, cut a bunch of the steel and took the topper off the truck so I could start.







I'm pretty sure either or both my level of skill and patience are not sufficient to finish this project. Need some encouragement and help.



I went to start tacking things up to make sure my thoughts were going to work out...



and now I'm annoyed and here for help.


Thanks!

 

Pass it.

 

Gladly!

 

Wtf does that mean?

 

My shop is in the east valley, You're welcome to come by almost any afternoon i can give you a hand and use my welders also.

 

^ Good dude right here.

OP- it means we are interested in your project and have no welding expertise to lend.

Hope you keep posting progress on this project.

 

Looks like you've thought it thru pretty well. I'm no professional fabricator, but I would like to see the frame you're attaching to the shell. What exactly are you struggling with?

I'm sure you can do it man! Stay motivated, take a break if your frustrated, have a beer, start again.

 

This! I am interested as well. Nothing bad meant by the .

 

Actually it looks like you didn't chamfer the edges of that square piece, which you should probably do before you weld it onto that plate, gives a place for the weld to fill and penetrate.

-not a welder

 

X2

- a welder

 

Thanks guys. I think I fall into the category of designer who wants to be an engineer who wants to be a fabricator... who actually works in investment management. Lol. I didnt assume popcorn meant anything bad, just never seen that b4. Awesome. I'll definitely keep everyone posted.

 

Frame will be 3/4 square tube. Think rectangle in the top having the roof rack track bolts come through the long sides. Then 6 inches @ each corner out to the sides at a slight 2" drop to get to the topper corners then a drop to a U shaped base frame that will be right about the level of the inside topper rails where meets the bed. Debating making it bolt together in a few spots so it tucks up in. Otherwise it has to fit between topper's bed rail area.

 

Well if ya need a hand shoot me a pm

 

Ill get it in cad or sketchup. Thanks for the offer for help, might have to take you up on it!

 

Quinten knows his shit and is a great guy. I know from personal experience.

 

Awesome idea. Looks like you have a good start to the project.

Just my $.02 .... flat stock has scale on it. That's way it's a darker color then the square tubes. It takes just a little more penetration to burn a tack weld through the face of it. It's not that it's dirty or isn't prepped well enough. Bigger welders will work better because they can burn hotter but your welder should still do the job. Try welding a small 1/2"-3/4" line instead of a dot when you tack them together. That will give the weld more time to build a little more heat and it should get through the scale and hold.
Your also welcome to come by our shop. Power and Pecos. I'd be happy to give you a hand.

 

Wow. Arizona TW is representing. Good guys here.

 

Here's the idea for the internal frame. The posts would connect to the bottom blue side rails so all the lift would be from the center of the roof and not the topper's edges. The metal frame should also hold the topper from flexing inwards I think. 3/4 inch thinner wall stock, not insanely strong but it's just to support an already strong fiberglass shell. Not looking to build a platform up there or anything but if I do ever get a rack above the topper, it should help and still lift 10" using the gas shocks and the steel telescoping legs.