My homemade topper lift

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4xdad

4xdad

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Yes I tried to but I used trailer jacks but they didn’t all travel at the same speed so I made it so they are all on their own reversing switch’s but they are all on one panel so they are easy to use .i used 2x2 inch1/4inch angle iron to weld the jacks too . I had to modify the jacks by moving the mounting flange up to match the bed of the truck. Overall it’s pretty easy build .one of the problems I had was with the plywood walls to make them fit the length of the box I had to make them fold in half and the back doors I have used still need a little bit more work but the little Chinese diesel heater worked awesome.the easy topper lift uses canvas walls we camp in grizzly country so plywood is slightly better.all together it cost about 400cad I’m sure someone will build it better but mine works for me overall I’m pretty happy with it nothing like camping nookie lol
 
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4xdad

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I looked at linear actuators but they are expensive and the trailer jacks were pretty cheap
 
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4xdad

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If you build one be sure to post pics never met an idea won’t try to steal.check my other threads my homemade rock sliders and tire carrier I am cheap and it’s fun to build stuff for your truck
 

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4Xdad, i had been wondering how it worked out for you.
I had not seen any posts since close to a year ago
Classy art work :)
Good Job from what i can tell :)
 
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Thanks it’s a work in progress my daughter is a way better artist than I am a fabricator but it works and that’s what counts
 
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Camping season is soon here in Alberta I used my camper last year a couple of times. One of the things that didn’t work was the truck bed is to short. Although I am only 6ft tall I kept kicking the doors open. So I decided to build a extension I have seen a couple on YouTube. The difference is my topper goes up and down. I have an idea on how to do it. I am kind of designing as I go. The trick is to make it collapsible so when we want to travel it all will fit in the back of the truck under the bed we sleep on.
 

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So pretty much done with the extension I’m happy with how it works. Only 6 extra pieces and they are small only tools needed is a small thumb wrench that a crescent wrench to non Newfies. Total cost was about 50 bucks. This extension gets me 16inchs of extra bed length. It’s all held together with hinges with removable pins and a few 3/8 bolts. Goes together and comes apart in about 10-15 minutes including raising the topper.
 

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I’ve got to install the solar panels next. And rebuild the bed it’s all a work in progress and design as you go so it takes a while
 
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Thanks it’s a little rough but it is cheap. It should be a little more comfortable for me the big thing is that it all packs up and goes in the truck. So the looks of the truck is pretty stealth not a camper at all. Plus the weight distribution is lower so it’s not to tippy on the trail.
 
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