Im getting the spring time itch now so I actually am going to get some of the materials today so I can start making the frame. The actual tent will be connected to the rails, but its going to be made so that you still have to put the poles in, so it folds up really flat. But when it folds open the tent will already be spread out and flat so saves rolling time and all that hassle.

 

So what your saying is this will be a platform on which you'll attach a geodesic dome tent.

Put some serious thought into your hinge, imagine someones weight beyond this center point out the side over the rig towards the post support. If this wont hold it's gonna come crashing down and hurt someone.

One way to remedy that would be to have both sides of this hinge/platform supported underneath by the surface the platform rests on. This will need to be a flush and level surface so one side of the platform doesnt want to lift and put stress on the hinge.

I'd suggest finding something other than stock crossbars to mount this on. Maybe some Thule towers and crossbars.

Looking fwd to seeing what you come up with.

 

Yes its basically just going to be a platform for a geodesic tent. I was hoping I would be able to get away with using the stock crossbars, but your idea is much better im going to look into trying it that way. I was going to have 6 support rails connected to the frame each with a hinge that would fold out. I was hoping the support legs coming at the end of the fold out frame would take pressure off of the hinges/ keeping the top of the torso above the jeep. I could also try putting another piece of material right on the other side where the hinges connect to take some pressure off... flush like you said. Thanks for the awesome ideas !!!! Your jeep was actually the inspiration to do this!!

 

That's pretty cool but when I camp it's usually hunting season and we get up and drive from camp to our hunting spot. Still if I was staying in camp that's pretty nifty and well off the ground.

 

Im just going to throw this out there, maybe just save the money that you were going to spend on it and get a Steller tent like a nice Black Diamond one for camping, theyre bomb proof and amazing. you could probably get an arcteryx back pack too

but if youre doing it to be unique and for fun then rock and roll my friend

 

It does get to be a pain to setup and take down the RTT if your sightseeing everyday. Now if your staying put for a few days thats not an issue.

 

Along with OverlandXJs, this one is the inspiration for my tent build. There was another great one, but I lost the page.

http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_xpedi..._overview.html

 

I acecpt with information:In the first pic you can see that the ladder (#3) and tent folds up and tucks nicely into itself. It also has a roof rack on top that will hold the jack and shovel and some lights, but this is just a rough draft.

 

Those are called a Flip-Pac and there cool as hell..

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/flippac.html

 

Now I want a MJ to install one of those on..

 

yesss that is cool as hell. i saw this ine at sema this year, its bada$$.

 

I have the same sickness...

Heres another option.. opening to the side. Check out the photo's section.

http://www.wildernestcamper.com/

I actually have a line on one of these locally that was fitted to a longbed MJ. I'm thinking about picking it up just to flip it.

This one might give you some additional ideas Thunder..

 

I really like this idea, but aren't you worried about the extra weight up top, i want to do the same thing some day possible but just trying to learn as you go haha

 

just a idea.. but maybe were you have it fold out over jeep... put ladder in middle on edge furthest from jeep... and use it as suport.. maybe some wing nuts with small adjustable legs on bottom of ladder, for uneven ground...Like in your drawing... were you have the line for the hight.. move ladder there..

 

X2 Opening to the side would keep you from having to cut holes in your body to place supports/struts and it will give you sort of an awning to hang out underneath, that you could create an additional mudroom/changing room underneat the tent by hanging some sheets or canvas.