Rear deck mods

[charliem]

[quote timestamp="1465426818" author="@sarabethm" source="/post/22006/thread"]I'm having trouble searching through forum posts, so please forgive if I'm posting this incorrectly!

I'm looking for advice on how to attach tie-downs to our new XLP's rear deck. I bought some steel tie-downs, and the guy at Lowes said I could use steel, self-tapping screws to go into the aluminum...but I'm dubious. Isn't the aluminum planking too thin? And the reinforced edges of the deck are too thick for a bolt, I think. But the edges do seem the best places to attach the tie-downs - but is a self-tapping screw enough for this?

Sorry if this has been covered before, but I'd love any hints and tips for working with aluminum!

Regards,
Sarabeth[/quote][font size="3"]For exposed hardware always use stainless steel. For your application use #14 sheet metal screws or 1/4" bolts with flat washers and lock nuts. If in the thin part of the decking use the machine bolts, washers and nuts. If in the thicker part the sheet metal screws will work, but they must be predrilled with the proper sized drill. SS screws are brittle and will twist off if not done properly. I would suggest #14 hex head sheet metal screws, not self tapping screws. Self tapping screws drill their own hole, but SS is too brittle for that. [/font]

[swashplate]

Long shot here as I am deciding on getting an 8.X with or without a deck.

Others here have noted a possible capacity of 200-300 lbs. Does anybody know what is really is? The reason I ask is, I want to put my dirt bike (motorcycle) back there.

I am of course concerned of weight and balance.  

I will be using a ramp and track which should reinforce the deck structure.

1-can it take the weight in the structure?

2-is the axel shifted further aft to compensate for the aft weight and keep the tongue weight within limits,or is the axel the same as the trailer without the rear deck?

Thanks,
Kurt
Reno, NV

[swashplate]

I'm having trouble searching through forum posts, so please forgive if I'm posting this incorrectly!

I'm looking for advice on how to attach tie-downs to our new XLP's rear deck. I bought some steel tie-downs, and the guy at Lowes said I could use steel, self-tapping screws to go into the aluminum...but I'm dubious. Isn't the aluminum planking too thin? And the reinforced edges of the deck are too thick for a bolt, I think. But the edges do seem the best places to attach the tie-downs - but is a self-tapping screw enough for this?

Sorry if this has been covered before, but I'd love any hints and tips for working with aluminum!

Regards,
Sarabeth

Personally, as an Aircraft Mechanic,  I would not put plain steel fasteners into aluminum.  This is a recipe for corrosion. I would get what aircraft use or Airstream Trailers use.

[peislander]

[quote timestamp="1465703529" source="/post/22096/thread" author="@swashplate"][quote timestamp="1465426818" source="/post/22006/thread" author="@sarabethm"]I'm having trouble searching through forum posts, so please forgive if I'm posting this incorrectly!

I'm looking for advice on how to attach tie-downs to our new XLP's rear deck. I bought some steel tie-downs, and the guy at Lowes said I could use steel, self-tapping screws to go into the aluminum...but I'm dubious. Isn't the aluminum planking too thin? And the reinforced edges of the deck are too thick for a bolt, I think. But the edges do seem the best places to attach the tie-downs - but is a self-tapping screw enough for this?

Sorry if this has been covered before, but I'd love any hints and tips for working with aluminum!

Regards,
Sarabeth[/quote]
Personally, as an Aircraft Mechanic,  I would not put plain steel fasteners into aluminum.  This is a recipe for corrosion. I would get what aircraft use or Airstream Trailers use. [/quote]The Airstream folks tend to use Olympic rivets or stainless steel fastenings. I don't think anyone here has ever suggested plain steel fastenings are okay. As you note -- that's a recipe for corrosion. Anytime I've attached anything to my Camplite I've had very good luck with using robertson head (square socket) stainless steel self-taping screws. I typically use them without a pilot hole and have never had one break. I've had good luck using a corded drywall screwgun. The screwgun clutch seems to give out before the screw breaks. Sometimes I'll finish installing the self-tapping screw with a screwdriver.

[charliem]

Long shot here as I am deciding on getting an 8.X with or without a deck.

Others here have noted a possible capacity of 200-300 lbs. Does anybody know what is really is? The reason I ask is, I want to put my dirt bike (motorcycle) back there.

I am of course concerned of weight and balance.  

I will be using a ramp and track which should reinforce the deck structure.

1-can it take the weight in the structure?

2-is the axel shifted further aft to compensate for the aft weight and keep the tongue weight within limits,or is the axel the same as the trailer without the rear deck?

Thanks,
Kurt
Reno, NV

[font size="3"]Without exact trailer drawings and your bike weight I can't provide a detailed analysis, but my engineering guess would be a no go. The rear deck is an extension of the frame, which is 2x3" aluminum tubing. The bike (2-400#) would be problematic given the lever arm and the dynamic loading (whipping) of the road environment. The axles are not moved significantly rearward to accommodate that kind of load. The assumed use of the rear shelf is small containers and bikes at worst. You would be extremely tongue light.

LL did make a popup with a platform ahead of the tent. It was designed explicitly to do your job, but it's not being made anymore. Careful search of the used market may turn one up.

EDIT:

[a href="http://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Bozeman-Ford-%26-RV-2817972/listing/2014-Livin-Lite-Livin-Lite-114414165"]http://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Bozeman-Ford-%26-RV-2817972/listing/2014-Livin-Lite-Livin-Lite-114414165[/a]
[/font]

[swashplate]

[quote source="/post/22095/thread" author="@swashplate" timestamp="1465702684"]Long shot here as I am deciding on getting an 8.X with or without a deck.

Others here have noted a possible capacity of 200-300 lbs. Does anybody know what is really is? The reason I ask is, I want to put my dirt bike (motorcycle) back there.

I am of course concerned of weight and balance.  

I will be using a ramp and track which should reinforce the deck structure.

1-can it take the weight in the structure?

2-is the axel shifted further aft to compensate for the aft weight and keep the tongue weight within limits,or is the axel the same as the trailer without the rear deck?

Thanks,
Kurt
Reno, NV

[font size="3"]Without exact trailer drawings and your bike weight I can't provide a detailed analysis, but my engineering guess would be a no go. The rear deck is an extension of the frame, which is 2x3" aluminum tubing. The bike (2-400#) would be problematic given the lever arm and the dynamic loading (whipping) of the road environment. The axles are not moved significantly rearward to accommodate that kind of load. The assumed use of the rear shelf is small containers and bikes at worst. You would be extremely tongue light.

LL did make a popup with a platform ahead of the tent. It was designed explicitly to do your job, but it's not being made anymore. Careful search of the used market may turn one up.

EDIT:

[a href="http://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Bozeman-Ford-%26-RV-2817972/listing/2014-Livin-Lite-Livin-Lite-114414165"]http://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Bozeman-Ford-%26-RV-2817972/listing/2014-Livin-Lite-Livin-Lite-114414165[/a]
[/font][/quote]


Thank you for the help. I did have an 18SUT a few years ago when I had both motorcycle and quads for me and the kids. Now that the kids are gone and it's just a Yamaha WR250R for me exploring and the wife and kid just coming hanging at the campsite.

Now to see more about that link you sent me.

If you or anyone has more neat ideas, please let me know.  Btw, I'm trying to stay away from a gas guzzling small truck and use a Subaru Crosstrek/XV

Kurt
Reno NV

[mtnbikr]

After a couple of mildly unsuccessful attempts, my rear rack on our 8.0 is finally perfect....for now.  When we bought our 8.0, it was perfect (propane, battery, silver anniversary, offroad, etc.) except for the absence of the rear deck.  The finished product is at least as strong as the factory and fits our Action Packer bins perfectly....



 

[peislander]

[quote source="/post/22814/thread" timestamp="1467837451" author="@mtnbikr"]After a couple of mildly unsuccessful attempts, my rear rack on our 8.0 is finally perfect....for now.  When we bought our 8.0, it was perfect (propane, battery, silver anniversary, offroad, etc.) except for the absence of the rear deck.  The finished product is at least as strong as the factory and fits our Action Packer bins perfectly....



[img style="max-width:100%;" style="" src=""] [/quote]Looks great! -- except your licence plate looks really messy. 

[mtnbikr]

Damn kids and their Sharpies....

Wow, this is great.  What a lot of excellent information here. we considering buying the 8.0, and bike transport was one of our questions. It seems as though you have to be really "handy" to be a QS owner!

[promagstyle]

I'm a complete noob when it comes to mods to the rear deck, but I would like to ask... what would be the best way to secure either:
4 X 20L = Gasoline Container or Jerry Can?

Or

1 X 80L = Storage Tank for extra fuel.

[admin]

The best way depends on the actual container. For a jerry can I'd just secure them with a ratchet strap through the handles.

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/25631/thread" timestamp="1477635808" author="@promagstyle"]I'm a complete noob when it comes to mods to the rear deck, but I would like to ask... what would be the best way to secure either:
4 X 20L = Gasoline Container or Jerry Can?

Or

1 X 80L = Storage Tank for extra fuel.[/quote][font size="3"]I would advise caution here. 80L of gasoline weighs ~130 pounds plus container and that is a lot of weight to hang on the back of a short wheelbase trailer. That much weight will greatly decrease the tongue weight while adding to the total weight. Tongue weight must be 10-15% of total weight to maintain stability and control of the trailer. If not you get into a tail-wagging-the-dog situation leading to sway and a very dangerous situation.[/font]

[promagstyle]

[quote timestamp="1477657927" author="@charliem" source="/post/25633/thread"]

I'm a complete noob when it comes to mods to the rear deck, but I would like to ask... what would be the best way to secure either:
4 X 20L = Gasoline Container or Jerry Can?

Or

1 X 80L = Storage Tank for extra fuel.

[font size="3"]I would advise caution here. 80L of gasoline weighs ~130 pounds plus container and that is a lot of weight to hang on the back of a short wheelbase trailer. That much weight will greatly decrease the tongue weight while adding to the total weight. Tongue weight must be 10-15% of total weight to maintain stability and control of the trailer. If not you get into a tail-wagging-the-dog situation leading to sway and a very dangerous situation.[/font]
[/quote][p]My towing vehicle has a fuel capacity of 40L tank, where I am going is a remote area. There is not a single gas station in a 400 km radius.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Would this work for my mod and have it drilled into the back wall of the camper or should I just strap them down.[/p][p]I'm already carrying most of my gear in the storage bins of the camper and not in the trunk of towing vehicle.[/p][p]
[/p][p][a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Smittybilt-2798-Jerry-Gas-Holder/dp/B008CLNYPC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1477671687&sr=8-5&keywords=Gas+Tank"]https://www.amazon.ca/Smittybilt-2798-Jerry-Gas-Holder/dp/B008CLNYPC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1477671687&sr=8-5&keywords=Gas+Tank[/a][/p][p]
[/p][p]I have a need for 40 Liters of Gasoline and also 40 Liters of Kerosene, the weight load has increased significantly and the Transmission in my towing vehicle is still holding out.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Should I just go with storage bin solution using 4L Brackets?
[/p]

[admin]

The problem is not how to do it, rather should it be done.
Could you mount a couple brackets near the front? This would help offset the weight issue in behind the axle.