New base for RTT- help and advice please

[wazungu]

Hi Guys, I was given a damaged RTT some time ago, I removed the tent to have the canvas fixed but in the process of moving somehow the base and support poles have disappeared.

So now I need to make a whole new base from plywood and have some alu poles made up to support the tent when it's erected.
Where do I find the aluminum channel that the tent slides into on the edge of the base? Who can make up the poles for me as they are bent in a "U" shape.
For the base I'm planning on using 20mm plywood.
Any advise or help will be appreciated

Ps the tent is a standard eazi Awn I think!
Regards
Neil

[Riaan S]

Bought some aluminium from MacSteel a few year ago (and they were friendly enough to only sell what I needed - not the whole lenght).

That was roundbar though, don't know if they stock your section.

Good luck!

[wazungu]

Thanks Riaan, will check them out. So today I bought the plywood which I will cover in fiberglass to reinforce which also waterproofs the wood at the same time.

[ThysdJ]

No need to bend the poles... Buy round alu tubing, cut to the required lengths, and use tight fitting nylon irrigation elbows to attach the corners. Obviously deburr and make the joins as smooth as possible so as not to chafe the tent sails... this is plenty strong enough... If you pop a rivet through each pipe/couple join it will be even stronger.

The base you can use normal marine ply, no need to waterproof it with fibreglass, just us a good exterior varnish. Use proper marine ply rather than the econo stuff...

[wazungu]

That's an excellent idea Thys, will do that. So Murphys law I buy the plywood and the next day I decide to go look for the bases where they were last seen and voila ! I find them! but in pretty bad shape, someone stripped the ladder and alu side plates (prob for scrap). So now im gonna rather fix the original boards.

Went to Loftus Caravans they going to order the other bits and pieces I need eg ladder fly sheet and fly sheet support poles (they were very helpful)

Also went to Chamdor and bought some very cool camo waterproof canvas to make a new cover.

[hansman]

Hi
Maak n "rooftent" n voertuig baie swaarder op brandstof of is dit die moeite werd. Ek wil Richytersveld toe met n daktent ipv met my 4 wiel karavaan. Wat se die mense met ondervinding is baie oningelig
Hansman&Vaaltyn

[wazungu]

Hi Hans

my Afr is baaie swak so excuse me.

in my opinion a RTT on roof of vehicle will definitely add extra drag therefore higher fuel consumption. It depends on your needs . But pulling a traileror caravan will burn more fuel than having a RTT on roof of vehicle.
im planning on mounting the tent on a trailer because when i set up camp I still want to be able to drive around.