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Bill98116 · 10-29-2010, 05:28 PM

This is my latest project. I used the ramp as an outdoor patio but when we were in Yellowstone the mosquitoes were so bad we couldn't stay out there. So I made a frame from PVC pipe, put up an awning and attached "no-see-em" netting around the base. The pipe frame is fixed at the bottom with just velcro straps attached to the eye bolts and at the top there are three PVC pipes for support going to PVC "tee" joints attached with screws to the frame of the top bunk. The awning is attached to the inside top so it can be rolled up and placed on top of the bunk for storage when not needed. The whole thing goes up in just seconds and is can be completely stored out of the way. It's really nice having a screened in porch to relax in.....

Bill and Cathy

MoRV · 10-29-2010, 06:34 PM

Ohhhh I want one of those! No place on our rig, though......that's one thing we have at home that we actually miss on the road.

Good man · 10-29-2010, 06:39 PM

Chief,
That is pure genius! Is it necessary to use additional support pylons on the outer edge of the ramp (deck) to bear the weight of people when it is in use?

Bill98116 · 11-02-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Good man

Chief,
That is pure genius! Is it necessary to use additional support pylons on the outer edge of the ramp (deck) to bear the weight of people when it is in use?

The door is rated at 3000 lbs. I drive my 1000 lb motorcycle up the ramp and it
doesn't even bow so holding the weight of a couple of people is not a problem.

Brigadoon · 11-03-2010, 02:45 PM

Nice! Do you pull it in when it rains?

Bill98116 · 11-17-2010, 10:06 PM

it's ok in the rain....as long as the wind isn't too strong. That's the only problem I've had.....the wind. The "no-see-um" netting catches the wind like a sail.

shipwreck1 · 11-18-2010, 11:53 AM

Thats awesome!!! Wish I had on of them:(

cardshark · 03-23-2011, 09:43 AM

Where or how did you get the supports that hold the ramp up? Did you make the awning yourself?

New owner but want this feature.

saltydog · 03-23-2011, 02:27 PM

Senior Chief--I love it, and so would the family. Let me make sure I understand your materials for the porch:

Roof--Was purchased as one of those backyard-style awnings?
Screen--You purchased the screen in bulk and added it to the roof w/ velcro?
PVC--Frames the porch around the roof and foot; and vertically on the corners?

You might have an aftermarket invention on your hands. Thanks.

Bill98116 · 03-24-2011, 02:13 AM

We had fun doing the project. The frame is made from PVC pipe I bought at the hardware store. The roof is made from material we got at a fabric store that deals with marine/out door material. "Sunbrella" fabric is easy to work with and resists fading. The bug screen also came from the material store. The screen was sewn to the top in three panels, the front, and each side...then the panels sewn together to make it "bug proof". The frame is four pieces of pipe (making a square) on the end of the ramp. Then three horizontal pieces for support go from the square frame back to the trailer. There are several kinds of PVC connectors. I used "L" connectors to make the square frame and "T" connectors to secure the horizontal pieces.
I will try to get some pictures and maybe a video for YOUTUBE if I can get a dry day here in Washington in the near future. It is difficult for me to try to tell someone how to build it without pictures. We sure enjoy being able to use the ramp as a patio. Also it adds an 8' X 10' room to the 5th wheel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by saltydog

Senior Chief--I love it, and so would the family. Let me make sure I understand your materials for the porch:

Roof--Was purchased as one of those backyard-style awnings?
Screen--You purchased the screen in bulk and added it to the roof w/ velcro?
PVC--Frames the porch around the roof and foot; and vertically on the corners?

You might have an aftermarket invention on your hands. Thanks.

Bill98116 · 03-24-2011, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cardshark

Where or how did you get the supports that hold the ramp up? Did you make the awning yourself?

New owner but want this feature.

To hold the ramp up I used two 3/8" cables (one on each side). I drilled holes in the top of the ramp and connected the cables with "eye bolts". In the door frame I removed a bolt from each side and replaced them with "eye bolts". So when the ramp is lowered the cable goes from the end of the ramp back to the door frame. (note.....the cable has to attach high as you can on the door frame). Just measure the cable to make the ramp parallel to the ground. I used "C" connectors to attach the cable to the "eye bolts". That way I can easily remove the cable when the ramp goes back up. I will try to get some pictures of the whole project on YOUTUBE as soon as I can.

Matusky · 03-26-2011, 03:23 PM

Hey Bill,... Is that a raptor 3912lev you have there?

Bill98116 · 03-27-2011, 03:48 PM

That is a 3912. We are on the road traveling for awhile.....maybe a year or two. I'm ex military and plan on using the FAMCAMPS at the military bases for our home. It is cheaper and more secure than commercial camp grounds. Besides, I can use the base facilities like the PX and medical if needed. Plan on being in Florida to winter over.