I finally found a few free minutes to put some of the mod's I have done to the new Show Hauler in here.

One of the things that I do not like about my Show Hauler is the inability to access the storage under the back bed. In my last rig I used 2 gas struts which worked o.k., but the latching mechanism was not the best.

So for this one I wanted to use a Linear Actuator to do the lifting. Show Hauler uses 2 pieces of plywood for the support for the mattress. I used a steel strip to attach the 2 pieces together and added a support underneath where I was going to mount the actuator. I also added 3 big hinges at the head of the bed. The bed with the plywood is heavy so I went with a 250 lb actuator I purchased through Grainger --> http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/itemDetailsRender....d=1613179433&ccitem=

I would say 250 lbs is just right, I would not go with anything smaller.

I like this unit because it has the adjustable limit switches so it will shut off automatically when it closes or is raised.

Get your self a rocker switch and 2 clevis mounts and your set.

Bill-
Not to be an alarmist or anything, but it looks to me that the steel strip is bowing under the weight. You MIGHT want to use something a bit more stout, like a piece of channel. It doesn't have to look good, but it should be strong :-)
Have a good one!
Gary

Actually it looks worse in that photo than it is. To use a piece of channel I need to redo the bed frame to fit the channel. Not a big priority, maybe if I have some spare time someday.

Neat mod. I wish I had under bed storage, just 200 gallons of water under there...

quote:

I need to redo the bed frame to fit the channel.

Now that I looked at it again, I see what you mean. The way it is, you HAD to use something thin. Could that frame piece that's in the way be notched to clear a heavier brace? Just thinkin' out loud here.....
Gary

PS The actuator w/ limit switches is a GREAT idea; ought to save big time on chiropractor bills! Speaking of bills, have a good one, Bill!

gary, mase, i'd p'bly use an 1.25 piece of al. angle, picked up at the hardware store. doesn't need to be really STRONG, just have some resistance to deflection. listen to that enginrng stuf. LOL.---- mase

Heck Mase, you're probably more of an engineer than you or any of us could imagine! That angle Al. would be good, not only light, but Bill would only have to make a narrow cut to clear the thickness of the flange sticking down.
OK Bill, Mase and I are on a roll now; any other problems for us to solve? We are THAT good!
Gary

You guys had me all worried. I went out to the rig today and checked the bed again. The photo really is an illusion, the deflection is next to nothing. Not even worth messing with.

OOOHHHH!! Well, that's different. Nevermind!
Gary