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Old 03-31-2018, 02:29 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Roof Deck Design

Greetings everyone. Good weather is here, and build season is upon us again. On my shortlist is a roof deck for grilling and sunset enjoyment.
I've seen many busses that use bolted on square tubing through the ribs. I don't really like this design, as it places all the weight on the bolts in shear. Obviously, it works, but does anyone have alternative ideas?
Currently thinking of welding angled supports at the bottom of the tube to the frame rail, but something in my head says welding to those might be...difficult. And a poor idea.

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Old 03-31-2018, 04:33 PM   #2
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Your frame rails are more than likely heat treated so I personally would avoid welding anything directly to them unless you're an experienced welder. You could weld your supports to a plate and drill 4 holes in the web of the rail and bolt the plates to your frame rails.
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Old 03-31-2018, 08:08 PM   #3
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"Your frame rails are more than likely heat treated so I personally would avoid welding anything directly to them unless you're an experienced welder. You could weld your supports to a plate and drill 4 holes in the web of the rail and bolt the plates to your frame rails."

Absolutely the best way to go if you feel you need to go all the way to the frame. I'd probably just go with tubing welded to plates attached to the roof bows. Unless you plan to tote an Abrams tank up there or sumpin? Jack
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Old 03-31-2018, 08:24 PM   #4
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What he said.
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Old 03-31-2018, 08:58 PM   #5
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A 3/8" grade 8 shoulder bolt has a shear strength of 830lbs. if you used 8 ribs and 2 bolts per rib you are looking at total shear load of 26,560lbs.
Now how big of deck were you planning on?
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Old 03-31-2018, 09:14 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc View Post
A 3/8" grade 8 shoulder bolt has a shear strength of 830lbs. if you used 8 ribs and 2 bolts per rib you are looking at total shear load of 26,560lbs.
Now how big of deck were you planning on?
what he said. If you max that weight out you better take turns real slow.
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Old 03-31-2018, 09:32 PM   #7
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Not planning on keeping it too loaded during transit, but I have been known to play with some large steel sculpture now and then. Final plans include some sort of jib crane up there, capable of handling this lady. Or 20+ hippies jumping in unison. Impact loading is a bitch.
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Old 03-31-2018, 09:46 PM   #8
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I would go with the bolts,.. and a couple of short 1/2" or so welds (not enough to ruin your heat treat if done an 1/2 inch at a time and let cool between welds) or multiple small spots (depending on the geometry of roof rack support and roof rib intersection) welds are like 1200 pounds per linear inch and will take shock loads better than bolts over time

but im a belt and suspenders sort of guy
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Old 03-31-2018, 11:01 PM   #9
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I don't know about the others, but Thomas specifically says do not weld to the frame. They may just be playing cya, but I'd use bolts.
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