Wildernest weight

[paulj]

Does anyone have an idea of how much a bobtail compact-truck Wildernest weighs? My son is considering taking the 'nest off his S10 (to improve gas use), and is wondering how many friends he needs to invite over to lift it.

Also, any suggestions on how to remove it, and how to best store it? This one is bolted to the bed rails. I saw it being installed back in 1988 but don't recall any details. It has been removed once, by a body shop when they repaired a dent in the pickup bed. There is probably some foam tape on the bed rails.

Discussions about splayed sides around the door, suggest that it might be wise to store the Wildernest bolted to a couple of 2x4s. Structurally this Wildernest is in good shape, with the exception of a rusted out hinge on the lid. It is also minus the tent, though we still have the tent frame.

paulj

[adrenaline503]

4 people, one on each corner makes it far easier and much safer. Otherwise you have to try sliding it off the back. Thats why I have a Softopper now.

[DaveInDenver]

Weight is about 300~350. Never really measured it and this is an estimate based on with & without scales. Two people minimum to lift, three is better. I can remove mine alone with a block-and-tackle rigged to my ceiling. I've also gotten one on and off alone using muscle and a pair of Yakima bars to roll it on and off the bed. That was tough, though with two people that technique works reasonably well. Storage, my feeling is it's best to put just a slight amount of squeeze on the back. Ideally you'd want to prop open the top and allow the back to open as far as it wants to relax the torsion springs but that can stress the fiberglass and it will crack. I just use a tie-down strap and pull the two sides just snug. The opening will be more than when it's installed on the truck, basically just pulled closed enough that the door would almost catch on the upright. One thing you have to keep in mind about storing the WilderNest is any moisture inside will rot the tent and so optimally keeping it inside so you don't need to cover it with a tarp is better and opening it once in a while to air it out is good. With mine sitting on the garage floor I can open it, either supporting the bed or bolting the driver's side to a pair of 10' 2x4s that point to the passenger's side (like outriggers). Then you can clean and repair it, too.