I had a project to build an elevated hunting blind. The blind had to large enough to hold three people, as it will be used to allow young hunters to accompany a more experienced person. After some thought, I decided to pretty much go for broke, and make it large. It was going to be freestanding and about 12 feet off the ground at the platform (floor) level. I decided to use a 4x8 plywood sheet over 2x6's to build the platform, and I am building a staircase to provide easy access. Because of scheduling, I built the platform at home, rather then on-site. That meant that I needed to transport the built platform (3/4" ply, 2x6's and joist hangers), (8) 1x6x12's, (12) 2x4x8's, (6) 2x6x8's and (2) 2x8x12's. Then load the tools, a generator and three people in my Ridgeline. Oh yes, and then drive 200 miles up to the Catskill Mountains in New York State.

The platform and the 8' lumber were no real problem, as they easily fit in the back, and only over hung the 2 feet. To accommodate the 12' stuff, I fabricated a rear rack out of 2x4's, attached to the platform (which was anchored down with ratchet straps). I am happy to report the Ridgeline performed perfectly, and we made the trip up without incident. I only got the blind built halfway, so I have to go up this Saturday and hopefully finish.

I am attaching two photographs; however, they are of poor quality, since all I had was my cell phone, because my camera was packed in a bag in the trunk!

Nice project, with a hunting theme!

Post final pictures when you finish. I am sure the ROC would love to see this "erector set" completed. Nice ingenuity too!

RidgeLI

I had a project to build an elevated hunting blind. The blind had to large enough to hold three people, as it will be used to allow young hunters to accompany a more experienced person. After some thought, I decided to pretty much go for broke, and make it large. It was going to be freestanding and about 12 feet off the ground at the platform (floor) level. I decided to use a 4x8 plywood sheet over 2x6's to build the platform, and I am building a staircase to provide easy access. Because of scheduling, I built the platform at home, rather then on-site. That meant that I needed to transport the built platform (3/4" ply, 2x6's and joist hangers), (8) 1x6x12's, (12) 2x4x8's, (6) 2x6x8's and (2) 2x8x12's. Then load the tools, a generator and three people in my Ridgeline. Oh yes, and then drive 200 miles up to the Catskill Mountains in New York State.

The platform and the 8' lumber were no real problem, as they easily fit in the back, and only over hung the 2 feet. To accommodate the 12' stuff, I fabricated a rear rack out of 2x4's, attached to the platform (which was anchored down with ratchet straps). I am happy to report the Ridgeline performed perfectly, and we made the trip up without incident. I only got the blind built halfway, so I have to go up this Saturday and hopefully finish.

I am attaching two photographs; however, they are of poor quality, since all I had was my cell phone, because my camera was packed in a bag in the trunk!

Great project! What are your tower legs going to be? What are you doing for windows? What a great way to spend time with youth, away from TV and video games.
When my son and I started out we built the "Condo" which is a 4 x 6' box on 6' 4x4"s cross braced legs with a stairway to get in. He had his lower front window and I had my window. He would keep track of the different bucks he saw by writing the date and time on his wall with a Sharpie.
We looked like the Beverly Hillbillies going out to camp that weekend with all the other stuff we had crammed on the trailer and sticking out the windows.

cool! ...what are you hunting for/with anyway?

deer? turkey?

bow? rifle?

http://www.prewarbuick.com/img/features/jed_clampetts_buick/b3f159d0.jpg (http://www.rfostermuseum.com/)
What's the matter with the Beverly Hillbillies Truck?

so the "oops its in the trunk" (with a loaded bed) theme isn't just at my house? they need one of those warnings, like "this beverage is hot", saying, "caution, if you load the bed first you will not be able to retrieve items in the trunk":D