Help: modify trailer cap to lift up

I'm trying to modify a 4x6 wells cargo like the one in the picture. When I open the cap, rather than it opening at an angle, I want it to lift up on all 4 sides an additional 4'. That way I can work under it. When I'm done working I'll close it down.

Currently, there is 2'6" of interior height. Lifting the lid another 4' then I can work in the trailer under the cap since there will be a total of 6'6" of room.

I don't know how to accomplish this easily. Do you??

I was hoping to use a gas spring, like what is used to open the cap andfor automobile trunks etc. However, I'm having trouble finding any that extend 48".

What do you suggest? Or, do you know where i can find a gas spring that extends 48"?

You need to use a mechanical advantage like a scissor lift.

Even I you could find those gas springs in 48" i bet you couldn't close them! This one is going to take some engineering to do right

other option is to just have four slide-in legs, like a pop-up sun shelter has, with the spring-loaded "nubs" that click as you move it up. Would take two people to raise it (needing to keep it straight) and lower it, but could work..

How about a hydraulic ram like an engine lift to raise it up. One man lift just need guides for the roof to follow.

How heavy is the top?

How about buying a crappy pop-up camper off Craigslist and stealing the mechanism?

Does the mechanism have to hide inside or can it be fitted to the outside of the box?

Spend some time on the trailer section of expedition portal.com and you should get lots of ideas. Look for box rocket homemade trailer. He did a rack/tent platform that telescopes up pretty high - not sure 4 feet. I know he used gas struts to assist in the lifting.

irish44j wrote: other option is to just have four slide-in legs, like a pop-up sun shelter has, with the spring-loaded "nubs" that click as you move it up. Would take two people to raise it (needing to keep it straight) and lower it, but could work..

That's what I was thinking. One big slide-in leg in the middle could make it a 1-person job, if having a big pipe sticking out of the middle of the work area isn't a problem.

EvanR wrote: How about buying a crappy pop-up camper off Craigslist and stealing the mechanism?

That was my thought as well.

In reply to irish44j:

Where can I find that set up?