The Rear Rake

Jay,

When travelling through a depression it would mean that the chassis rails were further back and they would rub more than what the standard length ones do. BUT that could also be a good thing because many of us including you on your first van have damaged steps in rough conditions. With the chassis rails extended further back then they would do the rubbing and hold the step away from damage.

You would have to be careful about the location of drainage plumbing from the shower if it was a flat floor further back.

Having said that I don't think I have ever required the rake to back up anywhere.

Brian

Hullo Jay, welcome back.

We have the full width rear ensuite in our 20 footer with the modified rake. It's modified by 400mm compared to the traditional rake, ie, it starts 400mm back along the projected floor level.

We found that we would definitely have scraped the rear if we didn't have it, on a couple of locations recently. One was the track into the Burke & Wills Camp SW of Normanton on the Savannah Way. We also intend to mount some poly pipes on the rake to carry poles and maybe fishing rods.

The main objection I would have to a squared off rear, and it is purely subjective, is the way it looks. I've seen photos of one and it looked awful. The upswept rear rake makes the van look purposeful. As I said, purely subjective, but once it's built there's no undoing it.

cheers

We would have been in LOTS of trouble without the rake on a number of occasions already - ours isnt a full one as we have a rear ensuite too (and that ensuite is HUGE - including the shower recess. Still HEAPS of storage in the raked area in both shower &, mid sink and also next to the 'loo).. When you calculate the cost/effect of any possible damage not having it would be, its well worth having it. especially for those deep pinches and reversing (experience talking). I have suspected that one would even require it when getting on an off even a simple ferry! I guess it all depends on where you think you'll travel. Our feeling is that we will need it most when we expect it least. Plus, you would need to consider where your rail of tail lights would go...they're much safer up at the top of a rake (experience, again...sigh).

TTM

We saw a square back BT at Alice Springs, didn't look pretty.

Some reasons why a square back BT wouldn’t work for us.

!MPG:16!
1. It wouldn’t fit in the parking space in our front yard

!MPG:13!
2. We go places where the square back would act as a plough.

3. On several occasions we have needed the slope back to get out of tight spots.
The last one was in the tight parking area at the “Organ Pipes” in the Gawler Ranges S.A. allowing us back over low bushes to turn around.

Have fun on the blacktop Jay

Neil

Thanks everyone for your assistance -

To rake or not to rake: we will rake modifiedly :)

Cheers, Jay

There have been many occassions for us that the rear rake was essential to prevent ploughing with the back end. It is also nice to be able to back up to a selected rock to jack the rear steps straight(ish) again. Now done them for the 3rd time!

Welcome back Jay and Jackie,

Have to agree that the rake is there for a purpose, and on many occasions we have been thankfull that it is there. You'll see in my pictures that we have a rear accessory tray which holds 2 hoses, 3 power leads, filler hose connector, pressure hose connector, and our hanging BBQ plate, frame and hanging chains.

In many National Parks, the barriers that they are now putting around camping areas are posts about 500mm high. You can back up over the top of these, and your van may just fit into the site. Although, your 23'6" and 300mm extended A frame might not fit anyway.

Another use for the rake is for putting tables and chairs in the event of a sudden rain shower, or even a stretchy clothes line for hanging clothes while you are wandering around starkers!!

Whatever you do, we hope that you enjoy your return to the BT Lifestyle.

Cheers..........Rob and Liz

I have got to say I agree with "Gone Bush" , no rear rake would take away the

purposefull look [ to say nothing of the actual practicality ] of your van. No rear

rake, no spare wheels under front over-hang, no sealing door flap, is it still a BT?

regards Richard.