need input on pop-up platforms

[breese]

I am thinking of building pop-up platforms for the ranch.
Anybody have pics. suggestions on do's and don'ts?

Thinking about steel frames...

[Stan R]

6x8 1.5 sheets of 3.4 inch treated plywood.

2x8 frame 16 in on center

[jerp]

Don't know how high you are thinking about but don't go above 6' with your platform if you want to be able to shoot animals at less than about 12 yards. The windows on most ground blinds start about 32" from the floor which will restrict shots at critters that wander close to the blind

[Abcdj]

We put pop ups on a full 4x8 and a half 2x8 sheet of plywood, so the
Plat form is 6x8 ft. They are about 10-12 foot up in the trees. Then we put pop ups big enough for 2 people on them. We bolt the straps down to the platform with big washers. They will come loose!! We tie them off to branches also. As jerp said you will not be able to shoot down steep. We use blinds with the lowest possible windows. We put carpet down on the platform to make sure the coons are comfortable up there and cover and shuffling of feet.

I will take some pics next time out to the lease of the platforms . We take the blinds down right after the season.

[Bayouboy]

My next project.

[jerp]

Abidjan makes a good point about securing it. I was surprised how much more the wind affects it even if it is just a few feet off the ground. We secure them to the platform with screws and fender washers but if you don't figure out a way to tie off all the guy ropes, the wind will tear it up pretty quick

[pazthru]

I bought the "elevator" brackets and am planning on putting one up soon. Just want it in the right place. Refuge from unexpected wet weather.

[breese]

Thanks for the insight.
Based on what most blind base dimensions are it looks like 6X6 would be big enough?

[Josh7099]

This is my project for the weekend also. Gotta build two of them.

[LloydMcCoy]

need input on pop-up platforms



vantage point quad pod from Walmart .com
they were 249$

[Gummi Bear]

For a platform, go a full 8x8'. My Double Bull hangs off a 6x8 when stretched out and secured down. I keep it simple with all treated lumber. 3/4" CDX for decking (1/2" would probably do just fine, I just happen to have the 3/4" stacked in the shop), and 2x4's on 16" centers. I use Deck Mate screws to fasten it all together. I usually throw a coat of Thompson's water sealer on it, just for good measure. For carpet, I get a piece of indoor/outdoor, and use the indoor/outdoor carpet adhesive.

I like to use scaffold frames for elevation. They are crazy strong, easy to set up, and not too expensive. Put some flat pavers under the feet of the scaffold frame, to keep them from sinking in the dirt, and also to keep them from rusting out.

To anchor it down, I drive t-posts into a triad in between the scaffold frames, and run guy wires from the top corner to the posts, I use a turnbuckle to keep the wires tight.

[popup_menace]

I built mine at 4.5' for one simple reason.... I had to be able to shoot over the mesquite brush and this is the perfect height. If you hunt brush land make sure you factor in the height of vegetation. I made my platform 6x7', 16" centers, and used cedar plank for the floor because it was cheaper than plywood. Platforms are nice because if you secure them to the ground your pop up has a great anchor and shouldn't move at all. Also, if you hunt around cattle I'd suggest fencing your platform in just like you would a feeder... Them cows can tear up anything.

[ELKAHOLIC]

Talk to Brett He is a dealer for Some of the hard plastic dome type blinds like we put up last weekend. You can order them with out the windows cut out so you can cut them out custom to what you want. We had to add a little to the 6'x6' platform on all 4 sides or the rounded edges would hang over.(see the pic I text you) Needs to be 6'6" or more for those.

[Gom]

Following. Considering options for wife's new popup location this year. She wants it 100 % snake proof and wondering what is the shortest platform I can get away with?
Not to call her a klutz, but she has mobility troubles climbing.

[bphillips]

Built one 6x6x6 with 2 7/8 pipe for legs and bracing, angle iron for the floor and bracing, with 3/4" treated floor.. It's not one you want to move often