Astrolifts SUV Model (Patent Pending)

Price: $4,500.00

Matching an Astrolift to a Particular Vehicle

We can custom make an Astrolift for almost any SUV, pick-up truck, or van. There are two main considerations: (1) The size of the fork mounted Schmidt CassegrainTelescope (SCT) you would like mounted and (2) the make, model, and year of vehicle you would like it installed. The “ideal SUV” is the G.M.C. Envoy XUV. In 2004 and 2005 that model came with a retractable sliding roof as standard equipment. Unfortunately, they stopped making them in 2006. There are, however, “brand new” 2005’s still available on lots across the country. There are several available in my local area of California.

SUV’s

All SUV’s have 4 basis ways to enter the cargo bay. Some have split rear doors; some have a door that swings opens to one side; some have a door that opens and lies flat like in a pick-up; and others that open upwards (hatchbacks).

• SUV’s with split rear doors, a single swinging door, or a door that lies flat like in a pick-up truck. In these vehicles the telescope mounted to the Astrolift can be stored or deployed from the cargo bay in one of two ways. (1) Through an “after market” moon roof installed on the rear of the vehicle, or (2) On a mechanical “slider” bolted through the floor of the cargo bay to the frame. A mechanical slider is the cheaper way to go. An “after market” motorized moon roof can be installed in most vehicles with smooth “flush” roofs (without ribs or channels). If the rear roof has ribs or channels they tend to leak and most installers refuse to install units on these vehicles.
• SUV’s with doors that open upward “hatchbacks” are only suitable for an Astrolift if the vehicle came with a satisfactory factory moon roof, otherwise one would have to be installed.

Vans

Vans are treated the same as SUV’s.