Ar240 2011 vs 2012 Tower

[LukePrinsloo]

So,
I have a 2011, it does NOT "fold" well it does, if you take some bolts out, but my research on here shows that' it does not get any lower when folded.

Now my understanding is that the 2012's do fold. Is that wrong? What is different? Google foo just shows some black nobs on the tower. Is there any reasonable way I could buy the knobs and convert mine? The dimensions appear similar.

Appreciate any help.

Luke.

 

[LukePrinsloo]

Image for example.

 

[JayZ2012]

I'm not sure you could rig it to work like a 2012. I have the 2012, and the difference is that the back legs have knobs just under your wakeboard rack that allow the back legs to fold down. Then the tower folds and it is roughly the same height as the windshield. I have to fold mine every time I take it out because of a low bridge. I think you'd have to have someone weld aluminum joints onto it- since the legs are hollow tubes.

 

[pulaskijb]

Can one buy a 2012 tower and bolt it on a 2011 Ar240?

 

[JayZ2012]

Here are some closer pics of the hinge and knobs on the 2012. Sometimes people on these forums are selling a tower that might fit your boat. If you really want a folding tower it might be worth it to trade in your boat or sell it outright to get one that already has a folding tower on it.

 

[PaulyB]

@JayZ2012, can you take a picture of the front mounting points of the top portion of the tower too? I have a buddy who is a metal fabricator and I am going to see if he can modify my current tower.

 

[2kwik4u]

@JayZ2012, can you take a picture of the front mounting points of the top portion of the tower too? I have a buddy who is a metal fabricator and I am going to see if he can modify my current tower.

Make sure he's comfortable welding on (relatively) thin wall aluminum. Have one friend who has spent his life as a pipe fitter and is not great with thin wall aluminum, but has built pressure vessels for years. Have another friend that can't stick weld to save his butt, but makes the prettiest stack of dimes on aluminum I've ever seen. I would consider both to be experts, but would only want my tower going to the second.

A good metal fab guy that is comfortable with aluminum should be able to add those joints for you at a reasonable expense.

 

[JayZ2012]

Here are a few more shots. The section that comes apart is notched.