32 replies to this topic

[BillTheHiker]

I have a 2015 Hawk with a solar panel, Yakima racks with bike and kayak attachments, and a cargo basket.  I can't lift the roof, even with the factory struts.  My solution is to use a ratcheting cargo bar (used normally to secure cargo in the back of a pickup truck), which is very compact when stored. It fits neatly next to the rear awning bag on the bunk pull out section.  It takes just a couple of minutes to use this-the only thing that slows me down is I have to move the table (front dinette) to get perpendicular to the front lift panel. 

Which brand cargo bar do you have?

The longest one I found via Google is 72 inches which would not lift the roof to its full height, but  FWC owners with the gas struts are reporting that it is just the first few inches of lift that hard, so maybe the cargo bar is needed mainly to get the lift started.

[buckland]

One removes the tripod legs then it is used to lift the roof to a point where you complete the lift of a few inches to lock in place. I carry this tho haven't used it in years as I have the struts. 

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[dharte]

Which brand cargo bar do you have?

The longest one I found via Google is 72 inches which would not lift the roof to its full height, but  FWC owners with the gas struts are reporting that it is just the first few inches of lift that hard, so maybe the cargo bar is needed mainly to get the lift started.

I don't remember the brand-I bought it years ago at a camper shell dealer.  You are correct that it won' t lift it all the way up but once it reaches the maximum height of 72 inches, it is MUCH easier to push open.I can easily do it by myself.   Getting it to budge the first couple of inches without the bar is nearly impossible even with two people-there is no leverage to get decent lifting force.