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Why canvas/vinyl and not panels?

Popup Pop-up Panels

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#1 crumbs

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Posted 14 March 2017 - 03:04 PM

I assume that the soft materials would be lighter, and over time could possibly prove more durable than solid panels. I've never seen a TC with solid folding panels on all four sides.

Most of you are likely familiar with the folding panels of an A-liner and its cousins. Maybe this has already been attempted with tc's commercialy?

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Edited by crumbs, 14 March 2017 - 08:08 PM.

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2wd  Looking for a New Puma Shell 78" wide with a 60" interior closed height.


#2 Squatch

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Posted 14 March 2017 - 03:07 PM

Check the Alaskan forum. They use hard panels.


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#3 crumbs

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Posted 14 March 2017 - 03:08 PM

Yes of course. The Cadillac of campers. But no folders eh?
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2wd  Looking for a New Puma Shell 78" wide with a 60" interior closed height.


#4 Squatch

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Posted 14 March 2017 - 03:14 PM

I believe the cab over portion uses folding panels.

 

2 main reasons for a pop-up. Low profile, weight reduction. The point of campers like the FWC and ATC is to keep weight as light as possible while still providing basic amenities. That tends to dictate construction methods somewhat. Solid panels would add weight up high. They would also require storage for the panels in an already limited space.

 

Over the years I've seen several tow behind pop ups with solid panels. Most of them have had leak issues over the years.


Edited by Squatch, 14 March 2017 - 03:20 PM.

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#5 crumbs

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Posted 14 March 2017 - 03:26 PM

Yes, the panels would allow for popup operation. Your evaluation points are strong to be sure.

However, I don't believe the side panels would need to be as heavy, since the front and rear are already supporting the roof.

Edited by crumbs, 14 March 2017 - 03:38 PM.

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2wd  Looking for a New Puma Shell 78" wide with a 60" interior closed height.


#6 PaulT

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Posted 14 March 2017 - 06:28 PM

One advantage of ATC, FWC, & perhaps, other soft sided pop-up campers is the possibility for stealth camping. Hard panels folding inside would likely eliminate that possibility.

In my Hawk, I can sleep, access fridge, run water, & use PortiPotti, without popping top. Heating water is possible with a JetBoil, although, usually a 61oz Thermos of hot water reduces that need.

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#7 crumbs

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Posted 14 March 2017 - 07:18 PM

Just to be sure I'm understood: I'm thinking of panels that would directly replace the area now taken up by the soft side material. I'm not thinking of having the truck bed rail and up replaced by panel. Even still,you very well may be correct in that it would extend to far into the crawl area created during closed/stealth mode.

Yes, like most, I can imagine other solutions to the above obstacle. They of course would eat into my low cost simple to manufacture philosophy. For example, lightweight multi fold side panels that snap into place.
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2wd  Looking for a New Puma Shell 78" wide with a 60" interior closed height.


#8 Squatch

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Posted 14 March 2017 - 08:20 PM

We understand. That's how Alaskan does it for the cab over section. Look close at the pics in this thread.

http://www.wanderthe...kan-2016-55-co/


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#9 crumbs

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Posted 14 March 2017 - 08:53 PM

What sharp campers they are. ...boy, in another life...

Thanks, I do see it closer now. I can see the lower hinge too. Their panels look to be substantial. I have to assume they are weight bearing as well.
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#10 Florida

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Posted 16 March 2017 - 03:04 AM

I can do everything in my Alaskan with the top down, except cook and sleep in the cabover. There is a foldout bench bed that I can use.


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