418 replies to this topic

[pvstoy]

Hawk owners or even Grandby.  I'm planning on two 180 watt ridge solar panels on the roof mounted between the two vents in the middle of the roof.  Weight will be around 55 pounds.

 

Who has done similar and what pound weight struts are you using?  

 

Right now there is 20 pounders front and back and the few times I have poped up it seems that is not enough to assist.  What experience do you have having the weight in the center of the roof?

 

Thanks....

[Outnabout]

I have a 160 watt panel between the vents but more close to the forward vent on my Grandby. I use 40lbs in the front and 30lbs in the back. It still takes some umpf to get the front up. Easier when I raise slower.

[pvstoy]

Factory tells me that I should have 20 rear and 40 front from factory.  Need to check front again but the paint is wearing off to make sure it was 20 or?   They suggested with 55 pounds for solar in the middle of the roof between roof vents to have 40 rear and 60 front.

[Vic Harder]

I have a 265W panel on the very front of my Hawk (no vent).  40# front, 30# rear.  This makes for a "balanced" roof, meaning it requires a slight tug to get down, and still needs a push to get started, but will not "lift" on it's own either.

[pvstoy]

Thanks Vic. I will be at factory next week and will discuss my set up.

[Advmoto18]

I have a 265W panel on the very front of my Hawk (no vent).  40# front, 30# rear.  This makes for a "balanced" roof, meaning it requires a slight tug to get down, and still needs a push to get started, but will not "lift" on it's own either.

Vic

 

Do you have the P/N for the rear 30# strut?

Thanks!

 

Bill

[Vic Harder]

Vic

 

Do you have the P/N for the rear 30# strut?

Thanks!

 

Bill

Front and rear are same size/lenght. 

 

30# - C16-22241

 

40# - C16-15952

 

Note, this does not include the brackets.  I got Stainless Steel ones from West Marine, part number 1891.

[Advmoto18]

Front and rear are same size/lenght. 

 

30# - C16-22241

 

40# - C16-15952

 

Note, this does not include the brackets.  I got Stainless Steel ones from West Marine, part number 1891.

 

Thanks!

 

Did you use self tapping screws through the skin directly into the camper's frame tubing?

 

Thx again!

[Vic Harder]

These are the instructions I used:

 

http://www.wanderthe...r-too/?p=148007

 

I used existing holes from the rain gutter I had on my Hawk, and drilled a couple of small pilot holes.  Then just used galvanized 3/4" #8 wood/metal screws to attach the plates.  And Dicor sealant in the holes and on the screw once I was happy with the installation/operation of the lift.

 

Pilot hole

 

Mount like so

 

Mounted

 

Installed

Edited by Vic Harder, 09 April 2018 - 08:59 PM.

[Advmoto18]

Thanks Vic!

 

I just ordered the C16-22241 from Suspa.  3-4 week lead time.  Not an issue.

 

I have the factory inside struts at the forward bulkhead which easily lift the front of the camper.  The wife is having great difficulty (impossible really) raising the rear.  I was leaning towards the 40# for the rear, but that seems to be a bit much even with the solar panel on the roof.  30# in the rear seems perfect as you and others have stated.

 

Thanks for the "how to" pics!

 

Bill