89 replies to this topic

[wvtradbow]

I still have a lot of work to do but those panels were really stressing me out because this old camper is twisted somewhere an the lift panels was not letting that roof sit right,these bars I seem to have a little wiggle room..

[wvtradbow]

I learned a lot making that liner (1) sew the screens and windows first then cut the windows out (2) make it about 6" wider than you need it ,you can cut that off after the trim strip goes on. My old liner was 26" wide and that's what I made this one but that didn't leave me enough room room to grab and pull on it to make it real tight.I only have about $100 in that 18oz VCP and once I get this all done and in use next year I may do that part again.

[WyoIDI]

Those lift bars look good! I've never seen that before.  I can't see those rotting out anytime soon, especially if aluminum conduit was used, I like it.  I too have an old grandby that needs some work, one of the previous owners did a botch job on the canvas and the front lift panel, functional but shaky at best.  I can see myself doing something very similar to your build in the near future.  I hope you get your frame issues sorted out.

[takesiteasy]

Creative solution to your problem. Good work! I'm wondering if, since you no longer have the spring tension and the diagonal bracing provided by the original panels, the roof is vulnerable to collapse in high wind loads. You might test it by pushing on the raised roof from different directions. Adding the spring-loaded lifting struts would help that problem somewhat. You could also add a pin or clamp where the conduit pieces overlap so they can't separate once the roof is up. I've often thought the lifting panel design could be rethought once the lifting struts are added, which most everyone is doing these days. Thanks for posting your project- helps us all learn from new ideas.

[wvtradbow]

Those bars seem pretty stable,I have them pinned when popped up.The back is great cause you're standing right there and you can get a good hold,the fronts going to have to have some sort of handle cause of the leverage of standing back because of the bed.I'm going to put some struts on as soon as I figure what brackets to use.I don't think I could ever use those lift panels with the way the back was cracked and bent. Had I seen that damage before I got so far,I would've built a new back.I work at a high school with a great welding shop, they welded up the front for me and I'm sure they would've done the back had I asked before school was out for summer.I think my buddy I gave it to had dropped it cause the roof wasn't closing when I got it back...

[Dusty Roads]

WV: As far as the roof helper lifty thingys goes, there is a long thread on here and part numbers and sources are listed. I used the offset brackets and 30lb, 36" cylinders. BTW, I took out the FWC lift panes all together and rely solely on the cylinders to lift the roof. I think with the cylinders and your lift panels, you would be fine. YMMV.    

[ski3pin]

WV: As far as the roof helper lifty thingys goes, there is a long thread on here and part numbers and sources are listed. I used the offset brackets and 30lb, 36" cylinders.

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roof lifting helper shocks

[wvtradbow]

Thanks guys I'm going to order some struts this weekend of that auction site and I think I'm going to try 1/4" off sets brackets.One of my concerns were that I wanted to put an awning on the back so I have to make room for that with these struts.I would like to see a pic with the awning out with the rear struts....I was really hoping to have it done by next week end but unfortunately it won't be ....

[Dusty Roads]

Any update on the lift panels/tubes? Also, I put my struts on the sides just in case I wanted to put an awning on the back, over the door.  

[LuckyDan]

Any update on the lift panels/tubes? Also, I put my struts on the sides just in case I wanted to put an awning on the back, over the door.  

 

What he asked. I've almost convinced myself to overhaul my Grandby and want/need to do something to my lift panels.  I'm convinced some of my canvas wear came from it pinching between the lift panels when popped down.  I'm wanting to consider your approach.