28 replies to this topic

[Jon R]

Excellent idea. Adding hi vis tape to hardware store list.

[FAW3]

All I can add it that "if it feels different...find out why...don't force it.  I've had the same experience - left a latch closed and was inside trying to raise the roof.  I was just about to give the roof a big push when my brain said get out and look.  

 

I'm transitioning from a fairly complex and large motorhome to a Hawk and one thing stays the same:  A walk around and careful look BEFORE you move the rig, back up into an unfamiliar area, or do any thing like raise the roof can save you a lot of grief and $$$.  My term for these walks are "the thousand dollar walk".   

[goinoregon]

Someone else here posted an idea that we adopted and that has saved us a time or three. We applied  about 1" pieces of Hi-Viz blaze orange tape on the inside of each latch lever such that it is visible with the latch open but not if the latch is closed.

 

A part of our procedure  (besides counting to 6) is to walk around the truck/camper and make sure that there is bright orange visible at each latch prior to attempting to pop the top. 

 

Conversely, part oi the final check before leaving is to walk around the camper/truck and make sure that no blaze orange is visible. Haven't made either mistake since applying the tape.

 

Paul

i like the hi viz tape idea !!  thx

[Boxerhead]

Okay everyone thanks for the advice, wrapped a 2X6 with some towels, placed it where Radarcontact said to and based on the drawings and put some pressure on the right front corner (me pulling down on it) and It worked!!  It does take alot of pressure but I just took my time bending it a little at a time.  Looking at roof now if I tell you and you look you will notice it otherwise you wont at all.  One thing I did notice is that since the bend was at the latch, once I did bend it back down the aluminum flashing bent outwards and caused the latch to scrap on the flashing.  I put some towels over that and proceeded to beat that down a bit so the latch doesnt rub and that seems to have worked out okay. If you look down the line of the roof you see the flashing is a little wavy but that is something I can live with and work on to straighten out even more.  Glad this worked out and thanks to everyone for their help, Cheeers!!

 

[fuzzymarindave]

Someone else here posted an idea that we adopted and that has saved us a time or three. We applied about 1" pieces of Hi-Viz blaze orange tape on the inside of each latch lever such that it is visible with the latch open but not if the latch is closed.

A part of our procedure (besides counting to 6) is to walk around the truck/camper and make sure that there is bright orange visible at each latch prior to attempting to pop the top.

Conversely, part oi the final check before leaving is to walk around the camper/truck and make sure that no blaze orange is visible. Haven't made either mistake since applying the tape.

Paul

[fuzzymarindave]

Someone else here posted an idea that we adopted and that has saved us a time or three. We applied about 1" pieces of Hi-Viz blaze orange tape on the inside of each latch lever such that it is visible with the latch open but not if the latch is closed.

A part of our procedure (besides counting to 6) is to walk around the truck/camper and make sure that there is bright orange visible at each latch prior to attempting to pop the top.

Conversely, part oi the final check before leaving is to walk around the camper/truck and make sure that no blaze orange is visible. Haven't made either mistake since applying the tape.

Paul

That may have been my post on the high vis tape. I still have the habit of walking around the camper twice to make sure all latches secure.

[MountainSufi]

I love the high vis orange tape idea. I'd already been meaning to do it to make it easier finding tools laid down in the yard, and around drill bit holders.

[pvstoy]

After I read the post here a while back I had some red duct tape and put it on the latches.  It does add a level of visibility that catches your eyes..

.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Great idea Pat.Easy enough to do and cheap.

Thanks.

Frank