24 replies to this topic

[RicoV]

Just got back from 3 weeks of camping up in the Mogollon Rim area of east-central AZ.  Simply as an experiment in time-saving when driving to a few nearby attractions, we put the FWC Grandby into 'wedge mode', i.e., the front of the roof was lowered and then locked-in firmly using just the front hinges (pic below?).  After several such trips in the area it seemed that we weren't stressing the roof in any manner, even at 60 mph highway speeds of short duration and on a few moderately bumpy dirt roads, and it saved a bit of setup upon our return to camp.  But I gotta ask:  does anyone see any possible problem(s) with what we did for these short excursions?  Thanks,

Rico.

[MarkBC]

No answers from me... but a question: "..an experiment in time-saving".  You mean saving the time it takes to drop the rear half of the roof? 

 

I'd like to see the pic -- bet it looks cool, if nothing else!

[BBZ]

I mean, its just a couple minutes.. 

 

I think it would stress something.. but I am no engineer....

[larryqp]

I would ask FWC if you want an honest answer. It takes me longer to lower the front, since I have to make the bed somewhat, the back takes only 30 seconds or so, maybe less. I sometimes only pop the back end to load groceries, get a beer or make lunch, but that only takes seconds.

[longhorn1]

My question is, "Why would you want to risk damage"? My wife and I are always dropping the top. It takes us no more than 5 minutes to drop the top, raise each corner to make sure the soft sides are tucked on their folds, latch the roof, and take one walk around to make sure everything is latched. So when you are use to going through a drive-in, or back country roads at under 9' and you rip your roof apart is saving 2 minutes worth it?

Edited by longhorn1, 25 June 2020 - 01:03 AM.

[Espresso]

This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.  

[XJINTX]

Hate to see what would happen if from latches released at 60MPH.  I agree the time savings do not seem worth the risk but whatever floats your boat.

[AWG_Pics]

I would not do that, but it is your camper -- you get to do anything you want with it! Happy trails!

[DavidGraves]

Were you trying to get down air pressure on your rear tires for better traction ?

 

NASCAR drivers have been doing that for years.

 

Great idea.

[Stokeme]

Yes, the juice in this case is not worth the squeeze. IMO