418 replies to this topic

[Jon R]

Once you install a rigid solar panel with whatever mounting hardware, the two 40 lb gas struts up front will be just about right. With the solar install I have pair of 40 lb struts on the front and 30 lb struts on the rear.

I second this. Even with a large rigid panel, as long as it’s only one panel, this will be the optimum configuration.

On mine, described above with two 200 watt panels at a total of 53 lbs, it was a tossup between 30# and 40# struts for the rear. The front definitely was better with 40#.

Edited by Jon R, 18 February 2023 - 03:32 PM.

[buckland]

Many folks that have the lifts notice after a few years the exterior paint on the lifts begins to rust most probably due to salting of roads in winter. One solution that is easy and cheap has been around a long time. Any farmer will tell you linseed oil preserves both wood and metal tools. Lightly sanding to remove loose rust. Moistening a strip clothe in oil then threading it behind the tube and using the motion like buffing a shoe, coat the tube. Wait about 15 minutes and lightly wipe off excess. Once it hardens the oil makes the black tubes look freshly flat painted. Once a year treatment takes just a few minutes. this of course should be done with the roof down to decrease chance of getting any oil on the vinyl soft top. Linseed oil is rape seed oil. Best stuff to have for many projects. 

[Cpt Davenport]

Many folks that have the lifts notice after a few years the exterior paint on the lifts begins to rust most probably due to salting of roads in winter. One solution that is easy and cheap has been around a long time. Any farmer will tell you linseed oil preserves both wood and metal tools. Lightly sanding to remove loose rust. Moistening a strip clothe in oil then threading it behind the tube and using the motion like buffing a shoe, coat the tube. Wait about 15 minutes and lightly wipe off excess. Once it hardens the oil makes the black tubes look freshly flat painted. Once a year treatment takes just a few minutes. this of course should be done with the roof down to decrease chance of getting any oil on the vinyl soft top. Linseed oil is rape seed oil. Best stuff to have for many projects. 

linseed is great stuff! Just make sure to no put the soaked rags bunched up in the garbage. I've know two separate folks who've started big fires because of that improper disposal. One neighbor lost his house to the fire.

[buckland]

Thanks for that. Yes I have a nail outside my shop door on which I hang the used rag... it dries hard overnight. then toss in the trash or for that matter if it is winter toss in the woods stove!... All natural!

[craig333]

Someone told me to try it on my Jeep. I was skeptical but it really looked good after I was done. Need to do a second coat. All the wooden handles of my work tools get linseed oil. Hmmm, I probably should go recoat today while I'm thinking about it. 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Years ago when the outside of the lifters started to show some spots of rust

I cleaned and rust/primed them. Then wrapped them in black electricians tape.

This has worked very well.

Frank

[57Pan]

I just added a 200 watt solar panel on top of my camper. Now with this configuration 40 lb struts are working for me. I installed the solar panel toward the front, with out struts I can just barely get the front up, with the struts it is no problem. Without solar panel I had to leave the front struts off because it was to hard to get the top down and really wasn’t hard to lift it up. Now I seem to have a balanced configuration that is working.

[buckland]

I have the same set up of 40# lifters and a 200 W solar. Glad all worked out for you too. I've even put an additional 58 pound canoe up there on a trip and still was able to lift with a little effort (I also carry the 'speaker stand tube crank lifter' on trips with the boat in case I pull my back doing something stupid... it would save the day)

[craig333]

I have hurt my back while camping. Fortunately the top was already up. 

[Cpt Davenport]

I find it amazing the amount of vacuum that is created when lifting the top. Door latched open no problem. If the door is in the opening even the slightest, wow is it hard to lift the top. I spaced out one time and was trying to open the camper in the rain. Door was just crack and the top wouldn't budge! Thought I missed a latch or something. Now door is always wide open and even opening side window makes the job easier. When I shut her down, everything is closed and both fans are sucking air out. Works great to pull in the fabric too.