35 replies to this topic

[Stalking Light]

Gave the system a real world try camping the last few days in the Smokies and it worked great, except that the rubber clamps aren't strong enough to hold the unit under the cabinet, at least on the roads I drive. Now to rig up a strap to hold it in place so it doesn't bounce loose. 

[BobM]

Just pick up some Velcro strap at Home Depot

[PaulT]

Might try these Quick Fist Clamps.

 

http://www.quickfistclamps.com/

 

Cheap and sizes hold a variety of items and weights

 

Paul

[Stalking Light]

I have some quick fist clamps somewhere from a prior application, but I'll probably just use a strap. I tried looking in Townsend at the Ace hardware but couldn't find  bracket I liked to mount the strap. I'm sure I can find something here around home.

[BigRanchInSky]

Ouch, hurt my back, herniated disc. Not to fear, picked up the speaker stand from B&H photo, $116 with tax. Tripod legs screw off easily, used rubber from leg on bottom, works perfectly. Made some small wood brackets that I installed with heavy duty double sided tape, has little 2" indentation in middle to keep speaker stand from squirreling around, rubber foot on floor works perfectly as is.

 

Gave it a crank, now I don't have to use my back to lift the thing. {joy}

 

Stand: https://www.bhphotov...Up_Speaker.html

 

Now just need the quickest clamps, my roads are often very bumpy.  Cheers and Thank You to Bob, original posters and discoverers!

[JaSAn]

I just leave mine on the floor when traveling - its the first thing I grab when lifting the roof.  It is then stored away until I am ready to drop the roof.  No problem with bumpy roads.

[robcc]

How do you feel this system would work with a 48lb raft frame on the roof with yakima racks? We have the exterior struts already on an ATC Bobcat. We don't want to remove the frame each night when travel to river trips. How secure would it be with the weight up there at night and any possible damage to the locking panels? 

[Vic Harder]

I have maxtrax, cell/wifi antenna, canoe and 50 pound 360W glass solar panel on my roof. 80# lift struts. We raise the roof by hand. Even my retired spouse can do it by herself.

[PaulT]

Wow!  Four 80 lb struts ==> 320 lb total lifting assist minus reduction due to strut angle.  Makes my 30 lb rear and 20 lb front struts seem wimpy.  I do have a speaker stand for help when  the arthritis kicks in.

 

Do you have to pull the roof down when the canoe & Maxtrac are not on the roof?

 

Paul

[Vic Harder]

Wow! Four 80 lb struts ==> 320 lb total lifting assist minus reduction due to strut angle. Makes my 30 lb rear and 20 lb front struts seem wimpy. I do have a speaker stand for help when the arthritis kicks in.

Do you have to pull the roof down when the canoe & Maxtrac are not on the roof?

Paul

Yes indeed, we need to pull the back down. The solar panel is up front, so that is always a challenge to get lifted up the first 2-3 inches.

The real trick is to use your head. By that I mean, be smart and use the fan to help both lift and drop the top. In our Puma that works way better than it did on our Hawk. I think that is because when I gutted and rebuilt this camper I made sure to seam seal and tape every opening and gap. Where I could not get easy access, I used spray foam. The camper is tight. So the fan really helps. And, I do physically use my head rather than arms to life the roof. I find it much easier to squat under the roof lift panel, touch it with my head and then just stand up.