2002 Eagle - No Upper Arctic Pack Attachment Point

[costman13]

Hey all,

After a long hiatus away from the FWC family, I am back with a new to me 2002 Eagle for my 2003 Tundra Access Cab 4x4.

My previous Eagle (2003), had a sewn in velcro flap at the top of the canvas. The new camper does not.

I'm getting ready to sew up my own Arctic Pack, but would love some input as to the best way to attach it on the top side of the canvas. Is this just sticky back velcro on the canvas itself? Stapled flap to the roof? I'm all ears.

I'm planning for either velcro or snaps on the bottom edge to hold it in place.

Old rig - 2001 Tacoma w/ 2003 Eagle (truck was stolen a few years back)


New rig - 2003 Tundra w/ 2002 Eagle - Truck build begins shortly.

 

[Kolockum]

Welcome back to the cult.

When I replaced the canvas on my 2000 eagle I added a separate flap like the factory did. But I don't think it would be worth the trouble to tear everything apart and add the separate flap the way the factory did.

There is a 1x1 aluminum tube along the roof on the inside edge of the canvas. I would make a 4-6" canvas strip with Velcro sewn on one edge and run it all the way around the top of the camper camper and screw it into said tube about every 6". You may be able to run the strip in front of the lift gates this way.

I used these screws (link to Home Depot) when I replaced my headliner and they should work for this application. I did learn the hard way not to use the self tapping ones, they will shred the canvas. The aluminum is soft enough that the regular ones bite no problem.

I have used both reflectix and cloth insulation. I would recommend going with the latter.

 

[DavidGraves]

Howdy

My local hardware/lumber yard sells an Industrial grade Velcro strip that would do the job perfectly.....I will try to find the brand name but I think I recall it is the original maker of Velcro....AND it has a sticky back for application.

Unless you really like sowing and etc you might try to find a used Artic Pac and modify it to fit your camper....we did.

Anyway, congrats on the new camper and getting back out there !

David Graves

 

[kmcintyre]

Strange. If I recall, my 2001 Eagle had it and when I had the vinyl replaced it was/is there too. I wonder if the previous owner cut it out or if there is some other reason why it's not there?

 

[Old Crow]

That does seem odd. My 2001 Hawk shell has the velcro flaps along the interior roof for an arctic pack.

Also- I'd be wary of a sticky-back velcro solution. Sewn-through sticky-back velcro was used on my Hawk for its storm flaps (on the exterior side of the vinyl) and the adhesive melted and ran out from under the velcro. I had a hard time getting the excess off and there's still some minor evidence of it there today.

The manufacturer's specs for sticky-back velcro generally recommend a max temperature of 120*F. I used it in my old van for screens and had problems with it peeling off. Because of that I recently used 3M's high-temp-adhesive velcro (SJ60) rated at 185* F. It's not as tacky as other velcro adhesive and requires a firm pressure from a roller to 'activate' the adhesive during application. It has worked very well where I attached it to a hard background but not well where it can be flexed.

 

[Kolockum]

My 2000 Eagle did not come with the velcro

 

[RC Pilot Jim]

Check with "ski3pin" one of the moderators. He sewed up his own arctic pack so I'm sure he has an answer for your question. You can PM him.

 

[ski3pin]

Check with "ski3pin" one of the moderators. He sewed up his own arctic pack so I'm sure he has an answer for your question. You can PM him.

Prior to us making our own arctic-cold weather pack -

Arctic-Cold Weather Pack

- we had the good folks at All Terrain Campers install a new sideliner in our old Ranger II camper that had the upper velcro strip for attachment. If we did not have this attachment point we would have done what kolockum suggests above.

 

[pvstoy]

Early 2000 years it was a pay option to have the Cold weather pack prep if you wanted the top hanging velcro installed at the factory. If you bought the whole package then you were set. Then later you could add the artic pac material or make your own.

If the prep was not paid for then you have a camper like yours with nothing.

Later FWC made this option standard for all campers.

 

[costman13]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm going back and forth with screwing a strip into the framing at the edge of the roof, or velcro along the top of the canvas.

My canvas also has the sticky back velcro issues from the factory - adhesive softened and leaked all over the place... Any suggestions on cleaning that up? It's really just a cosmetic blemish more than an issue. I'm thinking MEK or the like (carefully of course).

The canvas is in 7 or 8/10 condition, so I don't think it's worth pulling it all apart just yet. I'll wait until I do a canvas swap / higher lift panels... Being 6'3", the older eagles are a touch short in height for me...

 

[Vic Harder]

when I redid the ceiling liner cloth on my Puma build, I used wood strips, including one along the outside edge. That's a good way to do your velcro. I did have to loosen the latches a turn or 3 to compensate for the extra 1/8" or so.

 

[Old Crow]

Early 2000 years it was a pay option to have the Cold weather pack prep if you wanted the top hanging velcro installed at the factory. If you bought the whole package then you were set. Then later you could add the artic pac material or make your own.

If the prep was not paid for then you have a camper like yours with nothing.

Later FWC made this option standard for all campers.

Thanks for that, Patrick. That makes a lot of sense. FWC has done the same with other things-- like screen doors, solar pre-wiring and extended cabover.

-snip-

My canvas also has the sticky back velcro issues from the factory - adhesive softened and leaked all over the place... Any suggestions on cleaning that up? It's really just a cosmetic blemish more than an issue. I'm thinking MEK or the like (carefully of course).

-snip-

My experiences with 3M Adhesive Remover and also with Citra-Solv. I came to the conclusion that the 3M stuff worked a bit better but it might be smarter to use Citra-Solv if you're concerned about the strong chemical fumes (particularly inside the camper).

Good luck!

 

[Kolockum]

My experiences with 3M Adhesive Remover and also with Citra-Solv. I came to the conclusion that the 3M stuff worked a bit better but it might be smarter to use Citra-Solv if you're concerned about the strong chemical fumes (particularly inside the camper).

Good luck!

Just make sure you coat it with 303 protectant when you are done.