Bending in lift panel hinge

[nikonron]

May be concerned with lube attracting dust and dirt. Ron

 

[Stalking Light]

I just try and remember to wipe condensation off mine after using the furnace.

 

[WestCoast]

I am following this with great interest as I just purchased a new fleet for the primary purpose of winter ski hut. Living in the PNW and seeing massive overnight snowfall (*heavy loads) I worry that a complete failure could lead to serious injury. My experience with FWC so far has been outstanding. I am sure if there is an issue they will make it right.


Sent from my iPhone using Wander The West

 

[nikonron]

I am following this with great interest as I just purchased a new fleet for the primary purpose of winter ski hut. Living in the PNW and seeing massive overnight snowfall (*heavy loads) I worry that a complete failure could lead to serious injury. My experience with FWC so far has been outstanding. I am sure if there is an issue they will make it right.


Sent from my iPhone using Wander The West

You are exactly right, they will make it right, good people. Ron

 

[super doody]

All here is an update.

FWC stated that there has been a few customers calling about this issue.

One customer was in the shop for FWC to test the strength of the folding panels

FWC stated that it is virtually impossible for it to break, even in years to come. "The force used to try to break the panel goes well beyond what anyone could use on their camper in a real life situation even with weight on the roof"

i confirmed that folding panel along with the frame is warrantied for 5 years. FWC told me to keep an eye on it and report back. They also offer to take a look if I happen to be in the area.

[SIZE=14.6667px]I see recall, when lowering the top the bend in hinge is more pronounce. [/SIZE]I'll get a video of it.

At this point, I don't think its major issue. Its good to know the support from the FWC and the forum is there if I need it.

My family and I love our camper. I wanted to make sure it will last for many years to come.

 

[JaSAn]

I am following this with great interest as I just purchased a new fleet for the primary purpose of winter ski hut. Living in the PNW and seeing massive overnight snowfall (*heavy loads) I worry that a complete failure could lead to serious injury. My experience with FWC so far has been outstanding. I am sure if there is an issue they will make it right.

Even though I don't sleep on the cabover, I still see the lift panels as a possible failure point. I made tight fitting 2X4s to support the roof, just for my own peace of mind.

jim

 

[EDR]

JaSAn,

Where do you secure the 2x4s? All four corners? Any pictures?
I'm thinking it might be a good practice during winter camping, mainly to support snow loads.

 

[super doody]

Snow load is not a new consideration as FWC been around for a while. Had there been failures, the internet would've known about it.

 

[Ace!]

Although FWC has been around a while, the lift panel design is relatively new.

 

[craig333]

The panel material is new, pretty sure the design has been around a long time.

 

[jbahr]

FWC stated that it is virtually impossible for it to break, even in years to come. "The force used to try to break the panel goes well beyond what anyone could use on their camper in a real life situation even with weight on the roof"

I call BS on this statement. I personally know of one that snapped as it was being raised. This person was pushing entirely on the locking bar instead of the roof push panel.

If I had to guess what was wrong I would say that the hinge slot was cut too deep and left the attaching portion too thin. Throw a micrometer on there and compare it to others that don't have any problem.

 

[Wallowa]

I call BS on this statement. I personally know of one that snapped as it was being raised. This person was pushing entirely on the locking bar instead of the roof push panel.

If I had to guess what was wrong I would say that the hinge slot was cut too deep and left the attaching portion too thin. Throw a micrometer on there and compare it to others that don't have any problem.

Consider this:

'FWC stated that it is virtually impossible for it to break, even in years to come. "The force used to try to break the panel goes well beyond what anyone could use on their camper in a real life situation even with weight on the roof" .

I read this as FWC was verifying that the panels could support the rated weight limit allowed on the roof of a FWC....

Pushing the top up incorrectly could well bend the back [or front] panel? But that is not a design or materials weakness; only, operator error.

So you might to 'pic-up' your penalty flag...time will tell.

Phil

 

[super doody]

I call BS on this statement. I personally know of one that snapped as it was being raised. This person was pushing entirely on the locking bar instead of the roof push panel.

If I had to guess what was wrong I would say that the hinge slot was cut too deep and left the attaching portion too thin. Throw a micrometer on there and compare it to others that don't have any problem.

Was it the new or old style panel?

 

[jbahr]

Was it the new or old style panel?

It was a new composite panel.

Consider this:

'FWC stated that it is virtually impossible for it to break, even in years to come. "The force used to try to break the panel goes well beyond what anyone could use on their camper in a real life situation even with weight on the roof" .

I read this as FWC was verifying that the panels could support the rated weight limit allowed on the roof of a FWC....

Pushing the top up incorrectly could well bend the back [or front] panel? But that is not a design or materials weakness; only, operator error.

So you might to 'pic-up' your penalty flag...time will tell.

Phil

This was a real life situation, granted it was still operator error, but this guy was still able to create the amount of force needed to break the composite panel. If used correctly you will never have a problem, but to state that it is "virtually impossible to break" is false. And I'm sure there a lot people out there that are pushing up the roof incorrectly.

The penalty flag shall remain!

 

[Wallowa]

It was a new composite panel.


This was a real life situation, granted it was still operator error, but this guy was still able to create the amount of force needed to break the composite panel. If used correctly you will never have a problem, but to state that it is "virtually impossible to break" is false. And I'm sure there a lot people out there that are pushing up the roof incorrectly.

The penalty flag shall remain!

OK, whatever. No belly bumping from me....the word "virtually" differs from "never". I personally have never found a system or device that I could not screw up by my ineptitude.

Phil

 

[Stalking Light]

My panel was used correctly and did develop a crease in it. I never used the push bar to raise the top, but I do think the hinge was binding. My dealer replaced the panel. Ymmv of course.


Charlie

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[iowahiker]

We have some of the early lift panels, November 2012, with over 500 camping nights and 600+ load cycles (up/down).

The good: no failures.

The bad: a little deformation (bend) at the top rivet row with no changes in the past year.

My theory: the machine cut at the top of the lift panels to recess the hinge significantly weakens the panel. The lower panel hinge mount has no machine cut and no bend. Lift panel load ratings FWC may report would be based on uncut panels since FWC would not have the resources to cycle load to failure a machine cut panel. Also, any operator lapse during cutting the recess for the upper hinge would contribute to unexpected bending/failure.

 

[super doody]

We have some of the early lift panels, November 2012, with over 500 camping nights and 600+ load cycles (up/down).

The good: no failures.

The bad: a little deformation (bend) at the top rivet row with no changes in the past year.

My theory: the machine cut at the top of the lift panels to recess the hinge significantly weakens the panel. The lower panel hinge mount has no machine cut and no bend. Lift panel load ratings FWC may report would be based on uncut panels since FWC would not have the resources to cycle load to failure a machine cut panel. Also, any operator lapse during cutting the recess for the upper hinge would contribute to unexpected bending/failure.

Can you post a photo of your lift panel? Is your panel recessed? I was told that some earlier panels were not recessed.

 

[iowahiker]

super doody, sorry for no reply but we are on the road with and without cell contact. Our panel tops are cut to recess the upper hinge and have a slight bend of around 1/16" off true only at the top where the recess cut is. A picture can not capture that small amount of bend since the panels are flat black in color and a picture can not capture the recess cut which is hidden in back. We do not worry about the panels but FWC would do well to figure how to mount the lift panels without a cut.

 

[JaSAn]

JaSAn,

Where do you secure the 2x4s? All four corners? Any pictures?
I'm thinking it might be a good practice during winter camping, mainly to support snow loads.

Sorry this took so long. I didn't have any pictures. Finally got to take some today.



2X4 cut to size for a tight fit, with felt glued to both ends; nothing fancy. My ceiling is 1/8" paneling, but 2X4 can be positioned under the front and rear frame rails. PO rebuilt front lift panels with hardboard; not rigid enough. Back lift panels are original ('78); brittle and delaminating. Will be replacing both this winter.

jim