So why can I not put a roof air in a P/H top? - Page 2

86Scotty · 01-06-2014, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I've seen some huge racks on EB pop tops, with cargo boxes and gear to boot. I know those things must be heavy!

I'll bet most of them have electric lifts, and maybe doubled support tubes for strength.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I will certainly ask around when I see the ones I
mean (usually top corner gallery shots).

JCTex · 01-06-2014, 09:05 PM

I think this is close enough to his original question:

Mike, you gave me an idea. For my build I had SMV-T leave my PH bare. There's no upholstery and I can get to all the parts and bolts in the top. I can even take completely off if I want to. Your double tubing idea causes me to wonder how that can be done.

Obstacles I can see are how to keep the strength as you go past the X-pivot point. How do you secure the poles to each other? Nylon ties won't be enough; they'll eventually loosen under all that torque. Welding would work but it's kinda permanent. I'd had to take the tent off, too. Hose screw clamps appeal but they have lots of sharp place to rip my tent. So, you engineers speak up. Our OP might get his A/C, after all.

JC

86Scotty · 01-07-2014, 08:55 AM

I was thinking he meant thicker tubes, not two beside each other, but either way I'm not fooling with that. Anyway, I'll be interested to learn how the tops are strengthened for heavier loads.

Ford_6L_E350 · 01-07-2014, 09:32 AM

Double tubes means two tubes, one inside the original tube. The inner tube is nearly a pressfit and after installation the holes are re-drilled and it looks just like it did before, except much stronger.

A thicker tube could do the same thing, but you would have to duplicate the bends, etc. With the 2nd tube inside the other you only need to do the straight sections of the crossing arms.

Mike

JCTex · 01-07-2014, 11:56 AM

I hear ya'; but my tubes are U shaped. Aside from cutting them, which I won't do, I donno how to put the inserts inside.

Another thing SMB-T told me is to add flip up aluminum poles in the corners when the top is up. They said it really helps with high winds. Sounds like it would be a good idea to use all the time in that it'll take some load off the lift mechanism.

JC

Ford_6L_E350 · 01-07-2014, 01:34 PM

I'm sorry, they are only put into the straight parts that cross each other, not the part that is mounted to the top.

Mike

4MacFam · 01-08-2014, 07:40 AM

All the weight of my aluminess top (and everything on it) is "directed" into the sides of the penthouse top where it is attached. Nothing is bolted or rests on the top of the penthouse.

How about this? Have aluminess design a small rack to support your a/c unit just an inch or so between the rack and penthouse top. Then use some type of tubing that will flex up and down with the bumps to connect the a/c to the top.