|
|
04-18-2018, 12:51 AM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 4,208
|
I have a pretty hard rule of always latching the top immediately (at least the front latches) when I put it down, even if I know it will be going back up later. Sometimes it’s a pain, but I don’t trust myself to remember before I drive off at a later time.
I’ve often thought of rigging up some sort of electronic latch circuit that would buzz if I start the van without the latches secured. Seems like it would be easy enough to do. Both my PH hook latch and latching baseplate are metal, so a low-voltage circuit of some sort could be set up, I imagine, that only is activated when the ignition switch is turned to “on.”
|
|
|
04-18-2018, 01:59 AM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 818
|
The popping of the top at HWY speed just happened to our new owner/manual penthouse friend...after she pulled to the shoulder got the top down (which is a another miracle in itself/no damage), then cleaned all the poo that left her, she latched it and left...we told her of our method and now it is part of her routine...
I posted this method somewhere on some thread BUT, AFTER bending poles for forgetting to unlatch the top (2x separate AND after we repaired it $500 2x lesson @North, yes hard to admit the stupidity, but we both did it, luckily in a way) here is our FOOL-PROOF SOLUTION:
VERBALLY, even if you are by yourself (it will help you remember), SAY, as you unlatch EACH hook, "Touching hook ONE," then the OTHER person/you REPEATS, "Touching hook one." Then, "Touching hook 2..." and so on...SAME PROCESS as you leave/pack except replacing the verb ' touching'with "Latching hook 1..." It is so effective and now we are used to it as part of our pull in/pack out routine....
__________________
'13 MDX 'BigBlackmobeebs'
'01 Lexus 430 LS 'Luxobeebs
'20 Tacoma TRD OR 'Tacobeebs'
|
|
|
04-18-2018, 07:40 AM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Durango, Colduhrado
Posts: 687
|
I have a small "Remove Before Flight" tag that I attach to the steering wheel when I raise the top. I then remove it and snap it around the latch behind the driver's head once the top is back down. Drove off a couple of times for a short distance when it was new to me and then went with the flag process. Works.
__________________
All things being equal - fat people use more soap.
|
|
|
04-18-2018, 08:01 AM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: OrangeCounty, CA
Posts: 1,275
|
This is seemingly one of those areas where having somewhat-neurotic levels of OCD are to your benefit.
When I drop the penthouse roof....and before I drive off.....I think I must have to subsequently **touch each closed latch at least two or three times** and **physically shake/rattle them each a bit in my hand** (to actually FEEL them closed....and thus be better certain in my mind that I didn't simply IMAGINE latching them down....)
Keep those lids on, guys and gals!
__________________
Mike T
___________________
'95 Ford E250 RB30 PH
|
|
|
04-18-2018, 01:55 PM
|
#15
|
Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,409
|
SMB told me 50MPH. I'd expect the load on top of the roof would be a factor that might lower the rating. I've got stuck in high wind and it's best to try to set up in the winds direction to provide the lowest profile. I'm much more worried about flying debris slamming into the canvas or screens.
After bending my bars, I look as the top lifts to make sure the hooks are pulled down straight and don't hag up on the eyelet. That didn't make my day.
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer
Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures.......... On and off road adventures
|
|
|
04-18-2018, 02:47 PM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,381
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MountainBikeRoamer
This is seemingly one of those areas where having somewhat-neurotic levels of OCD are to your benefit.
When I drop the penthouse roof....and before I drive off.....I think I must have to subsequently **touch each closed latch at least two or three times** and **physically shake/rattle them each a bit in my hand** (to actually FEEL them closed....and thus be better certain in my mind that I didn't simply IMAGINE latching them down....)
Keep those lids on, guys and gals!
|
Actually laughed out loud reading this! And now there are two...
Have to admit I also religiously tour the outside perimeter of the Van; pull on both swing arms, check the propane door latch, a quick scan to make sure all the lights are off, and a brief inspection of undercarriage to make sure I have no sign of fluid leaks.
Call it overkill??? I'm compelled to follow these rituals for peace of mind.
before passing judgement, I have been know to wear socks that dont match...
__________________
TwoXentrix
"AWOL"
|
|
|
04-18-2018, 07:50 PM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 261
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by eddyturn
I have a small "Remove Before Flight" tag that I attach to the steering wheel when I raise the top. I then remove it and snap it around the latch behind the driver's head once the top is back down. Drove off a couple of times for a short distance when it was new to me and then went with the flag process. Works.
|
We do this as well, and do the same for the electric, water, & awning. We're still new at the game and don't have a pack-up routine yet. it's all kinda random...
Matt
|
|
|
04-18-2018, 08:23 PM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Bend, Oregon
Posts: 491
|
I do two laps around just as I do when I fly. I do a preflight then walk around one more time before I sit down and head out.
__________________
2010 E350 6.0 4x4 EB 50 SMB
|
|
|
04-18-2018, 10:05 PM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 208
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by eddyturn
I have a small "Remove Before Flight" tag that I attach to the steering wheel when I raise the top. I then remove it and snap it around the latch behind the driver's head once the top is back down. Drove off a couple of times for a short distance when it was new to me and then went with the flag process. Works.
|
Great minds think alike! That's the same exact method I use. Your "Remove Before Flight" phrase is a nice touch.
|
|
|
04-19-2018, 04:34 AM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: boise idaho
Posts: 2,625
|
Always thought these were a good idea.
RVminders: Safety warning system for RVs
A little spendy for what they are until they save you from a costly mistake
__________________
"understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of your car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of your car, horsepower is how hard your car hits the wall, and torque is how far your car moves the wall."
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|