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Old 09-18-2013, 05:01 PM   #1
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pop top tension

Hi All, I am a newbie to the forum. I finally got a chance to pop the top the 2010 sportsmobile I purchased, nearly threw my back out getting it past the pre-tension, infact, I had to place my head on the pad and push up really hard, not good for this little girl. Once cleared it popped up rigidly. Getting it down, I had to hang all of my 150lbs off the top and to get it past the reverse pre-tension. It did come down and settled into place.

My question is:
1) Is this normal for a manual pop top? Why must it have 150lbs or more to lower?
2) Is this adjustable by adding links to the springs in the channel? will it lower the push up pre-tension.

I really don't want to throw my back out trying to get my top up. Not good while camping.

Thanks,

Seven.

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Old 09-18-2013, 06:30 PM   #2
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Re: pop top tension

There are two different 'adjustments' for the top. One is a booster spring to help with initial opening, and the other is spring tension to make the top go up.

My first question however, is did you have a door or window open when raising/lowering the top? If not, it will be very difficult to get the top up or down.

If you did have a door or window open and you have that much difficulty raising/lowering the top then your springs will need to be adjusted. You could take it to SMB for adjustment or getting some help to adjust the springs. Several forum members have adjusted springs and one of us may be able to help you, but you probably need to tell us where you live to know if someone near you can help.

Another option is to have SMB upgrade the top to electric operation.

Mike
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Old 09-18-2013, 06:42 PM   #3
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Re: pop top tension

Also take off the bed hooks, if installed, when lifting and leave the hooks, and bed, on when lowering. More weight coming down and less going up.
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Old 09-18-2013, 06:50 PM   #4
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Re: pop top tension

Mike, thanks for the info on the booster spring. I thought there might be some other mechanism to deal with pushing the top up.

I am currently located in Seattle. Just getting ready for a late September trip. I've had the rig since late July but left it with Quadvan to upgrade the Quig suspension to a Quadvan so this is really the first week I've had to play with the top.

I may also need to fiddle with the tension set up as I'm not carrying anything on top and it takes quite a bit of effort to pull the top back down.

Thanks again!

Paula
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Old 09-18-2013, 07:45 PM   #5
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Re: pop top tension

For going up you can get a truck bed load stabilizer, or one of a few electric "poles" that will push the top up. I thought I heard Aluminess is making something now but haven't had time to check it out.

But the open window mentioned is pretty crucial- doesn't have to be much but it makes a difference.
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Old 09-18-2013, 07:46 PM   #6
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Re: pop top tension

I thought a few people have posted their 'how to' of adjusting the PH spring pre-tension, but I'm not finding them.

I think someone also posted that Aluminess had a electric drill/wrench powered lift. Wouldn't help much in lowering the PH roof though.


Herb

[EDIT Jage beat me to it]
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Old 09-18-2013, 08:29 PM   #7
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Re: pop top tension

There is a thread with pics on how to adjust the springs.

Also, standing on a sturdy step stool gives you more leverage and the ability to use more legs and less vertebrae when popping the top
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Old 09-18-2013, 08:35 PM   #8
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Re: pop top tension

Aluminess lift show on the page below. My correction, it's air (compressor) powered, not battery drill driven.

http://www.aluminess.com/accessories/ou ... cessories/


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Old 09-18-2013, 08:42 PM   #9
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Re: pop top tension

Found the thread I was thinking of.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1223&start=0&hilit=maximum+pen thouse


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Old 09-18-2013, 11:46 PM   #10
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Re: pop top tension

Sometimes, for whatever reason, I find the top hard to push up. Other times, it's cake, and rises with minimal coaxing.

Maybe because I've been driving or hiking all day. Or my aging body isn't as youthful as my childish mind would like to think it is. Or the van is parked at an weird angle. Or the sun has heated the silicon gasket to the degree that some "stiction" has adhered the PH top to van roof.

So sometimes I take the easy way out: I lay on my back on the downstairs sofa and put my feet on the underside of the PH bed and push with my legs.

It's a lot easier than risking pulling a back muscle. Or cracking the PH fluorescent cover with my shoulder. (Don't ask how I know about that last one.)
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