Dusty, before raising the top, you should have at least the side doors open, actually the more doors open the better. When the top is raised it creates quite a negative and if there’s no way for air to come in, the top is much harder to push up. THAT would be a real easy fix.
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2005 SMB RB 50 4X4 w/ a 6.0 PSD
Second vote for the cargo bar. Cheap, reliable, 5ft 3in wife uses it all the time. We have been using it for years. Trick is to just lift the top first with bar. Detach the bed and lift it after top is up. BTW also adjusted the chain by one link shorter. Helped a little bit but the problem is the top is DEAD WEIGHT until raised about one foot when the springs start to kick in. The springs do nothing for the first foot then they lift it right up. Soaringhawk.
Dusty, before raising the top, you should have at least the side doors open, actually the more doors open the better. When the top is raised it creates quite a negative and if there’s no way for air to come in, the top is much harder to push up. THAT would be a real easy fix.
That's exactly what I discovered this last weekend! I was wondering why my top had suddenly gotten so much heavier - the solution donned on me when lowering the top was also much harder. Keep them doors open when raising and lowering.