Penthouse is ailing!

tmaryloub · 09-09-2009, 01:38 PM

My husband just died and left me with a broken '95 Sportsmobile. I'm trying to fix it up so that I can enjoy camping once again. Big problem thou. The top will not "seat" correctly.
It is "catty wompass" and won't go up or down completely. I think I need to take it to the factory to have it replaced unless someone else has a better idea. Does it need to go back to the factory which is 100s of miles away, or could work be done locally in the SF bay area? Thanks for your comments. Mary Lou

Ford_6L_E350 · 09-09-2009, 02:32 PM

Can you let us know what city you are in? Maybe someone here can take a look at your top and give you a more informed opinion.

Mike

tmaryloub · 09-09-2009, 03:32 PM

I'm in Petaluma, CA.

jage · 09-09-2009, 03:40 PM

Make sure the van is level when you bring the top down (on a slope the top can shift and come down crooked).

Photos of the top up, down both inside and out would probably help too, or a more accurate description of how it is off, how far it moves, etc.

Also is it power or manual (pushing a button in the van vs. heaving it with your back)?

tmaryloub · 09-09-2009, 04:49 PM

It is a manual system. I will take photos tonight althou I won't be able to open it up. Last time I did it took three people to get it back down and partially clamped. Mary Lou

mbachani · 09-09-2009, 05:07 PM

All of a sudden my roof would not seat properly. It would take my wife and I several trys to get it right. Not using it all the time I would always forget to look into it when we would get back from a trip. I used to stow my center awning arm alongside the penthouse bed. I had purchased the curved / bowed awning center arm and stored it in the same place. Sure enough that was the problem. Being curved put part of it under the penthouse scissor lift arms and forced the penthouse to one side when trying to lower it. Fortunately I did not bend the penthouse lift arms.
Just a thought,

Bob in Tucson

jage · 09-09-2009, 05:34 PM

Did you and your husband used to carry items on the roof?

John Kalmbach · 09-09-2009, 09:09 PM

Hello Mary Lou,

Sorry about the loss of your husband. I want you to know that you're part of an incredible group of SMB owners who really care for one another, as evidenced throughout this forum.

While the SMB factory is a few hours away from you, you might find it the best solution in case there are replacement parts needed to repair your PH top. They will be able to adjust the tension on the PH springs to suit your particular need, as you can try to raise and lower it when you're at the factory to make sure it is "just right".

You will also find many resources in this forum about places to visit in your SMB. I don't think there is a better group of RV owners than owners of SMB's! All the best to you in your future travels!

John K.

bluedog225 · 09-09-2009, 09:48 PM

I'm truly sorry for your loss. Lots of good people here to help with the van. Might try listing in craigslist for someone with a sportsmobile in your area who could drop by and have a look.

Tom

tmaryloub · 09-10-2009, 07:51 AM

Many thanks to each of your for your valuable information and contributions. I took a few photos so that you can see my problem. I didn't raise the penthouse for fear I'd never get it down again. This SMB is in rough shape but I really want to restore it and get out on the road with everyone. Sounds like SMB owners are a very special lot!
Mary Lou