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04-26-2014, 09:25 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 9
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Best way to raise Penthouse
I am wondering if there is a "best" technique for getting my Penthouse up w/o destroying my 68 year old back? Using my head can't be good for my neck but it is the only way to use my leg strength. What about having my wife push up from the rear area? I have tried Searching but evidently haven't been using the right words. Any advice is welcomed!
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04-26-2014, 09:56 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oregon Ciry Oregon
Posts: 2,854
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse
I use a cargo bar from NAPA auto parts as a jack to get it started.
__________________
Larrie
Read detailed trip reports, see photos and videos on my travel blog, luinil.com.
Current van: 2002 Ford E350 extended body camper with Colorado Camper Van pop top and Agile Offroad 4WD conversion.
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04-26-2014, 10:13 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: San Diego
Posts: 527
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse
I raise mine by squatting a bit and locking my arms on the 2 front handles and pushing up with my legs. Sometimes I think my one shoulder is in contact too. Mine is a bit heavier with the line-x and yesterday I did this with my 65# Hobie kayak on top too without any strain. Usually I don't even unhook the bed but I did yesterday. I have the springs adjusted to require a bit of a pull downward (without the Kayak on top) My 62 yr old back doesn't get involved. I don't recollect another thread on best practices for manually raising the top but I think there is at least one on mechanical ways if I'm not mistaken. I'm 6'1" so height might help. Maybe we need a u-tube!
__________________
2004 SMB 4x4 RB 6.0 PSD; ARP Head Studs, Gen 3 Cylinder Heads, BPD Oil Cooler connected to AMSOil Bypass, a whistling Wicked Wheel Turbo, Coolant Filter, Upgraded alternator, ScanGauge, SCT custom and SMB Fox shocks.
BFG 285/75 R16 KM3 Mud Terrains on ProComp 7069's
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04-26-2014, 10:53 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Posts: 2,554
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse
Some people use a ratcheting cargo bar for truck beds like posted above. Others have said that turning on the heater helps. I usually have both the side doors open and the back doors open as well so there is absolutely no vacuum holding the top down.
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2005 E350 Chateau - V10 - Agile Offroad 4x4
2012 CTS-V Wagon - For the baby...
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04-26-2014, 11:19 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Bend, OR
Posts: 800
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikracer
I usually have both the side doors open and the back doors open as well so there is absolutely no vacuum holding the top down.
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This! At least make sure you've got a window down or a door open, otherwise it makes it much more difficult.
__________________
Josh
2009 Express AWD, CCV Top & 50-ish home build. Daily driver/camper/kid hauler
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04-27-2014, 12:53 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Boulder, CO.
Posts: 2,554
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse
Try this thread, info on adjusting spring tension to make lifting easier
viewtopic.php?t=1223
__________________
'03 Ford E350 7.3L Diesel
(de)SMB'd Custom RB-50
Quigley 4X4 w/Deavers & Agile Offroad's R.I.P. package
CCV High Profile Pop Top
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04-27-2014, 01:32 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 468
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse
When I'm tired from driving or hiking I lay on my back on the dinette and push the top up with my feet pressing against the bottom of the PH bed. And like others have said, open a door or two to let the air in while the top goes up.
Conversely, I find the top drops too rapidly for me to push the canvas and windows out to keep them from getting pinched between the PH bed and rails. Closing all the doors and windows slows the dropping speed a little.
__________________
DesertBoat ...has been SOLD. Sad to have seen it go.
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04-27-2014, 09:27 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: California
Posts: 1,012
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse
I'm working on replacing the helper springs with 150lb actuators. This won't be a total automated penthouse but it will push the roof up far enough to engage the main springs. I'll keep everyone posted.
http://www.firgelliauto.com/product_...products_id=47
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2006 E350 6.0PSD 5R110, SMB 4X4, RB-50, ARB lockers front/rear, Aluminess galore, AMP steps.
Callsign KK6GIY
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04-27-2014, 10:26 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oregon Ciry Oregon
Posts: 2,854
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse
Tapatio, I will be very interested in seeing your results.
__________________
Larrie
Read detailed trip reports, see photos and videos on my travel blog, luinil.com.
Current van: 2002 Ford E350 extended body camper with Colorado Camper Van pop top and Agile Offroad 4WD conversion.
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04-27-2014, 08:50 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 10,242
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse
Yep, great idea.
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