Adjusting the PH springs

Jeffrey · 05-02-2008, 02:09 PM

My PH is a lot to lift (manually). The springs don't seem to be set right to make it easy. I can't put anything on the roof, like a bike, or I can't lift it. The springs are supposed to be balanced and do the lifting once you start the lift. Has anyone here adjusted theirs? I'd hate to drive to Fresno just for this.

PeasBugs · 05-02-2008, 09:25 PM

I'm sorry I can't help very much, but it seems that it should be set up to be able to lift the top + 50 to 100 lbs. I have the electric top and I have not heard of adjustment of the springs.

Greg In Austin · 05-02-2008, 09:43 PM

There is a website that shows how to adjust the springs, but it is also dangerous and says so.....

,... if the owner is out there they might be able to post the site....

I will check and see if I have it somewhere in my archives...

.

Greg In Austin · 05-03-2008, 06:00 AM

OK... I found it..... but recognize it says it is dangerous and not endorsed by SMB..... or by me!

http://www.fx4.net/smb_mods/tension/index.html

...but it looks like it would work...

.

Jeffrey · 05-03-2008, 10:00 AM

Thanks Gregg. I'll read it and take caution.
----------

OK, I looked at what was shown and must say I've never seen a more useless and poorly described procedure. It doesn't seem to be complete, and there is no reference at all to what they are trying to accomplish or how to make the actual adjustment.

Time to call Fresno!

Ford_6L_E350 · 05-03-2008, 10:10 AM

I adjusted the PH springs on my SMB. It really isn't that difficult. The above mentioned website shows how it is done.

The only things to remember are:

- Brace the top. Both so it doesn't come down and so it doesn't load the springs.

- Pull the chain to stretch the spring and attach it to a different link. My comealong fit into a link of the chain, no added parts needed.

I had added a solar panel (~ 35#) to the roof and it became very difficult to lift. It took two links on the chain to get it where I wanted it to be. Of course, it took three tries to settle on two links.

Mike

yvrr · 05-03-2008, 01:39 PM

It depends on whether you are compensating for a permanent load or a log which isn't on top all of the time. You can adjust the springs to allow 50-100 lbs on top but then, when that load isn't there, you will have a hard time getting the top down. Also, the manual penthouse works best with nothing on it. We added three of the older solar panels a couple of years ago which might weigh 75 lbs. total and SMB adjusted the springs when they installed the panels. It, while I can get it up, it takes quite a bit of strength to get the penthouse up to the "neutral" point...it is easier after that point but it was much easier before the panels were added.

We have a 55 lbs kayak that we sometimes carry. We purchased one of the SMB "portable" electric lifts to be able to lift the penthouse while the kayak is on top. If your load changes all of the time, that would be a better solution.

LoneStarJR · 05-03-2008, 02:39 PM

Is it possible to insert a turnbuckle between the spring & the chain to make adjustment for varying roof loads easier?

Jeffrey · 05-03-2008, 04:48 PM

SMB portable electric lift? Whazzzat?

jage · 05-03-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneStarJR

Is it possible to insert a turnbuckle between the spring & the chain to make adjustment for varying roof loads easier?

Unless you found some way to take the tension off the turnbuckle you would have a heck of a time tightening or loosening it. I'm assuming from the use of the come-along that there is no small amount of tension involved.