Cargo Bar for Penthouse lift assist

[arctictraveller]

I suddenly find this topic interesting as I now own a SMB. Unfortunately, it was a bit damaged on the way home, and now I can't lift the top at all. It's currently sitting off to the drivers side, and won't move up at all. So, my next move is to use a hydraulic jack with a pipe extension and some plywood. I do wonder how hard I can push without causing further damage, but without knowing what's wrong, it may be hard to say. How far do you normally have to raise the top before the springs take over and eliminate the load?

[sbgrimm]

Originally Posted by dokaman

Aluminess has a pretty awesome air lift system.

Hey that's great, for some reason I thought they had discontinued the air lift. Pricey though, but good to know it's still available. Thanks.

[sbgrimm]

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

I suddenly find this topic interesting as I now own a SMB. Unfortunately, it was a bit damaged on the way home, and now I can't lift the top at all.

The helper springs give an assist right from the beginning, but my top doesn't reach a minimal effort point (for lack of a better term) until I've raised it about 8-10 inches. But I have adjusted both sets of springs, so your experience may be different.

That said, if it's completely immobile then somethings wrong. Take it slow and easy with a jack least you damage it further. Also, be sure that all 3 security latches are unhooked. I met a couple in Baja with with a new Transit SMB with electric power lift who had forgotten to unhook the rear latch and bent the PH frame. Fortunately it still works, but the back of the PH sags a few inches.

[BUFFALO]

Arctic,
Have you lifted the top on the van previously and know what kind of force it took?
It may be surprisingly difficult.
What was damaged on the trip back?

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by BUFFALO

Arctic,
Have you lifted the top on the van previously and know what kind of force it took?
It may be surprisingly difficult.

The previous owner demonstrated it for me, and he didn't seem to strain that much. I'm a pretty big guy (6'4" 250lbs) and I can't get it to budge even a little, and yes I have unlatched all three latches.

[sbgrimm]

ArcticT - What kind of damage did your top sustain on the way home?

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by sbgrimm

ArcticT - What kind of damage did your top sustain on the way home?

The van underwent some violent motion, but I don't know yet what happened to the top. All I know is that it's shifted to one side, and I'm unable to raise it. I'm off for a short trip, but when I get back, I'll give the jack a try.

[JWA]

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

The van underwent some violent motion, but I don't know yet what happened to the top. All I know is that it's shifted to one side, and I'm unable to raise it. I'm off for a short trip, but when I get back, I'll give the jack a try.

Can that shifting be corrected before you try manually lifting it next time?

[Nrobert10]

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

The van underwent some violent motion, but I don't know yet what happened to the top. All I know is that it's shifted to one side, and I'm unable to raise it. I'm off for a short trip, but when I get back, I'll give the jack a try.

Arctictraveller shoot me a PM with your contact info. I have taken two poptop’s apart and can help you figure it out. My in-laws are in Anacortes so I could swing up and give you a hand figuring it out. I was just there last week taking a ferry to Orcas to buy a hightop van.

Rob

[BrianW]

@arctictraveller - Random (and hopefully not insulting) thought: some PH versions have two latches OUTSIDE at the front sides. I assume you would have noticed this if so, but thought I’d mention just in case.