What 86Scotty said. I would love to see something this simple work, or the system that larrie suggested with a socket. I like the idea of not having to recharge an electric drill out in the field.
How much are you going to use it to require a recharge. I just counted how many 2 9/16" holes through 2x4's my Milwaukee M18 drill did on one charge....120
That would be at least 60 days without a recharge with 1 battery. Most kits have 2 batteries.
Just recharge off a small inverter while you're driving to your next camping spot.
For the first eight or nine months I had my replacement SMB, I kept an 18v DeWalt in a cabinet and used it a lot. I'm due for a new drill soon and will keep the old one in the 'tool drawer' full time. Never know when you're gonna need a drill.
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Greg
Old van: 1997 E250 EB30 (Stolen)
New van: 2003 E250 EB10
Just recharge off a small inverter while you're driving to your next camping spot.
For the first eight or nine months I had my replacement SMB, I kept an 18v DeWalt in a cabinet and used it a lot. I'm due for a new drill soon and will keep the old one in the 'tool drawer' full time. Never know when you're gonna need a drill.
Raising the top with a electric drill is not a big drain on the drill. Assuming a 200 lb top and using a 3/8-16 threaded rod the torque on the drill would be about 14 in-lbs or about 1 ft-lb.
A drill that can put out 0-2000 rpm could raise the top 12 inches in about 6 seconds at 2000rpm although I would never try to raise the top that fast with a drill. I do it in about half a minute checking along the way that nothing is catching/binding. Power lift could easily rip something up if it is caught.
Most of my time is spent getting the drill and rod out of a cabinet, installing it and removing it when done. Easy on my back though.
Here's my version of the $3.00 powered PH top. I used a piece of 1x3 oak, reinforced with two aluminum "L" channels. I only need to raise the PH top about 6" before the springs kick in.
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OMG, the Silver Streak is Sold!
2006 SMB EB45ish.
5.4L, QuadVan 4x4
Ready to Rumble!