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Old 05-05-2014, 11:47 AM   #21
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse



Here is where I am at. 7 links in service.

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Old 05-23-2014, 03:22 PM   #22
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse

Got the same problem. Not the van but my 68 years. I attached two double mini-pullys with nylon cord at both ends of my single piece ph bed. (block & tackle style) I raise the top unhooked from the bed first and then pully up each end of the bed. One end at a time. No stress at all on the back disks. Unconventional, but this works very well. Terry
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Old 05-27-2014, 09:06 AM   #23
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse

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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
This didn't work. They fit perfectly but didn't have enough force to raise the roof from a completely closed position. I had to push the roof up about 1 foot before the actuators were strong enough to do the rest.

The bottom actuator in the pic below is how it would have been installed and in the closed position. The top one shows how far it would have pushed the roof up. The paint scrapes are from the springs, not the actuator.


Dammit! Back to the drawing board.

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Old 05-27-2014, 11:58 AM   #24
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse

Too bad it didn't work out! That would have been a great assist!
Surprising that 300 lbs of total force wasn't enough.
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Old 05-27-2014, 03:50 PM   #25
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse

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Originally Posted by BUFFALO
Too bad it didn't work out! That would have been a great assist!
Surprising that 300 lbs of total force wasn't enough.
Intuitively I thought it would but after drawing it out I realized that there is almost no leverage when the roof is closed. I'm guessing it takes about 60-75lbs of force for me to push the roof open from a dead closed position (aluminess rack with 2 solar panels and 2 links removed on the main springs). After 6-12 inches the main springs kick in and the mechanical leverage increases. SMB electric motors push up from the center, similar to how you manually push the roof up. This is beyond my math skills but makes sense now that I see it.



SMB electric motors push up at the center.


This scissor lift calculator demonstrates how much force is needed based on the angle of the supports. As you increase the angle the amount of force decreases.

http://www.engineersedge.com/calcula...tom-loaded.htm

Any mechanical engineers in the house?
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Old 05-27-2014, 10:28 PM   #26
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse

Mike....?

That and the fact that those tops alone weigh close to 700lbs!!
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Old 05-28-2014, 08:49 AM   #27
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse

Yeah that makes perfect sense now that I see a picture of it.

Are the tops really that heavy? 700lbs?

How does SMB mount the actuators? I have seen where the rod is in the center of the scissor pivot, but how are the actuators installed? I haven't been able to find any pictures of it.
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Old 05-29-2014, 09:14 PM   #28
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse

How about the PH air lift Aluminess sells?

http://www.aluminess.com/wp-content/upl ... ration.pdf
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Old 05-30-2014, 08:08 AM   #29
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Re: Best way to raise Penthouse

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How about the PH air lift Aluminess sells?

http://www.aluminess.com/wp-content/upl ... ration.pdf
As a last resort that would work. Not a very slick solution and adds one more layer of storage and clutter. I am looking into pneumatic cylinders. Haven't given up yet!

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