Penthouse Top Weight Limit on RB Ford

[lauraduffey]

I was just going to post this question, but it looks like the agreement is 250#. I've got a Yakima box full of stuff but doubt it exceeds 200#. Unfortunately just pulled into camp after driving 2000 miles away and one side of the poptop stops after about 12". It's the opposite side that the box is mounted on. There's a clunk sound and then it stops, the other side attempts to continue.
I'm about 300 miles from SMB in Indiana so will probably stop by there tomorrow but wondered if anyone else has encountered this or had ideas?
Ughhhhhh

[rionapo]

Originally Posted by lauraduffey

I was just going to post this question, but it looks like the agreement is 250#. I've got a Yakima box full of stuff but doubt it exceeds 200#. Unfortunately just pulled into camp after driving 2000 miles away and one side of the poptop stops after about 12". It's the opposite side that the box is mounted on. There's a clunk sound and then it stops, the other side attempts to continue.
I'm about 300 miles from SMB in Indiana so will probably stop by there tomorrow but wondered if anyone else has encountered this or had ideas?
Ughhhhhh

I talked with Peter at SMBW the other day. He says 150 for Fords is the official number but they have been known to lift more. Mercedes won’t go higher. The symptom you describe is how he said the motor would act if overloaded.

I’m going to end up close to 200 with my fingers crossed. Please let us know what Indiana says.

[Twoxentrix]

Originally Posted by rionapo

...I talked with Peter at SMBW the other day. He says 150 for Fords is the official number but they have been known to lift more...

I find it interesting that "standard" has changed...and a little concerning.

[lauraduffey]

I just took everything out of the box, and it still won't go up. Left a VM for SMB, hopefully they can take a look tomorrow ...

[rionapo]

Originally Posted by Twoxentrix

I find it interesting that "standard" has changed...and a little concerning.

I didn’t ask Peter about our different numbers as my notes from our purchase in 2011 said 150. At the same time, your experience says the motors can lift more and Peter didn’t say they couldn’t. Your real world experience is what I (we?) look for on this forum. If my motors can’t carry the load I’ll find another packing scheme.

[rionapo]

Originally Posted by lauraduffey

I just took everything out of the box, and it still won't go up. Left a VM for SMB, hopefully they can take a look tomorrow ...

Keep us posted, please.

[lauraduffey]

Good news. SMB Indiana was able to fix the poptop. One of the pins had slipped and bent, and was locked in the track, preventing the bars from moving. They had me out in about 20 mins. Didn't bat an eye at the box on top, and didn't indicate that the symptoms were a result of weight.

Nice guys, and some gorgeous vans getting fit out...

[parisdakar]

That's great news on the quick fix to your top. I have a 2010 E350 with the electric motor. I run a very slimmed down Aluminess rack with a Kyocera 95 solar panel, and two smaller AluBox. I've never had a problem with it.

[rionapo]

Originally Posted by lauraduffey

Good news. SMB Indiana was able to fix the poptop. One of the pins had slipped and bent, and was locked in the track, preventing the bars from moving. They had me out in about 20 mins. Didn't bat an eye at the box on top, and didn't indicate that the symptoms were a result of weight.

Nice guys, and some gorgeous vans getting fit out...

Good news. I’ve heard about the pin issue before. Glad that’s all it was.

Don’t get too carried away by the new vans. :-)

[parisdakar]

Were there verified collapses of the SMB penthouse tops? People seem highly concerned, but it seems mainly if they are loading the roof close to or beyond the recommended weight limit.