PH top question...

[Fishbrain]

If I line the top bed with a thin comforter, and then when I collapse the top, the top can't be directly in contact with the roof of the van when all 3 latches are secured (due to the extra volume on the bed) is it a bad thing? Thanks in advance...

[regis101]

First thought is that you don't want any wind coming in from the gap.
Second thought is you don't want water coming in from the gap.

[Fishbrain]

Originally Posted by regis101

First thought is that you don't want any wind coming in from the gap.
Second thought is you don't want water coming in from the gap.

The gap is about 2.5" so I'm not so concerned about wind, and I'm in Southern California at the moment, so water isn't an issue either. My concern is if I'm putting any extraordinary strain on the latches or the roof.

Thanks.

[stevepar]

Driving down the fwy at 65 mph with a 2.5" gap would probably not be a good idea. It is supposed to fit snug for a reason.

[Ford_6L_E350]

That is a bad idea IMHO.

I always want my top to come all the way down, then snug the latches. I can leave sheets and a thin blanket on my bed and still have the top come all the way down.

Mike

[daveb]

Maybe they have changed the top over the years but my top will drop and seat with a fleece and down bag folded into between the top bar covers. My bag is a 0 degree fiberfill bag and is about 6" folded over but compresses well. Memory foam would not work.
Overall, I'd want the top to make contact with the roof w/o pulling a heavy strain on the J hook bolts.

[LenS]

Don't understand the 2.5" gap. We leave our bed made up and the cat still crawled up on top. Not a lot of room but she could wiggle around up there.

The 'j' hooks only have what 3/4 inch or so hook. So if your top starts blowing around while driving down the road, I would think that there could be good chance the hooks could come unlatched. You could have a real problem then.

I think you need to find out why the top is up 2.5 inches when down and correct it.

[geoffff]

Originally Posted by Fishbrain

If I line the top bed with a thin comforter, and then when I collapse the top, the top can't be directly in contact with the roof of the van when all 3 latches are secured (due to the extra volume on the bed) is it a bad thing? Thanks in advance...

I found that to be the case with the rear bed section -- because the PH roof is an inch or so lower back there -- but not with the PH middle section. I use an eggcrate foam pad that I can leave in place in the middle bed section. It is folded in half in the middle section, and I unfold it to cover the rear bed section too when I camp.

-- Geof

[geoffff]

Originally Posted by Fishbrain

The gap is about 2.5" so I'm not so concerned ...

I'm guessing you mean 2.5" horizontally, not vertically

-- Geoff

[rockbender]

Originally Posted by geoffff

I'm guessing you mean 2.5" horizontally, not vertically

-- Geoff

I'm beginning to think a photo may be in order here!