Pop top not closing properly

[Belize]

I am in the middle of a solar panel installation which requires the pop top to be raised and lowered a number of times to access the sides for brackets. I have noticed that the pop top is beginning to close off center, and getting worse with each raising. Once it closed on one side almost over the drain ridges on the side. I know about yanking it over when closing to try and center, but it is getting harder to do that and get it properly centered. Is there an adjustment that can be made or a DIY fix for this? Thanks!

[BrianW]

Are you parked level? Often even just a bit off level will have the top come down a bit off kilter

[Belize]

Definitely not a leveling problem. It has always been a little off, but merely leaning one way or the other worked. That no linger works.

[arctictraveller]

Are your cross bars getting bent?

[REF]

Are your panels centered? If I remember correctly, with the SMB manual pop tops, if there’s off center weight up top, it will come down and close off kilter. It helps to center the weight as much as possible.
The other thing you may have to do is adjust your spring tensions if you haven’t already done so and add larger pre load blocks. There’s a few write ups on the process, a PITA, but helps with lifting when adding weight.

[apprill]

My cross bar is bent on one side and I have to close the top and pull a little to one side for it to fit properly.

[86Scotty]

@Belize, it's pretty easy to pull the trim panels off both sides and take a look around in there. If you never have it's good to know what's in there anyway.

[BrianW]

It’s interesting, my 98 and 2011 SMBs have slightly different spring setups on the side. Both were Indiana built, although the 2011 has the smooth top and the 98 had the ribbed one. The general lifting mechanism u I s the same, but slight differences in spring length, thru-bolts in the roof, etc.

[vandiesel]

I have had to hold the grab handles and then push the bars left or right to center. I used my feet to slide the bows inside their holders on the top. I hope that made sense. It centered on the way down. I noticed a slight uneven angle and the bars move inside the top portion.

[hansk]

Originally Posted by vandiesel

I have had to hold the grab handles and then push the bars left or right to center.

This ^^^ also worked for my poptop.