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Old 06-27-2021, 12:25 PM   #1
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Power penthouse

We are looking at a 2016 Ford transit with a power penthouse. My question is can you stop the penthouse in any position or is it either all the up or all down. Also what else should I look for.? The van has been garage stored and has 41000 miles. I would be the 3rd owner and there is a very complete service record. This will be our first Sportsmobile, coming out of a Roadtrek.

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Old 06-28-2021, 08:41 AM   #2
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You can stop anywhere. I use that to be able to lower the top almost all the way, then run around and tuck everything in before I drop it all the way.
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Old 06-28-2021, 08:50 AM   #3
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@doslooney -- If the van is cherry and the price is right do not hesitate to buy. Sounds like a nice van and in this market if another person hears that it is for sale it will be gone. Post some pictures when/if you buy it.
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Old 06-28-2021, 01:02 PM   #4
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Now we were told that you shouldn't stop anywhere but all the way up or all the way down b/c there is a chance that the sides can/will become uneven, then top could/will be stuck...Saying that, was our advice on pick up, BUT we have met a few owners stating they do the 'wherever' when putting PH up or down...
I don't know, but we usually have a heavier load on top (canoe/supplies, solar panel, Sat dome) so we never chance it...

Ps I would buy that ASAP...if you end up hating it, there will be a line to buy it off you...good luck
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Old 06-28-2021, 03:37 PM   #5
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^^^^^ additional info to ctb's post^^^^^^

If the top does become uneven, supposedly you can even it back out by fully raising & lowering it several times (edit: looks like its 5 times) - told this will help reset that actuators, I've never had to do this myself, but it was shared on this forum during a similar discussion a couple years ago.

If you get a pop top i would also recommend making some supports that go in each of the 4 corners to help reduce the load/stress on the crossbar arms while it's in the "up" position
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Old 06-28-2021, 05:13 PM   #6
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While we are on this subject (and no intent here to derail this conversation) but does anyone recall the Thread from a couple years ago that included instructions on how to manually lower an electric top if its stuck in the "UP" position? Cant find it using the search function
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Old 06-28-2021, 06:34 PM   #7
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Here's what threads I could find with a quick search:

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ops-19878.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ssue-7178.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...fuse-3069.html


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Old 06-29-2021, 10:34 AM   #8
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Two, the top thread Bronco offered, Scotty has the best/accurate description of how to get it done....I've never done it but recognize the description by looking at the layout when I spray/lube it...I imagine it would take some serious coordination between the helpers and whoever takes the 'pins' out to release the top...HOPEFULLY, never have to do it! lol
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Old 06-29-2021, 10:55 AM   #9
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Thanks BroncoHauler & ctb, That's the one I was looking for last night. Figured after the discussion came up, it may be a good idea to have that handy in the Van...just in case. I too hope never to have to use it!
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Old 07-04-2021, 11:10 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doslooney View Post
We are looking at a 2016 Ford transit with a power penthouse. My question is can you stop the penthouse in any position or is it either all the up or all down. Also what else should I look for.? The van has been garage stored and has 41000 miles. I would be the 3rd owner and there is a very complete service record. This will be our first Sportsmobile, coming out of a Roadtrek.
The penthouse can stop at any point you wish. We have a 2017 Transit 250 with 56,000 miles on it. We’re the original owners and have had no problems with it. Our’s has the 3.5 Liter Eco-boost engine which has plenty of power and acceleration on the highway. We get 19.8 mpg.
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