Flippac Info?

[Bella PSD]

Come on get it out, you know you want to! Do you have the factory cover?

Yes, its the big blue factory one they sell for $300 (price I was given)

Louie

 

[Beowulf]

Keep us posted. Now all they need to make is a replacement Flip Pac hardtop for a Jeep Unlimited.

 

[suntinez]

Keep us posted. Now all they need to make is a replacement Flip Pac hardtop for a Jeep Unlimited.

Wouldn't that be the shiznit? You know when I looked at the EarthRoamer XV-JP on the Jeep Rubicon body with that electric motor-powered Loftop tent I immediately thought - hey it's a (very) fancy flippac.

Except they put it on backwards ...

 

[Beowulf]

I'd be ok with it flipping backwards, sideways or whatever. Just as long as they made one.

Although backwards would make a nice canopy. However, over the hood means you could flip it in tighter spots.

 

[Bella PSD]

I had the opportunity to make my Flip Pac open to the rear when I was planning the camper. I even mounted the Flip Pac on the truck in reverse to test it out. But ultimately, it was better to have it flip forward, over the truck. Less of a footprint in small campsites. And if I need a covered area over the back door, I will deploy an awning.

As far as electric motor-power to open a Flip. Not sure why? Kind of like a power convertible top or a power moon roof. The power part is just not really needed. Goes against what most of us are after here.

OK....maybe in the rain, the power Flip Pac would be ok?? But in a stiff wind, that motor better be like 3hp plus!!


Louie

 

[suntinez]

I don't want a motor to open my flippac either, just thought it interesting they put it on a jeep.

 

[suntinez]

Had to split it in halves but here is the old flippac brochure, interesting.

 

[Bella PSD]

I think the motor is mostly a marketing thing. "Stand back while I open this thing up"!! Or they expect a lot of aging baby boomers to buy EarthRoamer XV-JP.

My first thought when I saw the EarthRoamer XV-JP was, hey that’s a Flip Pac!!!

Louie

 

[suntinez]

Hi Louie,

Did you get the flipper out this weekend? I'm still curious about storm covers and other possible ways to deal with leaking in the middle section near the hinge.

I'm thinking about an awning too, but on the side instead of the back because of the way mine opens (standard). Due to the height of my bed and since it's likely to get higher with new tires I keep thinking about your rear door solution too. Did you use a FWC door? Or something else?

Hmmm, so many options, not sure what to do first. :wings: But since it is currently a 4-ft jump with a ladder up to the bed part, I'm pretty sure that stepped cabinets will come first. Getting around easily once settled in for the night seems to be more important than that first step into the truck. And probably simpler than adding a door like yours.

Thanks ...

 

[Bella PSD]

Yes I did. And was going to get some pictures with the storm cover and inside…. BUT was shocked when I rolled it out of the garage and was getting it read to jack up onto the truck. The front torsion bar was cracked in half!!!!!! The one that controls how easy the flip opens up. No way to open it up now, to heavy and way to much stress on the one side with the crank arm. I have removed the torsion bar and was thinking I could weld it back together at the split BUT that may not be a good idea. Probable just break at the weld when twisted during opening?? I took some pictures that I can post later.

I thought the last time I had it open it seemed to hard to open….well it must of snapped in half on the way home from that last camp out.

Anyone think welding it back together would hold up under the twisting? It looks, and works, just like a torsion bar on an IFS set up!! Just longer and thinner.

This REALLY sucks!!

Louie

 

[suntinez]

Oh noooo, can't tell you how sorry I am to hear that Not sure if I'd trust a weld with that amount of torque, depends on how you do it I suppose and how far the break is from the crank. I don't know enough about welding to say anything useful. If it was me I think I'd contact FRP and see if they can send you a replacement.

Bummer! Bet that's not what you were expecting, I know it's not what I expected to hear. Let us know what you figure out. How old is your flippac?

Yes I did. And was going to get some pictures with the storm cover and inside…. BUT was shocked when I rolled it out of the garage and was getting it read to jack up onto the truck. The front torsion bar was cracked in half!!!!!! The one that controls how easy the flip opens up. No way to open it up now, to heavy and way to much stress on the one side with the crank arm. I have removed the torsion bar and was thinking I could weld it back together at the split BUT that may not be a good idea. Probable just break at the weld when twisted during opening?? I took some pictures that I can post later.

I thought the last time I had it open it seemed to hard to open….well it must of snapped in half on the way home from that last camp out.

Anyone think welding it back together would hold up under the twisting? It looks, and works, just like a torsion bar on an IFS set up!! Just longer and thinner.

This REALLY sucks!!

Louie

 

[Bella PSD]

7-8 years old. I have had time to get use to it broken, and really its not that bad. Just one replacement part (torsion bar). I wil call FRP and get a price and the best way to replace it. Hardest part looks to be adding the pre-load to the spring. I just hope the replacement price is reasonable??

But since it is currently a 4-ft jump with a ladder up to the bed part, I'm pretty sure that stepped cabinets will come first.

That would be one of the first things I would do along with some kind of step up to the tailgate. I made a 2 step that goes into the trailer receiver. I step up onto the water tank to get up to the top flip (4’6” up).

Louie

 

[Bella PSD]

Just called Flip Pac and the torsion bar is about $250.00 and that is the good part. The bad part...They are back ordered about 6 weeks!! I guess the bright side is I am good for another 7 years.

No camping for me till Christmas!

Louie

 

[VikingVince]

Louie,

I can open and close my Flippac without the crank if need be...because I have a rack on the top. Because I've added too much extra weight with the rack and heavier mattress, I partially do that now. I tie a long rope to the back of the rack before opening it and pull on the rope from the rear to close the flippac. (can't close it any other way anymore...for opening, I prop it it one-third open with a hiking stick and then use the crank...although if need be I could just open it entirely with propping it up and pulling the rope and just catch it as it comes down)

So if you were thinking of putting load bars on your Flippac (don't do a rack like I did...too heavy...but load bars (with Quick Fist clamps) would work great)...now might be the time to do it and then you can still open and close it...plus it's a great place to carry chairs, roll-up table, shovel, other light things...or even a kayak....plus you're set for opening/closing if it ever breaks in the field.

(Considering FRP's track record and my own history with replacements, you'll be lucky if you get your bar in 6 weeks!)

 

[Andrew Walcker]

Hijack on-

Hey Vince and Linda, loved seeing both of your Flippacs this weekend! I can't believe how much room those have, really a great set-up.

-Hijack off