Flippac Torsion Bar Sleeve

[Captm]

What is the purpose of the aluminum sleeve over the torsion bar? Aesthetics - why not just paint it? You could then inspect the bar. Safety - to keep the torsion bar from flailing when it breaks? :Wow1: Protection from the element? A constant cycle of heating and cooling forming and trapping moister (freezing?) in between dissimilar metals. I looked at the torsion bars by Sway-A-Way and unfortunately they do not offer one in the correct length.. Perhaps if they heard from enough of us who would like a better option than the stock unit it might become available. Any thoughts?

 

[Shurppa]

Ya I have a thought!!! Do away with the torsion bar all together. Go with two strait shafts. One splined to the lid with large sprockets and one splined to the shell with small sprockets and an attachable crank handle. Then just crank it open and closed. Or get fancy and use an electric motor. There are probably better ways to do it, I just have not thought of them yet.

 

[ETAV8R]

I remember having aftermarket torsion bars on my 90 pickup to lift it. They didn't have a sleeve and were constantly exposed to the environment. No problems. I think you may be onto something here.

 

[brian90744]

View attachment 98637View attachment 98638

 

[ETAV8R]

]Do flip-Pac owners open the back glass & tail gate before deploying the roof?? Maybe there's to much strain on the bar??

Yes I have the glass and tailgate open most of the time I open my flippac. I don't think it has anything to do with additional strain on the bar. Can you explain your thoughts on this?

 

[brian90744]

Just thinking out, there must be a vacuum when opening top without the glass/tailgate open. have you replaced your bar?? mine is still good. Hope god is listerning.
brian


OTE=ETAV8R;1101355]Yes I have the glass and tailgate open most of the time I open my flippac. I don't think it has anything to do with additional strain on the bar. Can you explain your thoughts on this?[/QUOTE]

 

[suntinez]

Just thinking out, there must be a vacuum when opening top without the glass/tailgate open. have you replaced your bar?? mine is still good. Hope god is listerning.
brian

I believe this is correct, it displaces a lot of air. If I try flipping open without a window open or tailgate open, it takes much more effort to do. If I flip closed with the rear sealed up, all of the canvas winds up hanging out the sides and requires more tucking.

My understanding is that there were a couple of bad batches of torsion bars over the years, not sure about this though. Mine was new in 2007 and works fine ... so far! Fingers crossed.

 

[ETAV8R]

Mine is from 2010. No bar problems yet. I open and close the flippac with the shell open and closed with no observable difference.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Haven't noticed a difference with the tailgate and window open or not. I would imagine the camper would have to be near air tight for it to make a difference.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I avoid the "vacuum effect" when opening or closing my FP by leaving the front and rear window zippers open about a foot, that lets air in and out.

As for the tailgate or rear hatch I leave those closed when opening/closing to ensure the shell is 100% "square" when closing and latching.

Always undo the passenger side latch first followed by the driver side, close in reverse order according to FRP. This ensures the lid stays in alignment (yes, there is flex and the lid alignment can be adjusted L to R)