Flippac troubles and economics-help me out!

[APolinko]

I am the owner of the mid 90's flippac. The tent is in great condition, but the torsion bar broke a while ago. When I purchased it, it only had about 25-35 mm holes in the sealant near the hinges, however, there appeared to be some rust inside. The seam of sealant surrounding the lid had cracked and there was evidence of rust running down the side. Anyways, I have the opportunity to fix the torsion bar, however, this would mean a drive to California (since AT carries a different torsion bar). Essentially I'm looking at $800.00 or 60% of my original investment to fix the flippac (simply because of gas costs & labor). This makes me uneasy, being that I do not know the return on my investment. Does anybody have any experience with the tension from a new torsion bar? My main concern is that the new tension finally causes the hinges to fail. I do not have any proof that would suggest this has a higher probability, but it is in my mind. I guess my question is, would you take a risk? I need to make a decision by Monday!

Thanks for your help!

 

[Rexsname]

Yeah, that sucks. I would think that FRP would be able and willing to do an inspection of the unit while they were installing the new torsion bar. That way you would know that you are all set for a few years. I just know that I waited several years to finally get mine and would hate to have to start over.

REX

 

[Roaming Robertsons]

Once you get to FRP they are great people, they just don't handle phones or follow up very well. I'd have them look at the hinges to see if they can repair/replace them at the same time as the torsion bar.

 

[brian90744]

AT buys their Flip Pacs from FRP and that means they use the same Torsion bar. I believe they FRP has used the same Bar since they started production. Some fail, maybe from rust or the vacuum when opening up the top?? There are many older units out there with no problems. Just my 2 cents.=brian

 

[Roaming Robertsons]

AT buys their Flip Pacs from FRP and that means they use the same Torsion bar. I believe they FRP has used the same Bar since they started production. Some fail, maybe from rust or the vacuum when opening up the top?? There are many older units out there with no problems. Just my 2 cents.=brian

This is true. The JK Habitat has a different torsion bar but not the AT Flippac. They're manufactured by FRP in Riverside.

 

[APolinko]

AT buys their Flip Pacs from FRP and that means they use the same Torsion bar. I believe they FRP has used the same Bar since they started production. Some fail, maybe from rust or the vacuum when opening up the top?? There are many older units out there with no problems. Just my 2 cents.=brian

I was using this thread as a reference
"http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/59441-replacing-flip-pac-torsion-bar/page2"
It is the second to last post on that page. I also know that the AT model is a beefed up version of the FRP version. After re-reading that post I now realize that it was not difinitive wether or not they do have replacements.

 

[RHINO]

as far as AT and the flips go, martyn has just modified the shells for options like windowless, 5ft taco bed length, lights ect. the components are the same as FRP and he has to go through them to get those parts just like we do. i dont think he gets preferential treatment and as such he prolly cant be of any more help than FRP for parts unless he just happens to have one in stock.

as for him having a look instead of going to FRP,,, contact him, i'm sure he'd be happy to look at it (shop rates may be involved since you didnt buy from him), but he is knowledgeable and can certainly give you some answers.

 

[ExpoMike]

I believe AT specs out thicker walls than the standard Flipac. They did this to handle more extreme offroading that could cause the standard ones to crack and to allow fitting items onto the unit (awning, inside boxes, etc.).

 

[Dave Bennett]

Once you get to FRP they are great people, they just don't handle phones or follow up very well. I'd have them look at the hinges to see if they can repair/replace them at the same time as the torsion bar.

X2. I'd go get it looked at and go from there.

 

[APolinko]

A quick update: got a new torsion bar installed, the only issue I'm having is the pressure from the torsion bar has the lid really off centered. Because I went out to California, I have been traveling around the southwest for the holidays. The only way to get that thing latched is with 2 people and some force applied. I haven't really investigated the solution quite yet. I've only been home for a couple of days and I'm setting out for a death valley trip tomorrow to really test it out. Would everybody keep your fingers crossed for me? Happy 2013! I'll update as soon as I return.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Would everybody keep your fingers crossed for me? Happy 2013! I'll update as soon as I return.

Good luck. Fingers crossed! x x

Photos upon your return?

 

[austintaco]

Good Luck. I had a problem with my lid being off center, and having to have my wife help to get it to shut and latch straight. I thought I was going to have to make an adjustment, but when I want to check it out again, it was straight. Some members mentioned on here that your truck being off camber can make a difference, and that is the case with mine.

Good luck, and safe travels.