I finally scored a used Flippac

[wantapinz2]

Earthroamer wantabe

Ok here is another amateur photoshop image of what my m725 might look like
with a flippac that opens to the rear instead of to the front.

By wantapinz2 at 2010-11-01[/IMG]
I'm no fiberglass wiz but i bet it's possible to duplicate the front light panel above the windshield. That would also help keep water out while driving with the top closed. hmmm

 

[sojourner]

platform

Charles, another advantage of having the flip pac open at the rear of the vehicle is that you could create another space below it.

If you had a platform attached with hinges just below the barn doors that folds up to just below the windows you could use the doors as walls, the flip pac as the roof and platform as the floor. I attached some crude "paint" drawings to show it open and closed. Granted, it wouldn't be alot of space, maybe 3.5' but it could be enclosed with canvas and add a small table and chairs. It would be nice to have in bad weather and you could also attach a spare to the platform.

What do you think?
Leeland

 

[Harp]

If you look close the flip open is suspended by the ropes and wires much the same as a suspension bridge. The major flaw on the earthroamer is they put the deployment and retraction power winch on just one side (the right in this photo) creating torque only on one side twisting the top and causing all sorts of problems. If it were hand deployed that problem would be eliminated. If the center tent poles of the flippac were beefed up this is a simple answer to the rear flip plan. Add a couple poles on the rear of the unit at 45 degree angles and this would be more than enough to support the top. It also adds a instant shelter at the rear of the vehicle for shade and rain.