Pneumatic roof lift for FWC

[f_skinner]

Does anyone know anything about this?

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3of4niv_9s"]YouTube - Four-Wheel camper pneumatic lifter.wmv[/ame]

With the solar panel and stuff on the top of the camper I am having problems getting it lifted.

After searching I think it might be the Roof Jenie Model: RJE-2000 http://www.customcylindersintinc.com/roof_jenie.htm

But without any pictures or more information I am not sure. Does anyone have pictures of the device?

Frank

 

[suntinez]

It's home built, he posted something here on expo I think it was last spring. Works off an air compressor if I recall correctly.

I dropped him a note because the top on my Tiger is identical to the FWC ones, and I was having problems popping my top. He sent me more detailed plans/info on it, but I got my shoulder fixed so didn't need it. I think if you do some searching on this site you'll find it? If you can't find it, let me know, I'm sure I have his email - somewhere.

 

[BajaXplorer]

Take a look at this thread.
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2974/
I've done it on my Hawk and it works.
BX

 

[Deltarat]

Take a look at this thread.
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2974/
I've done it on my Hawk and it works.
BX

Yep, My rig is in that thread also...those struts are the best thing I've ever done
to my Grandby.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Take a look at this thread.
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2974/
I've done it on my Hawk and it works.
BX

Going to do this on my FWC, when I get it.

 

[suntinez]

I REALLY like this mod, the Tiger is definitely getting some of these.

Thanks for posting that link ...

 

[suntinez]

BX and Deltarat,
Are you carrying extra weight on the roof and if so, any idea how much?

I just received my struts and now I'm getting concerned that I may not be able to close it by myself with 4*40lb struts. Won't the struts lift things up before being able to exit and get to the latches?

I guess there's no actual way to know except to do it, just wondering if you have any input on any issues with closing the lid?

Thanks.

 

[BajaXplorer]

BX and Deltarat,
Are you carrying extra weight on the roof and if so, any idea how much?

I just received my struts and now I'm getting concerned that I may not be able to close it by myself with 4*40lb struts. Won't the struts lift things up before being able to exit and get to the latches?

I guess there's no actual way to know except to do it, just wondering if you have any input on any issues with closing the lid?

Thanks.

Linda,
I don't currently have any extra weight on my roof. I do plan a 100w solar panel (20lbs +/-) after the first of the year.
My roof was very hard to lift (impossible for Amy) before, now it goes up pretty easy after initial push to get it started. Bringing it down, I have to pull on the lift bar and it settles down to closed position. It stays down once it's down. The reason it stays down so well is because I placed the brackets so in the closed position they are almost horizontal to each other and the leverage for lifting is minimized. This is also why lifting takes some effort initially to get less than a 90 degree angle to the direction of lift.
I can't address problems you may have with your rig, but you can always go to more, or less, powerful struts if need be. And there is always a market for the 40lb ones if you can't ude them.
Wishing you a no hassle installation (winning lottery more likely though).
Michael

 

[Deltarat]

BX and Deltarat,
Are you carrying extra weight on the roof and if so, any idea how much?

I just received my struts and now I'm getting concerned that I may not be able to close it by myself with 4*40lb struts. Won't the struts lift things up before being able to exit and get to the latches?

I guess there's no actual way to know except to do it, just wondering if you have any input on any issues with closing the lid?

Thanks.

Presently there's no additional weight on the roof, but by the end of the week there will be a 100 watt solar panel. It weighs 19 lbs so shouldn't be a significant load. As it presently sits, I have to actively pull each end of the roof down, then there is a "break over point" where the top just settles down on it's own. It's no problem handling by myself. The additional weight will, in most likelihood, make lowering the top a bit easier without adding too much to raising it.

It's by far, the best mod I've done to the camper. Do it, you won't be disappointed.

 

[suntinez]

Thanks both for the replies, getting excited to drill! Need to pickup rivets or correct size sheet metal screws first. I can't wait for the no-effort lift

Hoping I won't need the offset brackets, guess we'll see ...

I just checked the fit on Tiger, got a little problem - you were right BX, lotto more likely! My top doesn't raise as much as the FWC/ATCs and the strut is too long by a couple inches in front. So I'll have to relocate my brackets a little further apart to make it work. Back should be fine, no latches at all back there - mine are on the sides of the lid. Just a little more work I guess, still worth it.

 

[suntinez]

It's by far, the best mod I've done to the camper. Do it, you won't be disappointed.

You're not kidding! Thanks so much to you both for blazing the trail. :wings:

Why oh why didn't I do this before the hundreds of pops last summer??

I wound up installing the front struts on the sides of the vehicle. There wasn't enough room across the front even if I relocated the latches, and my lid is almost 12ft long, plenty of room there. This works just fine. I did have to add a pull loop in the rear inside to make it come down, but once down it settles nicely.

I'm thrilled with the difference

 

[ersatzknarf]

This is a great mod. Pop-ups are very attractive for their benefits, but I am a bit concerned about noise from the wind, when deployed... Would these struts help add any tension to the material, perhaps reducing wind noise somewhat ?

 

[adventureduo]

Looks good Linda! That will be a treat for you now.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Nice job mounting the lifters.

Having the front set on the side keeps them cleaner, less bug goo, ice etc.

 

[suntinez]

Hadn't even thought of that, you're right though! That area is usually disgustingly buggy, and hard to reach.

A nice neighbor power-washed it for me recently, only reason it's clean now.