poptop advice?

[rudeboysaude]

I recently aquired an old e-350 van that was used to transport medical patients. It has a raised roof for the ambulance style, but doesn't support full hieght standing. I cut out a section of fiberglass between the steel supports and framed in for a poptop. I thought about the design I've seen on here for solid walls, but decided to keep the profile lower by just sewing in fabric.

The problem I've encountered is how to put in supports for the raised roof. I thought about wood supports on hinges that would fold up as you raise the roof but was wondering if anyone knew of any special hinges, hardwear or other ideas that would make it stronger and maybe easier to raise?

Pulling a tear with this will make for much more sleeping room for others who may travel with us so I'm hoping it will end up durable enough that someday our whole family will be able to camp. Thanks for any ideas you might have.

A.

[schaney]

The method you're describing should work, sounds similar the how Four Wheels Campers does their roof lift.

Another way to consider is like a VW camper. Hinge it on one end, then use gas struts to lift/support the other end

[rudeboysaude]

Yeah, I read their site and it says this:

How do I raise or lower my camper roof? Our patented "Easy Lift" roof system requires a simple push that locks two (2) panels past center vertically to hold our lightweight aluminum roof securely in place.

I only need to add about 14 inches of lift in the roof to allow full standing but it sounds like they have panels that drop down into the living area when it's not raised? I think I'd make a support that folds up and attaches to the roof so you can still move about the interior scrunced up at least and not worry about hitting those. Sounds like I need to do some experimenting.

A.

[rudeboysaude]

Ahh, I was able to see some pictures.. Looks about like what I was thinking. Must be strong enough if they use that in commercial campers. Guess I'll try that out. Thanks for reassuring my plan!

A.

[onemanbander]

you should see how these car-top campers work- I am not sure how exactly they work myself, but they seem compact and convenient for what you are looking for- (esp. the columbus and maggolina models).

http://www.autohomeus.com/

peace

[rudeboysaude]

That would be slick. Didn't get to see any pictures, but found this description:

The Maggiolina sets up with just a turn of the crank. Its rugged lift mechanism is corrosion proof and stays smooth and effortless in any weather.


I assume it's like the mechanism popup campers use today. LIke this:

http://www.customcylindersintinc.com/ca ... system.htm

Would be nice, but seems like a lot of work.

A.

[onemanbander]

It looks to me like the bars are in an "X" formation- the crank somehow pushes the bottom of the poles together and raises the top with the pivot point right in the middle of the cross bars.

This would take up little to no room inside your vehicle- as the poles would lie flat- there would be nothing hanging into your van while you travel.

peace

[jimqpublic]

When I worked in the field we had http://www.silvershieldsystem.com/default.htm a Silver Shield cover on one truck. The design appears a little bit Rube-Goldbergish but it worked great even in high winds and we could drive around the job site with the cover popped up. They have springs inside of aluminum tubes to raise it and synthetic ropes for cross bracing.

[rudeboysaude]

I do like the idea.. I got the wacky idea from viewing sites like Sportsmobile.com and seeing their fancy penthouses. I don't quite know how to fabricate the spring loaded x braces though. I thought maybe 2 legs from an ironing board might work, but haven't really looked into the logistics yet. Also maybe drop down legs like on folding tables that could lock into place. I've got lots of ideas, but just not sure which way to go with it yet and what would work the best. Spring loaded.. I'll have to see if I can find any ideas on a home build for that. Thanks for all the ideas and input. It helps get the ideas flowin.

A.

[rudeboysaude]

Cool one here too although it looks sort of complicated to make yourself at home with those accordian spars.

http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/Dormobile/roof.html

A.

[1849]

Rats, when I clicked on this thread, I thought the subject was poptarts...

[mmocken]

check out this...only $150 for pop top

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/405086238.html

-----------------------------

VW, volkswagon, POP TOP for camper, bus, van, truck - $150
Reply to: [email protected]
Date: 2007-08-24, 1:17PM MDT


vw, volkswagon, pop top for camper, bus,van,truck

I have two volkwagon pop tops from 2 vw pop top campers.They are complete and have all the canvas intact.
These could be used to convert a vw bus or any other van into a pop top camper.
They could be also used if you built a pop top camper for a pick up truck.
I was going to convert a vw van to a camper, and a gmc van, but never got around to it.

The first one is the standard pop top that opens with the high side toward the front of the veichle. There is also a a luggage rack that mounts in front of the pop top. That is sold with the pop top. Apx measurements: 57 1/2" wide, 108" length, luggage rack adds 34"length.


The second one is a pop top that opens straight up. When opened the roof of the topper is straight, parallel to the top of the bus. It does not have a luggage rack in front of it.It is made by sportsmobile.
Apx measurements: 57 1/2" wide, 110" length.

Price for each is $150




* Location: Boulder

I do like the idea.. I got the wacky idea from viewing sites like Sportsmobile.com and seeing their fancy penthouses. I don't quite know how to fabricate the spring loaded x braces though. I thought maybe 2 legs from an ironing board might work, but haven't really looked into the logistics yet. Also maybe drop down legs like on folding tables that could lock into place. I've got lots of ideas, but just not sure which way to go with it yet and what would work the best. Spring loaded.. I'll have to see if I can find any ideas on a home build for that. Thanks for all the ideas and input. It helps get the ideas flowin.

A.

[rudeboysaude]

Wow, that would be a sweet deal. Too bad a trip to boulder would cost me alot more then $150. Nice find though. Thanks!

A.

[rudeboysaude]

It could be an expensive option, but what about a linear actuator on 2 sides to lift the roof then manual methods to secure it? That would be pretty slick I'd think.

A.

[SkipperSue]

Check out Rae's gypsy waggon, she has a pop top on her trailer. You might get some ideas from her build.

http://www.enslin.com/rae/gypsy/wagon.htm