poptop roof aircon & solar panels

xpanda

Member
Apr 28, 2013
115
24
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56
Gippsland
Hi
I'm looking to get some feedback from anyone who has had a 17 expanda with poptop roof aircon and solar panels, and whether they had any issues ( over weight, vibration, movement) with the setup
Thanks
 

Brad

Well-Known Member
Jan 2, 2012
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Rowville, Victoria
I reacon if you had have asked that question a year and a half ago you may have had a few more responses. But I can't remember over recent times anyone having issues anymore with this.
 

relgate

Superstar
Staff member
Feb 2, 2012
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Sydney, NSW
We have this set up and have had no probs so far. Our only issue is that the roof is hard to pop up due to the weight.
 

greynt

Active Member
Dec 15, 2012
245
171
43
Yarra Valley
G'day xpanda, we have 17.56-2OB and have had no problems so far with roof. Agree with Brad as I really can't remember seeing recent posts with issues. Same as relgate just weight can be an issue, but again happy with ours. We have roof air, 80watt solar panel and wine guard antenna. We have not done a lot of travel with ours but been down some dusty corrugated roads and not had any dust in the van. No movement either so far. Are you having issues or just after info?
HTH
Cheers
greynt
 

Lara

Active Member
Jan 23, 2013
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Manly NSW
I can't imagine it being a problem if Jayco have it as an option on pop tops. I would have thought they would be the first to put a stop to it if it were causing problems and warranty issues.
 

Brad

Well-Known Member
Jan 2, 2012
2,645
723
113
Rowville, Victoria
I can't imagine it being a problem if Jayco have it as an option on pop tops. I would have thought they would be the first to put a stop to it if it were causing problems and warranty issues.
Yep Lara, when I had my 16 pop top there were issues with mine and others. It is nice to see probably due to complaints and warranty claims that this on has been rectified by Jayco.
 

xpanda

Member
Apr 28, 2013
115
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Gippsland
G'day xpanda, we have 17.56-2OB and have had no problems so far with roof. Agree with Brad as I really can't remember seeing recent posts with issues. Same as relgate just weight can be an issue, but again happy with ours. We have roof air, 80watt solar panel and wine guard antenna. We have not done a lot of travel with ours but been down some dusty corrugated roads and not had any dust in the van. No movement either so far. Are you having issues or just after info?
HTH
Cheers
greynt
Hi Grey, thanks for the info, & no issues just after info
 

xpanda

Member
Apr 28, 2013
115
24
18
56
Gippsland
I can't imagine it being a problem if Jayco have it as an option on pop tops. I would have thought they would be the first to put a stop to it if it were causing problems and warranty issues.

Take your point Lara, but still like to do some homework rather than just trust the sales pitch
 

bigbertha

Member
Oct 6, 2012
94
9
8
port elliot sa
we have 16 with roof air con, 150w solar panels and snowflake antenna ,no problems here not that much heavier to lift , missus and i have no trouble .
 

Ligedy

Active Member
Oct 13, 2012
230
176
43
Mackay
We have this set up and have had no probs so far. Our only issue is that the roof is hard to pop up due to the weight.

Same here - no problems with the setup but the roof is hard to pop up due to the weight (a/c, 2 solar panels & tv antenna).

A good mate of mine designed and makes these air lifters. http://www.rvairlifters.com.au/ He has been to the Jayco factory to install these but they want a system that will lower the roof automatically as well before taking it furher... He currently has that in development now. I told him to hurry up so I can test it for free :)
 
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Lara

Active Member
Jan 23, 2013
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Manly NSW
Same here - no problems with the setup but the roof is hard to pop up due to the weight (a/c, 2 solar panels & tv antenna).

A good mate of mine designed and makes these air lifters. http://www.rvairlifters.com.au/ He has been to the Jayco factory to install these but they want a system that will lower the roof automatically as well before taking it furher... He currently has that in development now. I told him to hurry up so I can test it for free :)

Love the air lifters Lidegy, clever mate you have! They will be a popular addition to any pop top!
 

Smash

Active Member
Apr 23, 2013
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Perth WA
Hi

I spoke to Jayco technical to find out what weight I could put on the roof for solar and they came back to me to say solar is fine but if you have air con as well they normally fit heavier duty gas struts to help with the lift from factory.

cheers Smash
 

brookes2622

Active Member
Jun 24, 2012
383
38
28
Bywong NSW
Hi

I spoke to Jayco technical to find out what weight I could put on the roof for solar and they came back to me to say solar is fine but if you have air con as well they normally fit heavier duty gas struts to help with the lift from factory.

cheers Smash

Interesting. I'm about to put some panels on the roof and think I should also replace the gas struts. Anyone who has a 17.56 with factory solar are you able to post the model number or specification of the strut please? I'm guessing there is a bunch of additional stresses and strains involved and I don't want to damage brackets.
 

Ligedy

Active Member
Oct 13, 2012
230
176
43
Mackay
Interesting. I'm about to put some panels on the roof and think I should also replace the gas struts. Anyone who has a 17.56 with factory solar are you able to post the model number or specification of the strut please? I'm guessing there is a bunch of additional stresses and strains involved and I don't want to damage brackets.

Can do Brookes - but won't be until the weekend when I get home from work... it wouldn't surprise me if vans with solar exit the factory with the same struts...