Exterior Advice regarding installing scissor lifts to Sterling poptop

[Max Wallace]

We are the happy owners of a 2014 18ft Sterling Outback with Simplicity Suspension and the only real concern I have with the van is with regards to the poptop roof, which has a Dometic rooftop air conditioner unit fitted. I am wondering if I should have scissor lifts fitted to both ends to assist with reducing the effort required to lift the roof and support for the added weight of the air conditioner, as well as the forces that are imposed on the side gas struts by the awning being tied down during times of winds? Your infinite wisdoms with this matter would be much appreciated.

 

[Mick]

how good are your gas struts have you thought of either regassing the exsiting struss or even get them upgraded to heavy duty ones?

 

[Max Wallace]

how good are your gas struts have you thought of either regassing the exsiting struss or even get them upgraded to heavy duty ones?

 

[Max Wallace]

Mick, thanks for your quick response to this matter. I've certainly given some thought to the gas struts and whether or not to increase their strength, but, I also hear of issues regarding the strain that is then placed on the strut pivots when doing so. I see other vans, including Jayco, that have both gas struts and scissors lifts fitted on the ends and wonder whether or not this configuration provides for a greater degree of stability and strength to the overall integrity of the roof. The scissor lift mechanisms are readily available at Jayco dealers.

 

[Dandy]

Not sure if it has been mentioned on here... There is a air lift system available. http://www.rvairlifters.com.au/ I have no connection with them, just saw them online. They seem pretty simple.... May be worth a look?

 

[Dobbie]

We looked into that carefully as well for exactly the same reasons and decided to see how we went before changing anything.

Result....two people can easily handle the roof top lifting, unlike the situation with no roof air. We now just make sure we both do the lifting, with no exceptions.

The roof integrity is certainly helped in windy conditions by adding a couple of pop top supports. Easily sourced and they give rigidity and reduce the shuddering from the awning in the wind.

Problem solved for us....there's a thread where we debated alternatives and options.

 

[Max Wallace]

Update,
Thanks to everyone who provided me with a response. Nevertheless, whilst we were travelling I decided to have scissor lifts fitted and I could not be happier with the result. The roof now pulls down square and roof feels much more possitive when I raise and lower it. I do raise and lower the roof one end at a time and find it functions very easily . They were fitted by a caravan repairer at Inverell NSW who was most knowlegable and helpful. He completed the job whilst we went shopping and sightseeing for a few hours. He helped unhitch the van and plugged the van into power whilst working on the van in his workshop, allowing our fridge to continue functioning. Excellent result.

 

[G Daddy]

@Max Wallace , can you post photos of the completed job?

 

[Max Wallace]

As requested photos of fitted scissor lifts. View attachment 56458

 

[G Daddy]

Thanks @Max Wallace , I presume they have a spring in the system? Is it to rude to approx what they cost?

 

[Dobbie]

I'd be interested as well as we may need to do the same in the future.

(For the reasons outlined in my previous post)

 

[Max Wallace]

Yes there is a spring within the scissor mechanism. They were fitted by Josh from Motor Mecca at Inverell, who is an authorised Jayco repairer. He is a most helpful person, which is certainly more than I can say for some others I've atempted to deal with in the past. The total cost for the job was $450, which when considering the cost of the parts was very reasonable indeed. Now, I need not concern myself with the roof sagging should a gas strut let go, which I'm informed they do, particularly in colder weather.

 

[G Daddy]

Thanks @Max Wallace

 

[Dobbie]

Yep....thanks for the info.