Extending poptop height

[nab]

Anyone extended their poptop height?

Just extend the vinyl and struts?

Needs to be extended 130mm. Whole bee vinyl or just add on 130mm (existing vinyl is like new).

Any idea on cost?

[edz]

Probably be cheaper / easier  to add 130 mm into the roof itself rather than have the whole tent section specialy remade  .. Take it you have the foam  core type roof ? ..For me I would undo the tent section and lift posts ..then put a 200 x 3 > 4 mm  Ally flat onto the roof sides / end plates [ countersunk and bolted corners with 3mm angle ] then reattach the tent section and lift posts / roof latches and bottom roof seal channel to that ally skirt . That way you dont have to remake the door top and try to make longer lift posts etc etc ...
From memory a standard  tent section replacement is about $4000 +
Ally flat nuts bolts etc probably sub $500 ..your time and a few mates BBQ N Beers ..  Caravan mob probably $1500 + . At very rough guess .

[nab]

That's an interesting idea! One of the reason for getting a poptop was lower storage height though.

[edz]

Think you will run into bigger troubles with trying to extend lift posts etc ..Is there enough room for them to go lower down into the bottom receiver tube / then you would need to custom make / move the spring sleds / wiring length that push the posts up ..Big can of worms ..

[nab]

I'm talking about a poptop caravan with scissor lifters and struts, going from 420mm to 550mm on the vinyl skirt.

[Brisbane Puff]

Your profile says 2005 Jayco Dove??

If it's a pop top caravan then this is some of the issues;
1. Your scissor lift will need to be higher. There for the whole scissor mechanism will need to
to be wider to effect the extra height, that is, a whole new mechanism.
2. Longer gas struts, but attention will be needed to any change in pivot points..
3. Instead off attaching more material to the skirt, it may work out cheaper to get a new
skirt made. Depending on where you are, caravan repair businesses can accommodate that.
We had ours removed and a new one fitted, was too bad a price..
4. Small things like extending the power cables from frame to roof...

Also, keep in mind that wind will have more effect on the skirt. Depending on the strength
of the gas struts you may need spacers between the frame and the top(roof) if you are
going to use a pull out awning for any long period of set up and stay..

[edz]

I'm talking about a poptop caravan with scissor lifters and struts, going from 420mm to 550mm on the vinyl skirt.

Now you tell us .. ..Yep as Puff says, New skirt would be easier .. Next size Taller lift arms etc .. If you have those over center roof lifter thingies inside the van, you would have to do some mods to them or go an Air lift set up as in Glenm's van build up http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=43250.25

[Brisbane Puff]

Or this.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL-zpYa431M

[nab]

Air lift looks fancy!! Maybe too fancy for me haha

Still have my Jayco Dove but we are looking to upgrade to a poptop up to 17ft. Found one that I like, if the roof was high enough I would have made a deal with him. It has scissors at the ends and a strut each side, no internal lifting parts.

Checked a canvas place today, $1600 to supply and install a new skirt, but they don't touch the lifters/struts. Struts and scissors look to be over $400.

Called the seller, made an offer taking into account the roof mods and he didn't accept. Will keep on looking....

[edz]

I take it ya not verticaly challenged, Mr Nab, RE: the need for some extra headroom in the pop top .. Im 6'4" and find most run pretty close .  .

[nab]

Correct. 6'6" keeps my noggin nice and bruised...