ATC PVC material needs reshaping

[robcc]

We have a bobcat and the gray PVC material is getting pinched at the seal when popping down. We're using flexible plastic buddy knives to tuck this material in these spots mostly towards the front. However, I'm wondering if we could use an iron (on low heat) to reshape this material so it less prone to pinching? Anyone had this problem and developed other ideas to reshape the material to prevent pinching.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

That just might do the trick. IMO, a heat gun or hair dryer would be safer.

Edit: have you talked to ATC?

 

[JaSAn]

. . . Anyone had this problem and developed other ideas to reshape the material to prevent pinching.

Since I use a speaker stand to raise and lower the roof it is easy to stop a couple of times while closing to tuck in the soft sides. Easy to do from the inside except for behind the lift panels, there I must go outside and stand on the truck.

 

[jimjxsn]

We have a bobcat and the gray PVC material is getting pinched at the seal when popping down. We're using flexible plastic buddy knives to tuck this material in these spots mostly towards the front. However, I'm wondering if we could use an iron (on low heat) to reshape this material so it less prone to pinching? Anyone had this problem and developed other ideas to reshape the material to prevent pinching.

Are you using the bungee cords and are they still tight? I haven't had that issue except when not using the bungee cords.

That being said, I have noticed that I can see the PVC siding along the front and rear edge when the roof is locked down. But it does not hang out of the roof overhang.

 

[ski3pin]

Can you post a photo of the pinching? That may help, thank you.

 

[Beach]

Be careful if you decide heat is the way to go, over application of heat can delaminate the pvc coating from the fabric and accelerate the aging process causing the coating to become brittle.

 

[robcc]

RE a photo of the pinching that ski3pin asked for. Mine looks exactly like jimjxsn's photo. You can see where the material is starting to wear where it rubs on the unpopped roof.

 

[robcc]

Oh yeah the bungees are tight and I've even tried using river cam straps to tighten more to pull the material inward and it didn't help. Also this pinching is only over a 1-2' section on the front left and right of the camper. I'll call Marty and see what he suggests.

 

[ski3pin]

RE a photo of the pinching that ski3pin asked for. Mine looks exactly like jimjxsn's photo. You can see where the material is starting to wear where it rubs on the unpopped roof.

I got it, thanks.

In regards to the bungee cords and pulling the material inward when lowering the roof. I close the door and turn the roof fan on high blowing out. I pull the front rod and then allow the suction from the fan to pull the roof down and then repeat with the rear lift panel. It pulls the sideline material in tight.

Marty of Jeff at ATC (800-446-1003) are the best source on working on the material.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Oh yeah the bungees are tight and I've even tried using river cam straps to tighten more to pull the material inward and it didn't help. Also this pinching is only over a 1-2' section on the front left and right of the camper. I'll call Marty and see what he suggests.

When you lower the top,if you have a vent fan close the door and
start the fan at full speed.
That will pull the material in and should prevent it from pinching.

I have been doing this for many years and it works great.
Frank

 

[robcc]

Thanks we don't have a fan.

 

[robcc]

Marty suggested using a hair dryer and I did and it is working to "train the material" into the correct spot. There is some abrasion on the pinched material so it seems to be worth the effort.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Marty suggested using a hair dryer and I did and it is working to "train the material" into the correct spot. There is some abrasion on the pinched material so it seems to be worth the effort.

That's good info to know.
Marty and team come through again
Frank