Latch dented roof

[Ghotihsif]

Looks like we dented our roof with the latch pulling too tight - see pics. Roof fortunately isn’t ripped or torn, but worried more stress on that joint will be a problem. Any suggestions other than ‘baby’ the roof when closing?

 

[pvstoy]

Any chance you might have slightly tried raising the rear lift panel with the latch still catching? I have not seen this with a too tight latch, but you never know.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I think Patrick is correct. It appears to only be an aesthetic problem, and I’m not sure if I’d try and repair it, as it might induce the dreaded oil can noise.

 

[Occidental]

Unfortunately I am a member of the club (met a couple others out on the road) that has tried to raise with that latch still attached. Result looks identical. I haven't repaired because it has never leaked and I don't want the cure to create a problem.

 

[Vic Harder]

Yikes. I'm with Patrick, that looks like a oops from lifting the roof with the latch still engaged.
Marty gave me a lesson in properly latching:
- With the roof down and all the vinyl properly tucked in
- loosely engage the latch and start closing it
- it should fully latch easily (if it doesn't loosen it a bunch first)
- see if you can push the closed latch side to side by using a finger to push it. If you can't budge it, it is too tight!
- loosen a turn or to until when latched you are able to wiggle the closed latch, but it is still not "loose"
- repeat for the other latches.

I used to latch them all way to tight!

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Definitely looks like the rear of the roof was lifted without unlatching that latch.
Only looks bad shouldn't have any leak issues.
Use it as a reminder to make sure all latches are unlatched.
Frank

 

[Jon R]

For the purpose of loading the roof frame more carefully when latching it down and to avoid missing the side latches (typically due to an interruption) and attempting a lift, early on I adopted the practice that the side latches are the last ones latched and the first ones unlatched.

Luckily for me one of these bent roof cautionary tales came up on the forum right after I took delivery of my camper so I had the benefit of learning from another person’s mistake.

A couple of other practices I try to follow consistently to prevent mistakes:

1) Don’t allow yourself to be interrupted when latching or unlatching the six latches. Don’t go to another task unless all or none are latched.

2) When removing the camper, disconnect and stow the wires before removing the turnbuckles.

3) If the hot water tank is not full, the propane tank valve is closed.