Lesson Learned

[MikeDahlager]

Coming home from deer hunting I had a really scary experience. I had just entered the freeway and was about to pass a tractor-trailer rig when I happened to glance in my rear view mirror and saw the top on my 8' NCO lifting about 5" off the base unit! Talk about a pucker factor. I slowed down and the top lowered back down.


I pulled over and found that I had left the narrow crank window on the front of the camper wide open. Apparently, this created enough lift at 70 MPH to lift the top section. I shut the window and drove the rest of the way home with the top section firmly in place.

I must admit, I had my doubts about this happening to me. The top section always sat firmly in the down position. I could see how this might be a problem with a cab over unit if the wind got underneath the overhang, but how could it be a problem with a NCO?

The bottom line? ALWAYS CHECK TO SEE THAT THE FRONT CRANK WINDOW IS CLOSED PRIOR TO HITTING THE ROAD!

Mike

 

[Hittheroad]

Many thanks for the warning. Not everyone would be brave enough to admit to an event like this. Air at 70 mph can be quite powerful. I am not sure how this story effects other camper designs but it is certainly cause for thought no matter how your top lifts.

 

[cologuyw/oldakcamper]

Scary! Did you get a deer?

I want to thank you again for all your original Alaskan camper instruction manuals (papers) that you have posted on Yahoo. Mine were probably tossed in the round file after the first sale (Mine is a 65, 10 ft, NCO). Since the Alaskan design didn't change much back then, it all pertains. Quite helpful. I think it warrants a re posting of the web address again. You have to join Yahoo (at no cost.) http://groups.yahoo....957133/pic/list

colo

 

[chnlisle]

If you guys are going to cross pollinate be sure to mention WTW. DD can use the money.

 

[MikeDahlager]

Scary! Did you get a deer?

I want to thank you again for all your original Alaskan camper instruction manuals (papers) that you have posted on Yahoo. Mine were probably tossed in the round file after the first sale (Mine is a 65, 10 ft, NCO). Since the Alaskan design didn't change much back then, it all pertains. Quite helpful. I think it warrants a re posting of the web address again. You have to join Yahoo (at no cost.) http://groups.yahoo....957133/pic/list

colo


The files are located at: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Alaskan_Camper/files/

However, you might have to join the forum first to download them.


Mike

 

[banderswipe]

Hi Mike, thanks for the heads up on travelling with the front window open. Mine is allways open about a 1/4. I will add one comment though, in my Alaskan instructions it reccomends leaving the front window only, open a 1/4. if you are travelling on dirt or gravel roads beacuse it creates negative pressure inside the camper and helps to reduce the ammount of dust in the camper. I will definately keep it closed driving down the highway from now on.
Thanks
Kevin.

 

[Fisher205]

There was a discussion on this about this a few years ago on "the other forum". I read it but didn't think anything about it because we were leaving for Moab in a couple of days. On the way through Wyoming and bucking a high wind, I glanced in the mirror and saw my top raising. I slowed down and it stayed in place. We decided to get some tie downs in Capser. While we were fueling up there, a lady stopped and said that they had had an Alaskan but lost the top on it up by Gillette. I used a long strap over the top for the rest of the trip.

I now have 3/8" bolts w/wing nuts through the wall and the cabover support. I have seen some other nicer tie downs than what I did.
Brad