Lift Panel Dimensions Needed - Help In The Texas Area?

[FredDodd]

Hello!

This is my first post but I have been lurking here for along time. I have a Four Wheel Camper Bronco model I am rebuilding to install on a 1990 Bronco. It is a total gut job, I am starting from the frame and working my way up! I will start a build thread eventually but I have a few question on the lift panels. My camper did not come with any lift panels so I am starting from scratch. Any information you can provide will be appreciated!

1. Material to be used is 1/4" Space Age Synthetics material similar to what is used currently on our campers. I could not get the same finish so I will have to coat or paint mine (my material is pretty rough and is unfinished). Since its 1/4" thick I will have to make a rabbit on the edge for the hinge to recess in to fit and fold flat. What size is rabbit on the current panels?

2. I have read where some of you have used and offset hinge, is this recommended? What length hinge is needed?

3. I don't have any panels to use as a template so can someone please give me measurements of their panels? I need everything from length, width, and spacing to the middle hinge.

4. I have seen where some make the panels taller for more headroom, I have also read that its not just as simple as adding the same amount to each panel. What is the percentage difference that is needed for each panel.

5. Rivets - I have read that the rivets to use are 1/8" wide flange aluminum. But what length?

Also if anyone can post pictures of the stock set up I would appreciate it. I am located in Texas so there are not may options to see a Four Wheel Camper up close.

Is there anything else I am missing? I have read as many threads as I can find on lift panels and I am still confused some. Hopefully I can some answers to clear up my confusion.

Thanks!
Fred

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Fred, welcome to WTW.

I believe both FWC and ATC use offset hinged panels, and I do recommend you see one in person. We have members in Texas that will probably reach out.

Here is an image of a FWC front panel that will give you perspective on the overlap, hinge length/location, and riveting.

 

[FredDodd]

Thank you! Hopefully someone speaks up so I can look at a camper in person.

 

[dscobell]

Hey Fred,

I own a 2017 Grandby with front dinette. Dimensions may vary by model…

Each of my lift panels consist of two rectangular panels made of some synthetic material and attached to the camper and to each other by three spring loaded hinges.

Upper panel:
Approx, 60 by 14 inches.The top edge has 90 degree corners and a centered 59” spring loaded piano hinge attaching it to the roof. The lower edge has radius corners and a centered 46” spring loaded piano hinge. It also has some sort of strap which attaches the lift panel to the canvas of the camper. The strap is used to tuck the canvas in when the roof is lowered. This is hidden behind the panel so details are just what I can feel.

Lower panel:
Approx, 60 by 21. The top edge has dog eared corners at 30 degree angles and a radius where they meet the side of the rectangle. The lower edge has 90 degree corners and is attached to the frame of the camper. The lower panel has an aluminum frame measuring 22 x 20.5 inches. It is made from 3/4 inch L shaped aluminum channel. It has only three sides ,open at the bottom, centered on the lower panel and attached using the same rivets used to attach the hinges.

Together:
The two panels are attached using the piano hinge on the lower edge of the upper panel. It is placed 12” up from the lower edge of the lower panel. Rivets are used to attach the hinges to the panels. Screws are used to attach the completed panel to the camper.

I hope this makes sense. If you look at a photo of a lift panel while you read this it might become clearer.

Questions? Please reach out. I will do my best. Dan

 

[okiedavid]

Hello!

This is my first post but I have been lurking here for along time. I have a Four Wheel Camper Bronco model I am rebuilding to install on a 1990 Bronco. It is a total gut job, I am starting from the frame and working my way up! I will start a build thread eventually but I have a few question on the lift panels. My camper did not come with any lift panels so I am starting from scratch. Any information you can provide will be appreciated!

1. Material to be used is 1/4" Space Age Synthetics material similar to what is used currently on our campers. I could not get the same finish so I will have to coat or paint mine (my material is pretty rough and is unfinished). Since its 1/4" thick I will have to make a rabbit on the edge for the hinge to recess in to fit and fold flat. What size is rabbit on the current panels?

2. I have read where some of you have used and offset hinge, is this recommended? What length hinge is needed?

3. I don't have any panels to use as a template so can someone please give me measurements of their panels? I need everything from length, width, and spacing to the middle hinge.

4. I have seen where some make the panels taller for more headroom, I have also read that its not just as simple as adding the same amount to each panel. What is the percentage difference that is needed for each panel.

5. Rivets - I have read that the rivets to use are 1/8" wide flange aluminum. But what length?

Also if anyone can post pictures of the stock set up I would appreciate it. I am located in Texas so there are not may options to see a Four Wheel Camper up close.

Is there anything else I am missing? I have read as many threads as I can find on lift panels and I am still confused some. Hopefully I can some answers to clear up my confusion.

Thanks!
Fred

I'm sorry, but where in Texas? As you know it's a big state, lol. I'm in central Oklahoma, around 3 hours north of Dallas.

 

[Beach]

Where in Texas?

 

[FredDodd]

Sorry! I just remembered to look at this. I am located in the Bryan/College Station area. Thanks for the measurements, that gives me a place to start from. Its hard since I dont have an old lift panel set up to go off of as a template.