Problem with lift assist gas struts and wind

[DirtyDog]

The lift assist gas struts "lighten" the roof enough that in high winds it is almost impossible to get the roof down. A couple of days ago I was in an epic struggle with the roof - I would lower it, it would pop back up, over and over again. Finally I got it down and bolted out to get the roof clamps on when it gets worse - I got one roof clamp latched when the roof popped up again. This is just as bad as rifting the roof with a clamp latched - there was some damage (although everything still functioned).

So I guess my advice would is: be aware of this issue. In high winds its probably best to remove the gas struts while lowering the roof.

 

[pods8]

Was it feasible to turn the truck around so it was nosed into the wind to limit the effect of air wanting to blow into the door?

 

[craig333]

I wonder if closing the door and turning the fan on to exhaust would help.

 

[simimike]

I'm trying to visualize this. I had a similar experience with the added joy of rain. I finally closed the door and let the inside air ooze out the tie down ports. Such things are memories made of. Rest assured that some day you will be laughing about this tale.

Mike

 

[MarkBC]

I wonder if closing the door and turning the fan on to exhaust would help.

My suggestion, too.
I've had to do this even without the lift-assist struts when the wind is blowing directly from the rear.

Or, tie the dog on the roof to provide added downward force.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

One way I have solved this problem is to attach a "bunggie" from the push plate on the front to some where in the lower area of the camper. It keeps the front down so you can get out and clip the front latches. Or have the wife or significant other stand out in the wind or rain to clip the latches. Either way works.

Frank

 

[chnlisle]

I'm finding that if you lower the back first and engage the barrel latch it will hold the roof closed so you can lower the front and the camper doesn't seem to know the difference.

 

[K6ON]

I had that problem once, closed the door and turned both the fantastic fans on exhaust and slowly lowered the top.