I was all set to load the camper on the truck for the first time. My excitement turned to shock when I found two of the gas strut roof lifters had broken screws on the bottom mounts. I had used deck screws to install them because they were the right length. Silly me didn't realize that there's not enough shear strength with deck screws. I should have known, but was caught up in using what I had on hand.
I asked the Mrs to help me lift the roof back up. With two less struts it would be tough. As we were lifting it, two straps that secure the conduit lifters to the ceiling pulled out. We are not having a good day!! Thankfully it was almost 60°. I had been too concerned with having the straps evenly spaced than hitting wood above the ceiling paneling. There is extra blocking in the lifter area but the mount brackets landed further out than I had planned for.
At the end of the day the strut bottom backets were through bolted with 1/4" bolts. The emt lifter straps got revamped also. It's not very pretty but touch ups will have to wait for better weather.
That night, Christmas Eve, we had nasty wind driven rain for several hours. There were gusts up to 50mph according to the weather app. Yesterday, Christmas day, I went out to check on it and there was a puddle on the floor. No signs of leaking from the roof openings. I noticed the sticky rubber backed felt tape that covers the top edge of the hard side walls was wet in several spots. It seems the the wind driven rain found its way in through the stitching holes in the soft side canvas. I had noticed that light was visible through the holes when we were mounting it but promptly forgot. Now I'm thinking I should seal them up with some e6000. Only trouble is, it's too cold now. I'm adding it to the list of fair weather jobs. I truly hate leaving things like this but what can I do?
Maybe today we'll get it on the truck. Wish me luck!
