- #1
Kelly1214
- 5
- 1
I'm trying to figure out alternative ways to lift the roof on a pop-up camper that I'm refurbishing. There is limited space, and it needs to be lifted from beneath. I'm trying to avoid completely gutting it if possible which is what I'd have to do with a standard cable system. Any ideas?
It currently has an 'arm' on the outside of each corner that folds when the roof is lowered and extends to lock in place when the roof is raised. there is an extended spring inside the bottom arm that assists you in raising the roof as it pulls on the upper arm while you lift (see image).
My problem with the current setup is basically that I think it's hideous and I want to make it more streamlined and inconspicuous. It's also broken right now, so it needs to be replaced anyway. My ideas so far are variations of 2 things:
1. Using ACME threaded rods and
2. Using a different version of the current spring system, but one that is vertical and collapses inside of itself when lowered.
The main problems I've run into with the ACME stuff is that it seems like it will be really slow, and I don't know where I could put the motor without taking up space inside or underneath (and I don't want it to get all bashed up from driving), because it seems like I would need a pretty big motor in order to have enough power to turn all four rods to lift the roof. If I were to use a hand crank rather than a motor, it seems like it would either be really hard to crank, or it would take a really long time. Also, this seems like it would be a pretty expensive solution. However, if I can find a solution that works with this idea, I like this idea the most.
With the spring idea, it just seems like the spring size and strength that I would need are really hard to find.
I'm sorry I don't have other details (measurements, materials, etc.), I'm at the very beginning of the process and just trying to think of anything that might work at all. I'm also not familiar with any type of mechanical engineering on a level past "common knowledge" so I realize that I could be missing something that is very obvious to the people reading this (hence this post asking for help). So if you have any suggestions or new ideas, that would be very appreciated!
It currently has an 'arm' on the outside of each corner that folds when the roof is lowered and extends to lock in place when the roof is raised. there is an extended spring inside the bottom arm that assists you in raising the roof as it pulls on the upper arm while you lift (see image).
My problem with the current setup is basically that I think it's hideous and I want to make it more streamlined and inconspicuous. It's also broken right now, so it needs to be replaced anyway. My ideas so far are variations of 2 things:
1. Using ACME threaded rods and
2. Using a different version of the current spring system, but one that is vertical and collapses inside of itself when lowered.
The main problems I've run into with the ACME stuff is that it seems like it will be really slow, and I don't know where I could put the motor without taking up space inside or underneath (and I don't want it to get all bashed up from driving), because it seems like I would need a pretty big motor in order to have enough power to turn all four rods to lift the roof. If I were to use a hand crank rather than a motor, it seems like it would either be really hard to crank, or it would take a really long time. Also, this seems like it would be a pretty expensive solution. However, if I can find a solution that works with this idea, I like this idea the most.
With the spring idea, it just seems like the spring size and strength that I would need are really hard to find.
I'm sorry I don't have other details (measurements, materials, etc.), I'm at the very beginning of the process and just trying to think of anything that might work at all. I'm also not familiar with any type of mechanical engineering on a level past "common knowledge" so I realize that I could be missing something that is very obvious to the people reading this (hence this post asking for help). So if you have any suggestions or new ideas, that would be very appreciated!
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