Hi, we've got a new Jayco Starcraft and have a cover that I've been trying and failing to put on. Previously we had a Jayco Swan camper trailer and it was a piece of cake to get on, but this is much bigger plus there is the air con and TV aerial which the cover keeps on getting snagged on, so there's obviously a bit of technique involved? Any tips? Can I walk on the roof without damaging it or affecting the warranty?
HI Zed, With my full height van I sort the right orientation of the cover and then place the cover folded onto the roof, I spread the cover out from there using a broom and two step ladders to go from side to side.
Not easy but it is a way I found of covering the van without too much heavy lifting and stretching.
Also, I place a plastic tub over the KingJack antenna and two foam mats (flooring mats) over the edges of the solar panel to stop chafing damage.
Hope this helps.
Cheers Vince
-- Edited by vince56 on Friday 9th of February 2018 11:54:36 AM
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I use a silver tarp not a 'cover' but the technique would be the same.
First I tie broccoli boxes on top of the Air Cond & 3 at each end of the van. This provides an air gap between the cover & van roof. It also reduces rubbing on the van paint work.
I fold in the edges to make it into a manageable bundle and roll it up into a sausage shape.
Using step ladders & a pole with a hook it is just a matter of rolling it along the roof from back to front & 'helping' it over obstructions with the pole or reaching out from the step ladder.
When it's in place & the centres tied down, I use the pole to turn out the sides/edges ... ie to unfold it.
I have walked on my roof but not too close to the edges but I try to avoid doing so if possible. There is usually a timber frame that the roofing sheets sit on.
I have a 20' by 10' white and green tarp that I roll up on a 3m 90mm pvc pipe.
Up a ladder and unroll it, using the pipe to lift over obstacles, tying down as the tarp eyelets become exposed.
Works for me. Starcraft 19.6 outback is a long way off the ground.
I turned the cover inside out folded the sides in then rolled each end to the centre having done that place the cover on the roof roll out each end then pull the sides to edge of roof and let them drop down, job done. Then when you take the cover off make sure you store it rolled up inside out so you can do the same next time you want it on.
We used to really struggle putting the cover on until we discovered the tent pole method.
We lay out the cover on the ground in front of the van, put a tent pole on each side with the 'pointy bit' through the tie-down eyelet. We then walk the cover over the van. Really easy.
I like Cupie's idea of using polystyrene boxes to raise the roof a bit over aircon. That would also reduce the risk of hail damage with an airgap on the roof.
Cheers,
Margaret and Ron
