Hello;
I am a new member ; just bought a toyota campervan.
Have done a couple small trips to get things sorted.
The plan is to travel in the winters and be at home in the hot months.
Starting with a quilt retreat in deniliquin around easter.
There is a beanie fest in Alice Springs the long weekend in June also.
Dawa AKA Gypsy Quilter
Elle on Wheels said
09:31 AM Dec 26, 2011
Hi Dawa
welcome to the forum. Always good to see another solo woman on the road. There are lots out there. The beanie festival sounds interesting - would have thought it a bit hot for beanies in Alice :). This is a very friendly place so don't hestitate to ask questions and for advice. There's heaps of very knowledgeable and experienced people here.
Rip and Rosie said
10:11 AM Dec 26, 2011
Hi dawa welcome to the forum what's a quilt retreat? Rosie
yeoeleven said
11:10 AM Dec 26, 2011
Hi dawa and welcome to the GN forum.
Between us all we will try to help in any way that we can and between us all we have the combined experience to guide you through any problems you may post.
Not into quilting but the beany fest sounds interesting. I used one constantly until I shaved off all my hair last September and now am getting ready to use it again to hide the scruffy look.
The Toyota campervan is a popular vehicle for us single nomads and our experiences with them may help also.
John
dawa said
12:55 PM Dec 26, 2011
a quilt retreat is where us crazy gals who are sewaholics get together for a few days for fun and lots of sewing.
a couple years ago my friend and i finished off 14 quilts
dawa
aka gypsy quilter
dawa said
12:59 PM Dec 26, 2011
I am having trouble getting the pop top up.
It is extra long....goes right to the front.
I had a couple of patches put on heart artreies a few months ago and I
thought i was gunna pop me patches getting the darn thing up.
maybe a device with the car jack will do it.
dawa
aka gypsy quilter
Almurta said
01:43 PM Dec 26, 2011
Hi Gypsy Quilter, welcome to the forum. I'm pretty new here too. I'm heading off on my travels early in February and plan to be up in the centre around June - maybe we'll catch up at the beanie festival. There was a exhibition of beanies from past years at an art gallery where I used to work. The beanies were absolutely amazing. So creative.
It's interesting what you say about getting the pop top up. Although I am committed to leaving on my travels very soon I am still to buy a vehicle. I've been looking at Toyotas and wondering how hard it is get the pop top up. I think I'll try and get a Hi Ace. Like you I don't have the strength I once had due to health issues. I hope you find a way to resolve the problems with the pop top.
Rip and Rosie said
02:27 PM Dec 26, 2011
Hi Dawa make sure the tracks are clean and lubricated. Rosie
dawa said
02:35 PM Dec 26, 2011
OK.. what tracks......didn't see them.
the top is spring loaded as far as i can see.
dawa
aka gypsy quilter
Firefly said
03:48 PM Dec 26, 2011
Hi dawa and welcome
If you put a query in the search engine above, you may find something on devices to lift the pop top. I know it has been discussed here before.
Vic said
07:06 PM Dec 26, 2011
dawa wrote:
OK.. what tracks......didn't see them. the top is spring loaded as far as i can see. dawa aka gypsy quilter
Get a small stepladder and stand on it alongside the van. The tracks are the things that the small wheels on spring loaded cross arms move on,make sure they are clean and spray silicone spray (any hardware shop and some supermarkets) on the top and bottom one, the arms, springs and rollers (wheels) and also where the cross arms meet.
Mine was hard to put up until I cleaned and lubricated the tracks. Also if it is still hard;
Inside, use a small stool if you have to and use your head and shoulders to start the roof to raise, then it will be a lot easier to lift.
To pull it down, on the pull down handles buy a couple of snap on metal hooks (carabinersJ) from bunnings or boat shop, tie some strong cord or rope to the snap on hooks at each end of the rope and clip onto the two pull handles (one on each) the rope should be long enough to make a skipping rope shaped loop hanging down and short enough to finish hanging about 8inches above the floor. After attaching the snap on's with the rope to the two handles, put one foot on the rope (like a stirrup) and at the same time hang onto the handles, push down with your foot and at the same time pull down with your hands. Take snap hooks off pull down handles and store rope/hooks for next time.
-- Edited by Vic on Monday 26th of December 2011 07:08:11 PM
Sheba said
07:56 PM Dec 26, 2011
Hi dawa. I'm going to get this Unit fitted as soon as I can. I have a breathing problem, so this will be a great help to me, as it gets worse.
-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 26th of December 2011 08:00:16 PM
Elle on Wheels said
11:50 PM Dec 26, 2011
Hi Dawa
I had a thread going on this issue as I had huge trouble lifting my caravan poptop the first time I took it out.
The good outcome of that was I got the bloke parked next to me to help me out and he ended up cooking me dinner and it was a fantastic introduction to the travelling lifestyle.
I have not yet cleaned my tracks but opted for gas struts because I believed the poptop was still going to be a problem because of the caravans age and build - much heavier than modern vans - and they were fairly cheap to install - about $650 all up. Now that I have had solar panels fitted I have to get stronger struts on the front end which won't cost me anything because the place that fitted them said to try the lighter struts and they would replace them if they weren't strong enough.
Happy Wanderer has a hiace so I expect she will make a comment on here soon.
It's a good tip to stand on a stool - that makes all the difference.
Yeoeleven also has a hiace so I'm sure he will have something to add.
In your case I think cleaning the tracks will make a big difference.
Good luck
dawa said
07:00 AM Dec 27, 2011
yes cleaning the tracks may be the solution as it is an old camper ...1987 gypsy quilter aka Dawa
yeoeleven said
11:03 AM Dec 27, 2011
The top can be hard to raise, just make sure that all the clips are off. Mine has 4 inside but I have seen them on some outside I am taller than some but I still get my shoulders under when popping it up. You won't get at the side supports for lubrication and cleaning until the top is raised.
My problem was getting the clips on after dropping the top when a new canvas was fitted recently. I have had to remove the elastic drawband fitted to pull the canvas in when dropping the top, it was pulling the canvas across the clips making it hard to secure.
John
HeadnHome said
03:51 PM Dec 27, 2011
G'day dawa, I've also got a hiace pop top, but so far no problems with the pop top so not much help to you there, but I'd look at what the others have suggested, hope you get it sorted soon. Any snaps of your van??
Happywanderer said
04:48 PM Dec 27, 2011
Hello and welcome Dawa. When the top is up check the runners which as others have said are along the bottom of the cross bars. I found on mine most of the wheels were broken and needed replacing. Also grease or oil the runners and other pieces as needed as others have suggested on here. it makes a heck of a difference. I like Vic's idea of the foot cable for extra help in getting pop top down, great idea and putting the pop top up you really need to use head and shoulders for a bit of force but it is only till it gives way then the rest goes up with quite a woosh. I do have outside clamps as well as found it was getting a bit warped and they hold it straight and in place when its down and in place.
I have had both arms broken a couple of years ago, not putting pop top up, lol, and do have shoulder problems and can still manage quite well to get my pop top up and back down even with now weak arms. No different to the force needed to swing myself into the drivers seat really.
dawa said
05:10 PM Dec 27, 2011
couple how doi put them in?
dawa said
05:14 PM Dec 27, 2011
Mine comes down OK but going up is totally beyond me.
Working on another way as well as cleaning and oiling etc.
Thankyou everyone who has given ideas and advice
gypsy aka Dawa
Happywanderer said
05:27 PM Dec 27, 2011
dawa wrote:
couple how doi put them in?
I'm presuming you mean a couple of wheels are broken. You can buy them on line from Caravans plus. less than 3.00 each.
You really need someone to do it for you, replace the wheels, I had a very generous nomad and his son replace all mine for me. Not something I could have done myself as the whole crossbars have to come out and they are spring loaded. Really have to have some strength for that.
Elle on Wheels said
11:21 PM Dec 27, 2011
Dawa it might be worth taking your van to a caravan place to check out your arms and wheels.... what do others think? Might be worth paying a bit to get the problems sorted because campervan poptops should be fairly light and easy.
Happywanderer said
11:23 PM Dec 27, 2011
I do think that would be the right thing to do too Elle. Especially as it seems some of the wheels are broken.
Cruising Granny said
12:17 PM Dec 28, 2011
Maintenance! Everything needs maintenance, all the time, If it stands around parked up for a while it needs maintenance to ensure it still works and keeps working. Learn your machine. Learn about its working parts. Learn how to maintain them and how to keep things lubricated, secure and operational. Look for everything you need to do this with around your vehicle. Do it often whether it's on the road or parked up. It will make everything a pleasure instead of a difficulty, or worse, a dilemma or disappointment.
Happywanderer said
01:57 PM Dec 28, 2011
Yes CG there is always something. My back lift up door, I should say myrtles, was getting harder and harder to open. For a while if I gave it a jiggle it would eventually open till one day last week when it refused to open at all. I went around to S in L who adjusted the bits and sprayed it with WD40 and it is now better than when I bought her. So easy now and will know what to do next time. he also sprayed the sliding side door rollers and made them move a lot better as well.
dawa said
02:09 PM Dec 28, 2011
i have only had my camper for two weeks.
My son is with me on holiday so nothing can be done as it takes a lot to keep up with him.
i am now farm sitting until the 7th.
Need to find out about the solar system that is installed as well.
can anyone tell me what pressure they run their tyres at please.
Dawa
Elle on Wheels said
03:37 PM Dec 28, 2011
Hi Dawa does your van have a solar system installed - it's a great bonus if it does. You might want to put a post on techie's corner just giving a few details like how many watts etc. There should be a lot of experienced grey nomads in Casino - but am not sure how to track them down, someone else may know. It sounds like it would be useful to have someone take a look at your van and explain how everything works. Don't spose the previous owner is around?
Sheba said
06:37 PM Dec 28, 2011
I have 45 in the Front, and 40 in the back dawa. Recommended by the guy I get my Small truck tyres from.
I previously had them too low, but am getting an extra 50 K's per tank now.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Elle on Wheels said
01:18 AM Dec 29, 2011
That is amazing Sheba. I had no idea tyre pressure could have such an impact on fuel
Sheba said
10:01 AM Dec 29, 2011
Elle on Wheels wrote:
That is amazing Sheba. I had no idea tyre pressure could have such an impact on fuel
Neither did I. Thought I'd read the mileage wrong at first, but checked again the next time I filled up.
I keep a closer eye on it now, believe me.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Thursday 29th of December 2011 10:02:43 AM
Happywanderer said
01:41 PM Dec 29, 2011
I have 36 in mine, I am amazed you can get that much in Sheba. Maybe I need to put in more.
welcome to the forum. Always good to see another solo woman on the road. There are lots out there. The beanie festival sounds interesting - would have thought it a bit hot for beanies in Alice :). This is a very friendly place so don't hestitate to ask questions and for advice. There's heaps of very knowledgeable and experienced people here.
welcome to the forum
what's a quilt retreat?
Rosie
Hi dawa and welcome to the GN forum.
Between us all we will try to help in any way that we can and between us all we have the combined experience to guide you through any problems you may post.
Not into quilting but the beany fest sounds interesting. I used one constantly until I shaved off all my hair last September and now am getting ready to use it again to hide the scruffy look.
The Toyota campervan is a popular vehicle for us single nomads and our experiences with them may help also.
John
It's interesting what you say about getting the pop top up. Although I am committed to leaving on my travels very soon I am still to buy a vehicle. I've been looking at Toyotas and wondering how hard it is get the pop top up. I think I'll try and get a Hi Ace. Like you I don't have the strength I once had due to health issues. I hope you find a way to resolve the problems with the pop top.
make sure the tracks are clean and lubricated.
Rosie
Hi dawa and welcome
If you put a query in the search engine above, you may find something on devices to lift the pop top. I know it has been discussed here before.
Get a small stepladder and stand on it alongside the van. The tracks are the things that the small wheels on spring loaded cross arms move on,make sure they are clean and spray silicone spray (any hardware shop and some supermarkets) on the top and bottom one, the arms, springs and rollers (wheels) and also where the cross arms meet.
Mine was hard to put up until I cleaned and lubricated the tracks. Also if it is still hard;
Inside, use a small stool if you have to and use your head and shoulders to start the roof to raise, then it will be a lot easier to lift.
To pull it down, on the pull down handles buy a couple of snap on metal hooks (carabinersJ) from bunnings or boat shop, tie some strong cord or rope to the snap on hooks at each end of the rope and clip onto the two pull handles (one on each) the rope should be long enough to make a skipping rope shaped loop hanging down and short enough to finish hanging about 8inches above the floor. After attaching the snap on's with the rope to the two handles, put one foot on the rope (like a stirrup) and at the same time hang onto the handles, push down with your foot and at the same time pull down with your hands. Take snap hooks off pull down handles and store rope/hooks for next time.
-- Edited by Vic on Monday 26th of December 2011 07:08:11 PM
Hi dawa. I'm going to get this Unit fitted as soon as I can. I have a breathing problem, so this will be a great help to me, as it gets worse.
http://www.rvairlifters.com.au/About-Us-pg7292.html
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 26th of December 2011 08:00:16 PM
I had a thread going on this issue as I had huge trouble lifting my caravan poptop the first time I took it out.
The good outcome of that was I got the bloke parked next to me to help me out and he ended up cooking me dinner and it was a fantastic introduction to the travelling lifestyle.
I have not yet cleaned my tracks but opted for gas struts because I believed the poptop was still going to be a problem because of the caravans age and build - much heavier than modern vans - and they were fairly cheap to install - about $650 all up. Now that I have had solar panels fitted I have to get stronger struts on the front end which won't cost me anything because the place that fitted them said to try the lighter struts and they would replace them if they weren't strong enough.
Happy Wanderer has a hiace so I expect she will make a comment on here soon.
It's a good tip to stand on a stool - that makes all the difference.
Yeoeleven also has a hiace so I'm sure he will have something to add.
In your case I think cleaning the tracks will make a big difference.
Good luck
gypsy quilter aka Dawa
The top can be hard to raise, just make sure that all the clips are off. Mine has 4 inside but I have seen them on some outside I am taller than some but I still get my shoulders under when popping it up. You won't get at the side supports for lubrication and cleaning until the top is raised.
My problem was getting the clips on after dropping the top when a new canvas was fitted recently. I have had to remove the elastic drawband fitted to pull the canvas in when dropping the top, it was pulling the canvas across the clips making it hard to secure.
John
Also grease or oil the runners and other pieces as needed as others have suggested on here. it makes a heck of a difference.
I like Vic's idea of the foot cable for extra help in getting pop top down, great idea and putting the pop top up you really need to use head and shoulders for a bit of force but it is only till it gives way then the rest goes up with quite a woosh.
I do have outside clamps as well as found it was getting a bit warped and they hold it straight and in place when its down and in place.
I have had both arms broken a couple of years ago, not putting pop top up, lol, and do have shoulder problems and can still manage quite well to get my pop top up and back down even with now weak arms. No different to the force needed to swing myself into the drivers seat really.
I'm presuming you mean a couple of wheels are broken. You can buy them on line from Caravans plus. less than 3.00 each.
You really need someone to do it for you, replace the wheels, I had a very generous nomad and his son replace all mine for me. Not something I could have done myself as the whole crossbars have to come out and they are spring loaded. Really have to have some strength for that.
Everything needs maintenance, all the time,
If it stands around parked up for a while it needs maintenance to ensure it still works and keeps working.
Learn your machine. Learn about its working parts. Learn how to maintain them and how to keep things lubricated, secure and operational.
Look for everything you need to do this with around your vehicle. Do it often whether it's on the road or parked up.
It will make everything a pleasure instead of a difficulty, or worse, a dilemma or disappointment.
I went around to S in L who adjusted the bits and sprayed it with WD40 and it is now better than when I bought her. So easy now and will know what to do next time. he also sprayed the sliding side door rollers and made them move a lot better as well.
I have 45 in the Front, and 40 in the back dawa. Recommended by the guy I get my Small truck tyres from.
I previously had them too low, but am getting an extra 50 K's per tank now.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Thursday 29th of December 2011 10:02:43 AM