Have very recently come into the possesion of a 1981 Viscount Grand Tourer poptop around 16ft x 7ft
As i am partly disabled, if i had bought it i would have went for a full height van -- the less work i need to do the less drama ---- i do not wish to sell or trade it for sentimental reasons but do want to use it.
I know i can fit the new air lifters but i would still need to unclip the top --- this where the trouble would start
The advice i am after is some ideas on the following ---- probably a stupid idea --- but here goes.
If I was to leave the top up whilst travelling, with a waterproof ply frame in front of the top canvas with ply sides extending a short distance either side --- what would be the dramas ????
any advice or ideas would be highly appreciated
cheers
Coyotte
Smokeydk said
12:35 PM Aug 9, 2010
I wouldnt travel with top up.......I recall seeing a lady in a wheelchair...using a long piece of what looked like curtain rod tubing....someone had welded what looked like a T shaped rod onto the clips.......she stuck the rod into end of the tube...and popped the clips...other end had a ring welded to the end that went over the T pit she used to pull clip down to lock it
Dave
capt cream bun said
02:39 PM Aug 9, 2010
Hi coyotte
I work with a man who recently jumped into his 4 W.D. packed a swag and went to Broome just to have a look. The interesting bit that may be relevant to you is that he picked up an overseas visitor (as arranged) some where along The great Australian Bight and together while sharing costs went on to Perth. There he dropped off that visitor and picked up another ( again by arrangement) and on to Broome the two went and again sharing costs. He told me where he advertised his trip and if you are interested PM me and will tell you all i know.
I was thinking maybe one answer for you is to have a travelling buddy. His story made me sit up and listen because as a solo myself i can see its benefits.
CCB
Happywanderer said
03:53 PM Aug 9, 2010
Not something that I would feel safe doing, even though the company would be great.
Would have to be someone I already know.
clazandaza said
07:33 PM Aug 9, 2010
Quite limited strength in the pop top assembly and may not weather the pressure of the wind pushing it towards the rear of the van. Also you would essentially have a blunt faced van with the associated wind resistance and fuel consumption. As mentioned others with various levels of mobility have found solutions. Perhaps one of them will suit. Dont give up
Zoomtopz said
08:49 PM Aug 9, 2010
I am not sure , but I don't think you can tow with the pop-up , up . I could be wrong . I certainly would not do it , your canvas would act as a parachute . We all know the effect of wind-blast as some trucks go past , would make for a bit of a hairy ride . As suggested I would screen for a travel companion . Happy travels whichever way you go .
VHW said
09:39 PM Aug 9, 2010
Something like Smokey said he saw a lady doing with a similar problem, perhaps a reputable caravan repairer or other trades person could work out a solution for you, I would ask around. I definitely would not travel with the top up no matter how you supported it, would be a recipe for disaster.
Maybe think about trading it in on a more suitable caravan or motorhome etc modified for your use.....I know you said it has sentimental significance but maybe you could think of it as being what the other person would have wanted for you if that is the reason, I am sure they would have understood.
coyotte said
06:11 AM Aug 10, 2010
Thank you all very much for the advice think i will go along with the rod idea for the clips along with haveing a set of airlifters fitted
thanking you all
Coyotte
rosco said
02:36 PM Aug 10, 2010
Coyotte,
Not sure how you'd go freecamping, but if you were to utilise caravan parks, I'm sure the Manager or any of the workers, or even one of the patrons, could assist.
Cheers Ross
milo said
04:09 PM Aug 10, 2010
what about some sort of gas struts like on the beds on vans, ?
or maybe those electric happy jacks that slide on campers have?
maybe they or smething similar could be used or customized on the van
to help lift it up n down.?
brickies said
08:11 AM Aug 11, 2010
Milo might be onto some thing, maybe you should talk to a caravan repairer there is always some thing new coming onto the market
VHW said
08:13 AM Aug 11, 2010
coyotte wrote:
Thank you all very much for the advice think i will go along with the rod idea for the clips along with haveing a set of airlifters fitted
thanking you all
Coyotte
Not sure what airlifters are, but if putting on more powerful gas struts remember they will also be harder to pull down as there will be more resistance.
jimricho said
09:02 AM Aug 11, 2010
I recall seeing an ad in a Caravan mag for air lifters (I think) for pop-tops. Maybe they use a small compressor. I also recall seeing an ad for a company that makes/modifies caravans for people with disabilities especially those requiring wheelchair access. A Google search may track these down.
brickies said
05:15 PM Aug 11, 2010
Jim I did a Google search it is there they look good but it dosn't have a price , the firm is on the queensland sunshine coast
JRH said
05:21 PM Aug 11, 2010
I believe that the Air Lifters including compressor go for around $850 - $900 plus fitting.
PeterD said
11:34 AM Aug 12, 2010
I see we have another helpful member on this thread as well. It hakes mew wonder about these helpful members. They find something and then tell others to go and find it.
If you have found a link to something, why don't you put that link in your reply?
JRH said
11:42 AM Aug 12, 2010
PeterD wrote:
I see we have another helpful member on this thread as well. It hakes mew wonder about these helpful members. They find something and then tell others to go and find it.
If you have found a link to something, why don't you put that link in your reply?
If you are refering to my post re the cost of Air Lifters then I found out by phoning a company here in the West so there is no URL or link to put in the reply.
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.
brickies said
12:39 PM Aug 12, 2010
Peter we are helpful Forum , I don't think post like yours to be very helpful . I my self will not post links unless I know the back ground of the Company has I would look like I was making a recommendation and If we are on line I find it easy to research and kept our brain active .This has been doing quiet well for good time without having a go at one another
As i am partly disabled, if i had bought it i would have went for a full height van -- the less work i need to do the less drama ---- i do not wish to sell or trade it for sentimental reasons but do want to use it.
I know i can fit the new air lifters but i would still need to unclip the top --- this where the trouble would start
The advice i am after is some ideas on the following ---- probably a stupid idea --- but here goes.
If I was to leave the top up whilst travelling, with a waterproof ply frame in front of the top canvas with ply sides extending a short distance either side --- what would be the dramas ????
any advice or ideas would be highly appreciated
cheers
Coyotte
Hi coyotte
I work with a man who recently jumped into his 4 W.D. packed a swag and went to Broome just to have a look.
The interesting bit that may be relevant to you is that he picked up an overseas visitor (as arranged) some where along The great Australian Bight and together while sharing costs went on to Perth. There he dropped off that visitor and picked up another ( again by arrangement) and on to Broome the two went and again sharing costs.
He told me where he advertised his trip and if you are interested PM me and will tell you all i know.
I was thinking maybe one answer for you is to have a travelling buddy. His story made me sit up and listen because as a solo myself i can see its benefits.
CCB
Quite limited strength in the pop top assembly and may not weather the pressure of the wind pushing it towards the rear of the van. Also you would essentially have a blunt faced van with the associated wind resistance and fuel consumption. As mentioned others with various levels of mobility have found solutions. Perhaps one of them will suit. Dont give up
think i will go along with the rod idea for the clips along with haveing a set of airlifters fitted
thanking you all
Coyotte
Not sure how you'd go freecamping, but if you were to utilise caravan parks, I'm sure the Manager or any of the workers, or even one of the patrons, could assist.
Cheers
Ross
If you have found a link to something, why don't you put that link in your reply?
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.