Any DIY devices to help me (a solo woman traveler) lift the roof of my Avan Cruiseliner?

franniemac · Veteran Member

RE: Any DIY devices to help me (a solo woman traveler) lift the roof of my Avan Cruiseliner?

franniemac · Veteran Member

hako wrote:
There is a bloke in Wondai (Qld) who makes a steel winch which consists of a leg about 1.5m long and hollow with a sliding length of steel inside the leg that is attached to the winch. At the top of the sliding length of steel is a peg which slots into a hole drilled near the rear and of the front lift up panel. The pin is engaged and the winch handle turned raising the panel(s).
We met a lady from the Avan Club (Jill) when staying at Cowra who has one of these devices - said she got it from a bloke in Wondai who makes them for about $150. As luck will have it, she now is in the same park as us in Tumut, so I'll see if I can get a pic of the device and post. It would be no trouble for a handyman/handywoman to fabricate one.

This is just the sort of thing I was hoping for Dennis ....... Ta!!

herbie · Guru

Not ever owning one of these vans, can i ask is it some kind of problem they have regarding lifting the roof ,as i have noticed solo people having all kinds of trouble trying to get the roof up, it dosn't appear to be such a problem with there is two people putting it up.

GaryKelly · Guru

I've not seen an Avan roof, but I did have a HiAce with a pop top, and also a Kombi. I found that by using my legs rather than arms, it was easier to lift. If there's a way you can bend your legs and use straight arms to position yourself before lifting, and then use the extra power of your legs to lift, that may help. Just a thought.

Sheba · Guru

This is the email I sent RV Airlifters last night, and the reply I had today. [Sounds promising.]

Cheers,

Sheba.

The system is custom made to suit each
Van so no problems. I will forward more info later but a complete system is 899.00. Regards Tim.

Get it up faster with rvairlifters

-------- Original message -------- Subject: Avan.To: info@rvairlifters.com.au CC:

Can you tell me please whether the Unit could be adapted to raise the roof of a 2003 Avan Cruiseliner ? If so, what would the cost be ?

Duh · Guru

herbie wrote:
Not ever owning one of these vans, can i ask is it some kind of problem they have regarding lifting the roof ,as i have noticed solo people having all kinds of trouble trying to get the roof up, it dosn't appear to be such a problem with there is two people putting it up.

Very true herbie, it helps if you have one person on each side both lifting at the same time.

Depends on how fit and strong each person is, also the condition of the bungee cords and corner springs inside the van, in older vans they have weakened over time and may need replacing.

When you nearly have the main side up and are lifting the other side into it, you also need a final "push" to get the smaller side to "home" into the top of the larger side (a bit more grunt and momentum in other words).....

franniemac · Veteran Member

herbie wrote:
Not ever owning one of these vans, can i ask is it some kind of problem they have regarding lifting the roof ,as i have noticed solo people having all kinds of trouble trying to get the roof up, it dosn't appear to be such a problem with there is two people putting it up.

Agree with your observations Herbie.

hako · Guru

OK - try the link below - I've uploaded 4 pics with no description as I'm having problems with my el-cheapo Amaysim data card (which surprisingly does work sometimes in Tumut).
The dude in Wondai who made this one is Trevor Holt....he is a member of the Avan Club.....Jill also told me that someone else is making one but no info on that one.
I'll see if I can did deeper but see how you go with these pics:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=102241418400979450772&target=ALBUM&id=5856613570375513425&authkey=Gv1sRgCK3QpYi-s9umLQ&feat=email

elliemike · Guru

The Avan Cruiseliner roof is heavier than the other Avan Models. My wife finds it difficult put ours up by herself she has arthritis and is a bit weak in the arms, but I have no problem pushing the roof up. She can push it up though with broom handle.

I have built a winch lifting rig for Ellie to use if ever I am incapacitated for some reason. We rarely use it. Sorry I have not got a picture of it rigged. The Avan Club has members with simmilar winch and gas strut rigs fitted. Be well worth sussing them out and perhaps joining you State Branch. You would get loads of info from the Club.

But it sounds like yours is impossible to lift. I would be getting an Avan agent to check out the spings that assist the roof to go up. There is one in each corner of the van at the roof hinge. They might be the wrong springs, or maybe suffering from fatigue.

Regards

Mike and Ellie

Duh · Guru

elliemike wrote:
The Avan Cruiseliner roof is heavier than the other Avan Models. My wife finds it difficult put ours up by herself she has arthritis and is a bit weak in the arms, but I have no problem pushing the roof up. She can push it up though with broom handle.
I have built a winch lifting rig for Ellie to use if ever I am incapacitated for some reason. We rarely use it. Sorry I have not got a picture of it rigged. The Avan Club has members with simmilar winch and gas strut rigs fitted. Be well worth sussing them out and perhaps joining you State Branch. You would get loads of info from the Club.
But it sounds like yours is impossible to lift. I would be getting an Avan agent to check out the spings that assist the roof to go up. There is one in each corner of the van at the roof hinge. They might be the wrong springs, or maybe suffering from fatigue.

I would just like to strongly support Mike and Ellies suggestion about joining an Avan Club branch, the cheapest RV club in Australia to the best of my knowledge. Even if you are not a club person, going along to the odd club rally will give you the chance to see what others have done and compare notes etc.

I am guessing Mike and Ellie belong to the WA branch of the Avan club of Australia, this is the branch I was in for 7 years and one of the best clubs I have been in and a great bunch of members. And remember, if travelling Oz you can go to any rally of any branch in the area you are in, you are given a club diary for all of the clubs and contact numbers etc. This is also shown on the website for members.

The club is a separate entity and has no connection with Avan Australia the sellers of Avans, however they did help the club to begin and do support the National Rally with a financial contribution. This started by members when Avan Australia was making A shaped camper trailers (or folding caravans if you like) and over the years the majority of members have voted at Annual AGM's to keep it in it's original form, ie; for Avan camper trailers only. see; http://www.avanclubaust.org.au/481/History/

Bear in mind that a lot of hard work by members to start and organise this club, and they have every right to keep it they way if the majority of their members want it to be. If others want a club for Avan caravans or motorhomes they are free to do as this club has done to form a branch and put in the hard yard.

This club was the NSW Branch (Central Coast) who decided to form a separate club for all types of A'van products after their proposal for all types of Avans to be in the club was defeated by majority vote at an AGM (I was present when this happened). This is their club website; http://www.sccavanners.com/

FYI

franniemac · Veteran Member

hako wrote:
OK - try the link below - I've uploaded 4 pics with no description as I'm having problems with my el-cheapo Amaysim data card (which surprisingly does work sometimes in Tumut).
The dude in Wondai who made this one is Trevor Holt....he is a member of the Avan Club.....Jill also told me that someone else is making one but no info on that one.
I'll see if I can did deeper but see how you go with these pics:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=102241418400979450772&target=ALBUM&id=5856613570375513425&authkey=Gv1sRgCK3QpYi-s9umLQ&feat=email

Dennis, you are gold!!! smile Thank you so much. I've downloaded the photos. In the last photo, is that a bracket that the lifter hooks into? I now have a phone number for the man who makes these so will contact him now. Hope he can courier one to me.

Many thanks,

Franniemac

franniemac · Veteran Member

elliemike wrote:
The Avan Cruiseliner roof is heavier than the other Avan Models. My wife finds it difficult put ours up by herself she has arthritis and is a bit weak in the arms, but I have no problem pushing the roof up. She can push it up though with broom handle.

I have built a winch lifting rig for Ellie to use if ever I am incapacitated for some reason. We rarely use it. Sorry I have not got a picture of it rigged. The Avan Club has members with simmilar winch and gas strut rigs fitted. Be well worth sussing them out and perhaps joining you State Branch. You would get loads of info from the Club.
But it sounds like yours is impossible to lift. I would be getting an Avan agent to check out the spings that assist the roof to go up. There is one in each corner of the van at the roof hinge. They might be the wrong springs, or maybe suffering from fatigue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many thanks Mike and Ellie.
A couple of men have each put up the roof without any trouble, so it seems that it's me, rather than the van. I will get the bungees replaced though.

Cheers, Franniemac

Regards
Mike and Ellie

franniemac · Veteran Member

Duh wrote:
elliemike wrote:
The Avan Cruiseliner roof is heavier than the other Avan Models. My wife finds it difficult put ours up by herself she has arthritis and is a bit weak in the arms, but I have no problem pushing the roof up. She can push it up though with broom handle.
I have built a winch lifting rig for Ellie to use if ever I am incapacitated for some reason.  We rarely use it. Sorry I have not got a picture of it rigged.   The Avan Club has members with simmilar winch and gas strut rigs fitted. Be well worth sussing them out and perhaps joining you State Branch. You would get loads of info from the Club.
But it sounds like yours is impossible to lift.     I would be getting an Avan agent to check out the spings that assist the roof to go up. There is one in each corner of the van at the roof hinge. They might be the wrong springs,   or maybe suffering from fatigue.
I would just like to strongly support Mike and Ellies suggestion about joining an Avan Club branch, the cheapest RV club in Australia to the best of my knowledge.   Even if you are not a club person, going along to the odd club rally will give you the chance to see what others have done and compare notes etc.
I am guessing Mike and Ellie belong to the WA branch of the Avan club of Australia, this is the branch I was in for 7 years and one of the best clubs I have been in and a great bunch of members. And remember, if travelling Oz you can go to any rally of any branch in the area you are in, you are given a club diary for all of the clubs and contact numbers etc.   This is also shown on the website for members.
The club is a separate entity and has no connection with Avan Australia the sellers of Avans, however they did help the club to begin and do support the National Rally with a financial contribution.   This started by members when Avan Australia was making A shaped camper trailers (or folding caravans if you like) and over the years the majority of members have voted at Annual AGM's to keep it in it's original form, ie; for Avan camper trailers only. see; http://www.avanclubaust.org.au/481/History/
Bear in mind that a lot of hard work by members to start and organise this club, and they have every right to keep it they way if the majority of their members want it to be. If others want a club for Avan caravans or motorhomes they are free to do as this club has done to form a branch and put in the hard yard.
This club was the NSW Branch (Central Coast) who decided to form a separate club for all types of A'van products after their proposal for all types of Avans to be in the club was defeated by majority vote at an AGM (I was present when this happened).  This is their club website;  http://www.sccavanners.com/
FYI

Yes, I'm posting off my application form today ....... smile

Franniemac

Duh · Guru

Well done Franniemac, you won't regret it! aww

Duh · Guru

franniemac wrote:
hako wrote:
OK - try the link below - I've uploaded 4 pics with no description as I'm having problems with my el-cheapo Amaysim data card (which surprisingly does work sometimes in Tumut).
The dude in Wondai who made this one is Trevor Holt....he is a member of the Avan Club.....Jill also told me that someone else is making one but no info on that one.
I'll see if I can did deeper but see how you go with these pics:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=102241418400979450772&target=ALBUM&id=5856613570375513425&authkey=Gv1sRgCK3QpYi-s9umLQ&feat=email
Dennis, you are gold!!! Thank you so much. I've downloaded the photos. In the last photo, is that a bracket that the lifter hooks into? I now have a phone number for the man who makes these so will contact him now. Hope he can courier one to me.

Many thanks,

Franniemac

Thanks from me too Dennis, I am sure others will appreciate the pic's also biggrin

-- Edited by Duh on Wednesday 20th of March 2013 12:53:25 AM

hako · Guru

franniemac wrote:

Dennis, you are gold!!! Thank you so much. I've downloaded the photos. In the last photo, is that a bracket that the lifter hooks into? I now have a phone number for the man who makes these so will contact him now. Hope he can courier one to me.

Many thanks,

Franniemac

Correct - the lifter hooks to the bracket.

Regards

elliemike · Guru

Duh wrote:
Well done Franniemac, you won't regret it!

And the same from me and Ellie

franniemac · Veteran Member

I contacted Trevor Holt in Wondai today. He currently has a health problem but hopefully will be on the mend soon. I wish him all the best.

Cheers, Franniemac

franniemac · Veteran Member

A huge thank you to Trevor Hoult for being able to send me a winding device. He's putting it in the mail tomorrow. Thank you Trevor. I'm relieved and feel confident now about setting out on my own.

Thank you to everyone who posted advice and helpful comments. May our paths cross somewhere, perhaps on a riverbank or beside a campfire.

Cheers, Franniemac

Frannie · Newbie

Good Morning

I know this is request was quite a few years ago, but I have just purchased an Avan Cruiseliner about 2011 model and also finding it a bit hard to put up the top, as I am short and not very strong in the arms and shoulders. I was hoping you may be able to assist me with what your outcome was and if you had any success. I also read about a man at Wondai in Queensland who had made up a device and I am also trying to find out a little more on that. I am sure most ladies would be having a bit of trouble lifting the top. I am currently using a ladder but it is still heavy.

Hoping I may be able to get some help from someone with an Avan/

Thanks

elliemike · Guru

Frannie wrote:
Good Morning
I know this is request was quite a few years ago, but I have just purchased an Avan Cruiseliner about 2011 model and also finding it a bit hard to put up the top, as I am short and not very strong in the arms and shoulders. I was hoping you may be able to assist me with what your outcome was and if you had any success. I also read about a man at Wondai in Queensland who had made up a device and I am also trying to find out a little more on that. I am sure most ladies would be having a bit of trouble lifting the top. I am currently using a ladder but it is still heavy.
Hoping I may be able to get some help from someone with an Avan/
Thanks

There are various ways of adding lifting aids to the Avan Roof Sections. But first I would suggest making sure the Roof Springs (The roof lifting springs one at each corner of the van) are not in need of replacement. They do lose their SPRING due to the roof sections being closed all the time. The roof will almost spring up when they are new. Adding Solar panels to the roof sections as well adds more weight of course.

As in the previous posts I would suggest joining an Avan Club Very cheap club to belong to, and you will find all the advice and help you need.

Avan Club Australia has a website but it is closed to members only.

http://www.avanclubaust.org.au/

There are about 5 + roof lifting aids on there to see. I wont Copy and Post the articles as they belong to members who might object to me doing that.

There is also an American Avan Club Site you can access

http://alinerownersclub.org/

Some stuff on there

Mike

WA Avan Club

hako · Guru

G'Day Frannie, welcome to the forum - in addition the elliemike's great advice, I'd suggest that the winding device as purchased by franniemac would be the way to go. Springs will sag and bungee cords stretch but in my humble opinion you need a mechanical device such as the one mentioned. Replacing the springs and bungee cord will be expensive.
As luck has it, we have a friend from Wondai visiting us tomorrow and I will see if she knows Trevor Holt - will update.
Regards

EDIT....I just checked franniemac's page and she visited this forum yesterday - maybe you could send her a PM about the lifting device.

-- Edited by hako on Saturday 6th of February 2016 10:09:00 PM

elliemike · Guru

hako wrote:
G'Day Frannie, welcome to the forum - in addition the elliemike's great advice, I'd suggest that the winding device as purchased by franniemac would be the way to go. Springs will sag and bungee cords stretch but in my humble opinion you need a mechanical device such as the one mentioned. Replacing the springs and bungee cord will be expensive.
As luck has it, we have a friend from Wondai visiting us tomorrow and I will see if she knows Trevor Holt - will update.
Regards

EDIT....I just checked franniemac's page and she visited this forum yesterday - maybe you could send her a PM about the lifting device.

-- Edited by hako on Saturday 6th of February 2016 10:09:00 PM

I think Trevor Holt may have stopped making the roof lifter. There are also Pneumatic Bag lifters available.

Re Bungee Cord replacement. I can change them in about 90 minutes by myself. Changed 4 springs on my cruiseliner in two hours with a friend. Also changed them on another Avan for a friend. Not all that hard a job. But I would not be sure what the caravan repair people would charge for doing it.

The new Springs make a difference. The one we did for a friend (Solo Lady) was harder for her to fold down when we'd finished. No problems putting it up though.

franniemac · Veteran Member

Thanks Hako and Elliemike for the good info you gave Frannie.

I sent an email to Frannie last night. And yes, Trevor Holt said he was no longer going to make the roof lifters due to ill health. He sold me the last of the ones he'd made.

I loved towing and camping in my Avan Cruiseliner but strongly believe that there is a design fault with all the Avans. The roof needs to extend a little further than the front wall and back wall because the roof drains onto the corners of the van. If there's even the slightest pinprick of a hole in the sikaflex sealant then water will rot the internal timber framing.

Even though my van was in really good condition, and there was no external indication of a leak, it happened to me. And that's why the roof had been so hard to lift. I had to have the back end of the Cruiseliner replaced because of this - structurally, when it was finished though, it was much better and stronger than new!! I looked at new vans at a camping show and the sikaflex sealant in each corner was dimpled with the thumb/finger prints of the person who had completed the work.

A pinhole in the sealant is almost impossible to see. And if you do have structural damage to the timber, your insurance will not cover the cost of repairs.

I now travel in a Ford Transit that was fitted out by Kea ....... only for the reason that I can now pull up in any weather and not have to set anything up.

Thanks once again,

cheers, Franniemac