12v Actuator For Pop Top Camper

[John_D4]

I’ve got a pop top camper with 4 x scissor lifts. It works fine and it really stable but I’d like to make the lift easier. I’m aware that I can install struts but that still requires some manual lift. Installing internal lift bars at either end is not possible with this style of camper.

The new model comes with vertically mounted 12v actuators, but the new model has smaller side draws to make room for the actuators. I’m not prepared to lose side draw size to fit actuators vertically.

Would there be an issue with 2 or 4 externally mounted 12v actuators, mounted on an angle like struts are mounted? I understand that they might need a synch control box and definitely compressor. This sort of thing:
Bullet Series 36 Cal. Linear Actuators (https://www.firgelliauto.com.au/products/bullet-series-36-cal-linear-actuators?variant=31504504127606)

I’m really handy and can do all the work myself. I’m aware of front and rear lift bags - that’s also an option, I just thought that I’d explore this option 1st.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240107/23071a29e5f7021cf0d4f3f8bfb7185a.jpg

[oka374]

When I built/fitted out the camper in the Oka bus body the poptop had a central handle on each side that were used to lift the roof. The roof also had a scissor lift on all four sides.
It worked well with two large solar panels and a Fantastic vent but when I started fitting more panels it got to the stage where it took two people to lift it which isn't alway possible so I fitted electric actuators to the lifting handles which are horizontal when the roof is down and vertical when the roof is up.
It took me a while to work out mounting points and travel distances but two 120kg 200mm actuators from ebay along with the supplied actuator control box complete with fob have down the job now for about 10 years.
They are similar to https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/276262979875?epid=849373269&hash=item40528e8923:g:r8oAAOSwxjlj9eQf&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4M7bEQ6oRSurdwZoVygiY9%2F3YfQ l7nS%2BtP5qThi3vmpR8T3ZhdLDC4PMm4IC7DCW2rGdCArbIiQ 4AlHKZ9q2VHZIGL%2FVzNs4sFGBJeaOHoyo%2B90AigR2a0LEz reZdNgsVynHC%2FXr98Rew3jS%2B90k4lrCJLp8mSphY2HmpN6 wG54HhnFtulMkkL6tEVUMB7xkV0bBxn%2BRYp13xjfkcHR6SL7 j%2Bw1hivlr8hvwhfkBP%2BByQsJy4R3pIl7do9VsHoMEw%2F4 d3biSfXacD6n5UdcAreAB7w96XVJsYCX5wwasEuGx%7Ctkp%3A Bk9SR6ae5tmcYw
They pivot well on the supplied bracket and pins and there are lots on ebay and most sellers will have the actuator controller etc. Just need a twin core cable run to each actuator from the control box.

[John_D4]

Good idea. Unfortunately the lift handles won’t work on my camper. On the below pic you can see the distance from the top of the bed to where the top comes down on to the metal. There’s not enough room for a person to climb into the bed to activate a lift handle. There’s storage under the bed which is why the bed is high.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but you suggested installing lift handles with actuators? Sorry if I’ve misunderstood.

Back of camper:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240107/7940806615a5b9d7fbfb2a4ef6124f90.jpg

Front of camper (top bunk folds flat to make a lounge):
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240107/48f829b296d0b3fadc22aca57f895ebd.jpg

[Tombie]

I believe he said he had handles, until the roof got too heavy due to solar add ons etc.

He then fitted actuators to resolve the problem.

[John_D4]

Would you have a pic Oka? I’m not quite grasping what you mean

[oka374]

I had overcentre handles midway down each side which I fitted actuators to when the roof got too heavy to lift.
You don't have the handles but you could fit actuators vertically middway down each long side and they would easily lift the poptop.
I suspect that like most poptops yours is initially hard to lift but once it gets up enough for the scissor lifts to operate then it is much easier.
In your case you only need to lift and pull down when closing so the actuators are not lifting the whole weight of the roof or even locating the roof, only lifting or pulling down mike mine.
So they only need to be anchored firmly at the top and bottom, you just need to find a secure mounting point on the wall and the ceiling.
The travel required is the distance the poptop rises so that is the operating length of your actuators. The ebay ones come with an actuator "box" and a fob remote that can be operated in two modes, either in one touch where the actuator operates until its inbuilt limit switches are operated or it operates as long as you hold the button in whichever direction it's travelling.188438

[Tins]

I was looking at these for my OKA (https://www.rvairlifters.com.au/air_lifters.htm)

[123rover50]

I was looking at these for my OKA (https://www.rvairlifters.com.au/air_lifters.htm)


What happens as they deflate going down> I would be worried they might fall outwards and get stuck between the outside edges and get chaffed etc.

I have 4 scissor lifters and use a D handle centre each side to lift and pull down. I had to remove a spring from two of the scissor lifters before I could get it up or down easy. Even now I have to get my back under the roof to start lifting when its down.
Keith

188444

[John_D4]

I have thought of the lift bags also. I’d thought about mounting them here:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240108/6aa9cae9d9b8df3783348a160c562a3c.png
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240108/5036ee4021acaec5b268b540c65a9e84.png
But I’d prefer to use actuators if possible. I’m still open to the idea.

[Tins]

What happens as they deflate going down> I would be worried they might fall outwards and get stuck between the outside edges and get chaffed etc.

I have 4 scissor lifters and use a D handle centre each side to lift and pull down. I had to remove a spring from two of the scissor lifters before I could get it up or down easy. Even now I have to get my back under the roof to start lifting when its down.
Keith

188444

I haven't got them yet. I too want to see them in action. In the OKA I have to push up with my head, something that isn't ideal since I broke my back.

I just looked at this again. Seems they will just fold up with the canvas.


https://youtu.be/cCqnCSo9KRo'si=2mGXxvnbO4K5QZPj

[John_D4]

Is there any sort of manual bypass for electric actuators if they fail, or are you stuck with the roof down?