Wobbly freetop

[Gripped]

When I lower the freetop, about half way down it shakes from side to side. Is this common?

Any ideas on a fix?

[missfixit70]

I bet it creaks & groans too? Common issue, lubrication is the key, I use a bit of silicon spray on the rams & moving bits.

[Gripped]

Thanks for the quick reply. I also had my first failed full freetop elevation (I'll try and avoid the obvious term ) yesterday, so maybe that'll be helped by lube. It does seem that the motor is a bit underpowered though - seems to struggle a bit.

[daveblueozzie]

Thanks for the quick reply. I also had my first failed full freetop elevation (I'll try and avoid the obvious term ) yesterday, so maybe that'll be helped by lube. It does seem that the motor is a bit underpowered though - seems to struggle a bit.

do you have the engine on when raising/ lowering the roof ? this helps to power the motors.

[missfixit70]

Sometimes it needs to be lowered a bit & raised again to reach lock out succesfully, or maybe even a bit of a helping hand as it's raising, especially if it's a bit sticky & maybe hasn't been used for a while & as DBO says, engine running is a must.

[kawasaki kid]

When raising the roof you need to have the engine running as you will soon drain the battery also if the roof hasn`t been raised for a while you may have to give the roof a little help for the last few millimetres as the canvas may be a little bit stiff. Hope this helps.

[westonwarrior]

Also leave the top vent unzipped to let air in / out, eases the pressure a bit

[Bob]

As well as keeping the battery charged running the engine means you can't hear it creaking and groaning, much better for peace of mind.

[dreamwarrioruk]

I bet it creaks & groans too? Common issue, lubrication is the key, I use a bit of silicon spray on the rams & moving bits.

i have this problem sometimes but the bongo roof is fine

[bigdaddycain]

My freetop roof is exactly the same... I find that spray on lithium white grease seems to cure the wobble/creaks... But it does only last maybe 10 or 12 roof up/downs procedures. Then the wobble and creaks surely return...

[munroman]

I find it helps if the sliding door is open to allow air in/out, as the roof acts as a giant bellows.

[MountainGoat]

Many of us have removed the trap door by drilling out the pins. This has three advantages. Avoids the bellows effect and make closing the roof easier, circulates the air a little better thereore helping to dry out roof tent a bit quicker and allows the inner roor to be pushed up more easily especially if you are using a thick (3" ) mattress in the aft. The trap door is stored in the roof tent to be replaced to form a bed when required.

Tony