JAL Skylift -v- Drivelodge elevating roof

[Jillygumbo]

Having now picked up my bongo, I thought I had decided which aftermarket roof I wanted fitted. Now I'm not so sure.

Northstar Conversions can fit a Drivelodge elevating roof for me. I've tested the weight and I can easily push it up/pull it down (the passing pedestrians thought I was mad: up, down, up, down). So I thought OK.

When I went to pick up my new bongo from JAL today, Phil was able to show me a Skylift roof and let me have a go! Now Phil says, well he would, that his roof is better quality because it is heavier. It is stronger, will last longer and is the best aftermarket roof available, which is why he fits them. I mentioned the fact that some people had had problems with the seal reverberating and his response was that those people should have come back to have the roof adjusted, as originally advised. I've looked at the previous thread about this and sent a PM to the person that was asking (and hopefully I'll get a response) - they were going to take their bongo back to Phil for adjustment.

I'm now in a quandry! Phil advised me that a lighter roof is not necessarily a good thing to go for and provided I can lift and lower his roof, that would be the better option.

I would appreciate someone's input about this to help me make a decision. I do know that if I have a Drivelodge roof fitted within the JAL warranty period and something goes wrong with the bongo, it could invalidate my warranty.

Replies as per PM, as per the rules please.

[g8dhe]

How many roof types does he sell ? Just the one ? Or is there a choice from him ?

[Jillygumbo]

How many roof types does he sell ? Just the one ? Or is there a choice from him ?

He sells a side lifting mushroom, the Skylift (like the AFT but manual) and a hard top. I thought he also sold a Slimline but I can't find it on his website so maybe I saw that somewhere else.*

*Update: it is on his website but I haven't seen one in the flesh.

I couldn't lift the mushroom one at all!

[winchman]

People are bound to tell you " Mines the best"
What you need is people who actually have them on their vehicle
I once had a 40 odd year old Dormobile roof and they supplied parts to fix it, now that's service!

[weebrian]

I've got the side lift mushroom from JAL. Whilst it is great when up and gives a huge amount of headroom, getting it there can be a bit of a nightmare. It is very heavy and the method of raising it is 'Heath Robinson' to say the least. If you have any problems with your upper body strength I would definitely not go for this model.

[mikeonb4c]

I've got the side lift mushroom from JAL. Whilst it is great when up and gives a huge amount of headroom, getting it there can be a bit of a nightmare. It is very heavy and the method of raising it is 'Heath Robinson' to say the least. If you have any problems with your upper body strength I would definitely not go for this model.

I've read this before about the mushroom roofs. Can't they be fitted with gas struts to offset the weight when lifting? I'd have expected the designers to give more consideration to this

[weebrian]

They do have gas struts Mike but the way it's designed, you seem to have to get past a certain point before they have any effect. Likewise when bringing the roof down, it's nice and steady to a point and then suddenly drops. If you are not ready for this you can end up doing yourself and the roof considerable damage.

[mantaJim]

I dont carry the big metal pole thingy that comes with the musroom roof option. I stand on the slidingdoor step and push up. I am just shy of 6' but must admit it seems to be getting harder to lift (struts in need of regassing ?).

My method is to tie a climbing cord to the eyelet and again stand on the step and pull on the cord to lower but you have to be ready to catch and take the weight as it does drop suddenly beyond a certain point as weebrian says. It's a bugger when you forget to tie the cord before raising and have left the pole at home as I did a couple of weeks back.

[weebrian]

I carry the pole for raising but do the same as you Jim for pulling down. That last 18 inches or so comes down with a heluva jolt though, nearly dislocated my elbow on one occasion. I have looked at some way of improving the shock setup but not very successfully. I used to have a VW type2 with a similar style roof but don't remember it being such a problem.

[Tertiary]

We carry the pole and use it for the up and the down The pole itself is quite heavy though.....

The roof is very heavy but we find that the benefit of the extra headroom far outweighs the seconds of lifting and lowering it Mind, we also carry a small set of steps for unlocking the roof and also use them to stand on whilst heaving it up - one foot inside the sliding door opening and the other on the steps gives us a lot more stability and control.

If I have one (minor) gripe its that the pole is the only thing that rattles and chatters around when we're on the move... As someone has already mentioned, it is very Heath Robinson

I'm trying to find an easier (powered) alternative but I need to give it a lot more thought

[Jillygumbo]

I attempted a mushroom roof while viewing at JAL. I couldn't even lift the roof 2"! I have tried the Skylift, and the Drivelodge. Both are doable for a short ass weakling like me, although the Skylift is heavier (and safer Phil says).

[kingfisher]

not sure if you have already my earlier thread, "High Top Roof conversion for Bongo"

this is another option you could consider, for me, it's going to give me some extra storage room, you'll always have full headroom inside as well, plus no electrics or motors to worry about failing etc.

may be of interest to you ?.

[Jillygumbo]

not sure if you have already my earlier thread, "High Top Roof conversion for Bongo"

this is another option you could consider, for me, it's going to give me some extra storage room, you'll always have full headroom inside as well, plus no electrics or motors to worry about failing etc.

may be of interest to you ?.

Not for me - I like the low roof height. But thanks for the thought.

[Ignis]

I haven't tried other roofs, I have JAL one - it is very heavy and yes, I am always scared my hand may be hurt by it..
Another thing we found - as there is no ventilation fitted it is extremely hot and condensed up there. So we ended up installing a skylight in the roof which cost us another £250..

[Jillygumbo]

I haven't tried other roofs, I have JAL one - it is very heavy and yes, I am always scared my hand may be hurt by it..
Another thing we found - as there is no ventilation fitted it is extremely hot and condensed up there. So we ended up installing a skylight in the roof which cost us another £250..

That's interesting. I went with the Skylift roof without mesh in the end so I'll see how I go. Would be interested to know who you got to fit your skylight in the roof though.

I tried the Skylift when at JAL. It is heavier than the Drivelodge one but very sturdy. Phil says you need to get the roof adjusted now and then - by him of course.