PopUp Times

When I folded the pup, I have an '07, Niagra, I had to open and close several times to get it folded properly (I hope and pray it was proper).

I know the slide out is "out first; in last" but one bunk end is a bugger to close, catches and has to be rammed in to get closed. One of the support bars always comes undone. I felt this was serious so took to dealer, he said user's error in folding.

I punch in all fabric, make sure all fabric is out of the way of rollers, but that one support bar, and only that one of the four on the two bund ends, comes undone and the clamp catches when folding in or out.

I try to lift it some so it will not catch an come undone.

This last time, I had a terrible time getting the slide out to go completely in, one side, left if facing it, would not stay latched. I finally got it to latch after open and closing, unfolding and folding several times (thank goodness I got the power lift). But then, when the final inch to close arrived, the slide out was on the outside of the top. So, started all over again. Then the right side was under the lip of the top, but left side was not. So, started over again.

FINALLY, with great shoulder shoveing while inching down milimeters at a time, I got it all tucked in, but it took HOURS.

Any ideas what I am doing wrong? All suggestions welcome. I don't want to have to keep doing that each time I go out. Thank you

Terri

could it be that you are not level and things are binding. OR Also You said for your slider "out first in last".  Our 1998 coleman is the opposite, it slides in first when folding down and the bunk ends engage into a track.  When popping up the, slide-out is the last thing you pull out. I'm sure yours could be different but you might want to double check.

The support arm is one issue and it should not come undone, once it is in place. That seems like a valid warranty issue to me.

The bunk-ends not closing sounds to me like something (like a cushion) is caught between the 2 bunk-ends (Inside). If you push one end in and that pushes the other end out (if I am reading correctly) there must be something between the 2 ends.

Make sure the "The coast is clear" before you slide in the bunk-ends. There can be nothing sticking up that may impede the travel of the platform. The bunk-end should slide in fairly easily. My granddaughter (8 years old) has pushed ours in before. I have a different model but I believe the bunk slides are the same as yours.

There are lots of Niagara owners on the board. I'm sure that one will be along soon. Good luck and I'm sorry that you're having problems. I'm sure it is quite frustrating but experience and asking questions here will make that all go away, I'm sure. :D

With the top up about 1/2 way, I pull out the bunk ends on my '07 Niagara, then the side slide out.  When poping down, I put the side slide in first, lower the top about 1/2 way, then slide in the bunk ends.  This method has worked for me very well, but I got mine from a bank repo, so maybe the guy did not tell me the proper sequence.  But then again since it works, I think I will continue to do it this way.  Mine pushes in easy, even when not level (remember to lift the corner jacks prior to cranking down the top) you should be only supporting the trailer at the two wheels and the tounge.

Vic

I believe that you should close your slide-out before closing the bunks. See your owners manual. I just checked my 2002 manual (Pg 30) and that's what it says. The 2007 could differ but I doubt it.

http://www.popupportal.com/manuals_viewer.asp?RN=75

The dealer told me the same thing for my '06 niagara. The slide-out is first-out, last in. The first time I closed the top I had a little bit of difficulty remembering everything the dealer told me and it took a while to get it to close properly. However, it is becoming pretty easy to do. The main thing is to be very patient while closing the top. Here is my process (hopefully not leaving out too many details):

1. Unfasten tenting from slide-out and bed slides.
2. On bed-slides, grab top outer corner of tent and fold over tenting on each corner.
3. Push in rear bunk end slowly. Adjust tenting while pushing in to prevent binding.
4. After it is in, use arms to push tenting in along the entire bed slide, sort-of folding the vertical sides of the tent under the top, horizontal part of the tent.
5. Do the same thing on the forward bed slide (my forward slide sometimes pushes back out about an inch so I have to be aware of this when I lower my top).
6. Push the dinette slide out in. I always have to manipulate the tenting while pushing it in to keep it from binding. I have found that when my slideout did not go all the way in it was usually due to the tenting being bound up against the now "slid-in" beds.
7. Start lowering the top. I stop at least three times during the lowering process and do walk arounds to push in the sagging tenting as the top lowers. The last stop is with the top lowered down to about 6" open. The dealer rep did the lowering process with two stops. If I am being anal I will readjust 4 to 5 times.
8. Lastly, I lower the top fully (making sure my forward bed slide is all the way in).

Going slow has made me 100% successful in closing my top on the first try. It was definitely not that way the first couple of times I did it. Regarding your bed supports, you may just need to bend-in the clasps a little to hold the poles more securely.

Sorry so long - that is all.

Mongo

My Coleman is;

Pop up Roof
 ----  Drink a Beer
Set stable Jacks
 ----  Drink a beer
Pull out bunkends
 ----  Drik a beer

Reverse on way down. ust don't drive!  LOL!  only kidding - no beer drinking - pop Up and Pop down wuth Safety in mind....

Beer gets popped after camper...

I too on way down walk around and tuck in canvas...  my camper is older and not as sofisticated as others but mine is a simple as that.

I have the 07 Niagara.  You should open the slide out last and close it first.  If you have closed differently then next time you close, slide the dinette in.  Carefully pull the dinette canvas outward, corners and all, leaving dinette closed.  Slide bunkends in.  Tuck canvas in and close.

Quote from: dcampbell1969I have the 07 Niagara.  You should open the slide out last and close it first.  If you have closed differently then next time you close, slide the dinette in.  Carefully pull the dinette canvas outward, corners and all, leaving dinette closed.  Slide bunkends in.  Tuck canvas in and close.

Exactly what I've been doing.  I'll have it out again today, so I will check, but I think that the slide out is actually part of the track for the bunk ends, which could be the problem with putting the slide in last, and why it is catching on the support pole.  I use very little force pushing the slide and bunk ends in, because if it gets hard it means something is in the way and I need to stop and look.  I do have foam pads on the bunkends, which makes it a little more difficult closing the top, so I use a little more force there.

Vic

Quote from: dropthepopI know the slide out is "out first; in last"

Better make absolutely certain this is correct.  On our Bayside (and on every other slide-out trailer I've noiced), the slide-out includes part of the bunk end track.  If that is the case, the slide out has to be IN when moving the bunks in or out.  I would expect doing it wrong to damage my trailer.

Austin

Terri, make sure all the cords are unhooked from the bottom of the bunks.  Secure the cords to the small loops on the bunk end canvas. Make sure all velcro and snaps around dinette canvas are separated. Follow the order listed above.  Before sliding the bunkends, slide the canvas next to the lift beams inward, away from rails.  Leave the door open and slide the bunkend in.  When it starts getting hard to push, go look and you will see some canvas or something getting in the sliderails. The bunkends should not be very difficult for a small to average woman to handle. The dinette should take a little force to start the slide in, but once it starts to slide, it should go easily. Once you actully stop and see what is happening as you slide in, you will easily figure out what steps you need to correct.  Hope I helped some.

Also, I close all window curtains.  And just before you lower the top the final bit, tuck the canvas one more time and check the 2 electrical connectors by the lift beams, to make sure they haven't been twisted out in the way of the roof setting down onto the body. This has happened to me before.  Once lowered, give the canvas a little time to depress from the weight of the roof so it will latch easier.

I have printed all replys to both of my posts, many questions. Wayne, I did check my manual and it seems to say out first and in last, but I did it at the camp ground. When I got home, I threw the books on the floor and have stepped over them ever since.

I guess I will pick them back up and look at this process again.

Mongo, thank you for your very detailed explanation. I also did the down half way, then a foot, then another foot, then 6 inches then couple of inches, running around the pup tucking in and begging my grandson not to push button on lift while my hands were pushing in fabric. As far as I know, I tucked, pulled, fastened and folded. I am going to get a broom since I am short, and use the bristle end to tuck in further when it is half way down, while running into the pup to make sure no fabric on runners.

I went inside the time I was folding, when the bunk kept catching, that is when I saw the pole was out of the clip. I can't seem to get that clip bent in, it catches on the frame when I fold in the bunk and snaps, but dealer said that it is not defective. It happens even when I lift it. But I will try every suggestion given.

I love Morin's philosopy, pop a top while you "pop the top", sounds relaxed and laid back. When grandkids not there, I will totally try that.

Thanks also to D. Campbell, Austin  and Vic for all the advise. I will touch base again when I go out and let you know how it went. It's folks like you that help folks like me get a little more confident, enjoy more, worry less.

Thanks again and I will check back to see if any other suggestions. Terri

Quote from: dropthepop...I went inside the time I was folding, when the bunk kept catching, that is when I saw the pole was out of the clip. I can't seem to get that clip bent in, it catches on the frame when I fold in the bunk and snaps, but dealer said that it is not defective. It happens even when I lift it. But I will try every suggestion given...

Are you talking about the Bunk end support pole clips, under the bunk?  If so, it may be that the clip is slightly sprung.  In that case you shoul be able to take a  long pair of plyers and grip it, then turn it in slowly to a more closed postion so it will hold the pole more tightly.  Also, you may be able to take the clip to a hardware store and find a replacement and try lifting on the bunkend as the clip slides into the camper.

Quote from: dcampbell1969Are you talking about the Bunk end support pole clips, under the bunk?  If so, it may be that the clip is slightly sprung.  In that case you shoul be able to take a  long pair of plyers and grip it, then turn it in slowly to a more closed postion so it will hold the pole more tightly.  Also, you may be able to take the clip to a hardware store and find a replacement and try lifting on the bunkend as the clip slides into the camper.

I would be willing to bet putting the side slide in last is catching on the clip.  I feel that is she puts the side slide in first, that should fix the problem.

Vic

Quote from: dropthepopI have printed all replys to both of my posts, many questions. Wayne, I did check my manual and it seems to say out first and in last, but I did it at the camp ground. When I got home, I threw the books on the floor and have stepped over them ever since.

I guess I will pick them back up and look at this process again.

Mongo, thank you for your very detailed explanation. I also did the down half way, then a foot, then another foot, then 6 inches then couple of inches, running around the pup tucking in and begging my grandson not to push button on lift while my hands were pushing in fabric. As far as I know, I tucked, pulled, fastened and folded. I am going to get a broom since I am short, and use the bristle end to tuck in further when it is half way down, while running into the pup to make sure no fabric on runners.

I went inside the time I was folding, when the bunk kept catching, that is when I saw the pole was out of the clip. I can't seem to get that clip bent in, it catches on the frame when I fold in the bunk and snaps, but dealer said that it is not defective. It happens even when I lift it. But I will try every suggestion given.

I love Morin's philosopy, pop a top while you "pop the top", sounds relaxed and laid back. When grandkids not there, I will totally try that.

Thanks also to D. Campbell, Austin  and Vic for all the advise. I will touch base again when I go out and let you know how it went. It's folks like you that help folks like me get a little more confident, enjoy more, worry less.

Thanks again and I will check back to see if any other suggestions. Terri

YOU'RE WELCOME

My owners manual is not very model specific, but the gist of the process, on pp. 27-33, seems to be (in Readers' Digest Condensed Mode):

1.  Park and level the trailer.
2.  Unlatch the four corners.
3.  Unlock the access door (it won't open until the roof is raised slightly on this model).
4.  Raise the roof.
5. Crank down the stabilizer jacks.
6.  Pull out the beds and secure the supports
7.  Unlatch the slide (Glide Out Compartment) and extend the slide
8.  Raise canvas bows, install shepard's hook and connect the bottom outside of the bunkend canvas, and on the outside of the slide.
9.  Install the screen door and affix the canvas to the outside.
10.  Set up the shower stall.
 
Popping down is pretty much the reverse of this process, noting that the slide should be pushed in before the bunkends.
 
I bolded steps 6 and 7 to emphasize the order of execution, per the owners manual.  Austin is correct:  There are tracks on the wall side of the slide into which the bunkend wheels track. If you are having trouble getting the slide to close,  and the bunkends are pushed in first, the wheels on bunkend may be interfering with the closure of the slide.
 
As mentioned, there are loops at the bottom of the end screen to hook the shock cord hook to.  Holds  the skirt up to assist with folding the canvas.  There are also velcro squares under the skirt (under the window) on the slide for the same reason.
 
DW uses a broom to help fold the canvas in while lowering.  I have to climb onto the bumper and the tongue to fold/push the canvas in on the bunkends (I'm 6' tall, she is 5'4").
 
It also sounds to me that a small amount of torque judiciously applied to the support clip to tighten its grip on the support will solve that issue.  Pliers should work.  
 
Hope that helps.

Quote from: TXpopperI'll have it out again today, so I will check, but I think that the slide out is actually part of the track for the bunk ends, which could be the problem with putting the slide in last, and why it is catching on the support pole.

Vic

Well we were out this weekend with the '07 Niagara, and the slide out definately has part of the bunk end rail included, so the slide out must be put in before the bunk ends to provide proper support, and prevent damage.  Since the clips for the bunk end poles open to the outside, I excect the slide out has  been causing her retaining clip to bend and allowing the pole to fall and jam.  I expect it is the pole on the same side as the slide out that would be the problem.  If the dealers are saying to pull the slide first and put it in last, they need to be strongly questioned.

Vic & Debbie
Zoie & Gidget (the Yorkies)

I am wrong! Finding it hard.... to..... breath. Called mu buddies at Peco camper and they told me I must have had a case of pop-up dyslexia, the slied-out is the LAST TO OPEN, FIRST TO CLOSE!!! Sorry for my mistake (that was hard).

Mongo

Quote from: putnam2030I am wrong! Finding it hard.... to..... breath. Called mu buddies at Peco camper and they told me I must have had a case of pop-up dyslexia, the slied-out is the LAST TO OPEN, FIRST TO CLOSE!!! Sorry for my mistake (that was hard).

You're not the first to have to swallow their pride and admit their mistake...in fact, I've done it enough that I'm sort of used to it...

Austin

Thanks everyone for not giving up on me and for checking your own pup for operataion of the slide out.

I sent a personal note to the folks that took out their camper, same as mine, and thought of me when they did the slide, checked and saw the correct procedure.

I am much more confident now and actually anxious to go camping again and try all the things I printed (I may laminate and put into a pup book) I learned about my hot water heater, furnace, slides, bunk ends and take pliers to twist that sucker of a clip, maybe take some velcro too. If I get too frustrated, I may rip out the clip and velcro it each time, let me see IT fall out of place after that.

Thanks all.......... Waverly/Wayne, you rock for posting to everyone who ever visited this site, I am beginning to see that pirate/parot in my sleep. My 5 yar' old grandson is a pirate, ye' know!!