What stops the roof from falling down?

[viking camper]

We have our new camper at the house and we are hoping to put it up soon if it ever quits raining. I read the owners manual and it mentioned 2 poles you put in the track inside camper after it is raised. I asked prior owner about this and he was unaware. I would assume these are the incase the lift system would fail? If these are needed could i just make some?

Also he did not know where the keys were.Any ideas on where to get new locks or should I just go thru viking. Thanks for any ideas or help!

[Clarabelle]

We have our new camper at the house and we are hoping to put it up soon if it ever quits raining. I read the owners manual and it mentioned 2 poles you put in the track inside camper after it is raised. I asked prior owner about this and he was unaware. I would assume these are the incase the lift system would fail? If these are needed could i just make some? Also he did not know where the keys were.Any ideas on where to get new locks or should I just go thru viking. Thanks for any ideas or help!

Tow the rig to a local locksmith and they will take care of the key things.  My brother is a locksmith and he says RVs are a piece of cake to re-key.  I don't have a Viking, but the two poles are probably for what you were thinking; protection in case of lift failure.  You need to find them.  Start by looking under the matresses and in all the cubby holes.  You may have to contact Viking to get another pair.

[erich0521]

I suspect a locksmith will be able to get you keys easily as well.

I also have some channel poles (2) that I place along each side of the PU.  They basically fit around the lift poles of my Jayco and act as protection in case the lift cable were to break and not fall on my head.  

You could probably make something similar.  Just measure the lift posts when you have the PU lifted up.

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

Almost all campers have the same keys. The entry doors use a CH701 and the access panel locks areCH751 or vise versa. Any RV dealer will have keys. You can also get combination locks for the access doors and use your own combo. Take a  look at http://popuptimes.com/store/product15.html

The extra brackets go into the roof support arms after the roof is up in case of a lift sytems failure - 1 on side on  opposing corners. What year and model is your viking?

[viking camper]

Thanks for the info on the keys. Those combo locks are a great idea!
The camper is a 1996 viking 1706st, sound like it is a safety issue not to use the poles.

[haroldPE]

I have seen people use 1x2's for the corner supports.  I believe they screwed on a length of velcro to the lumber piece.  then the velcro can wrap around the lift poles, holding in place.  I would not enter the popup without them in place.

http://www.killerpop-up.com/

[Jim K in PA]

Viking Camper,

I am not sure if yours would be the same as mine, but my Viking uses two lengths of stamped steel with U-shaped cross sections that are about the same length as the exposed lift arms on the outside of the canvas.  You slip the U-shaped brace over the square lift arm after you have raised the roof but before you cover the lift arms with the flaps.  I am sure you can get a pair, probably for free, from your local Viking dealer.  If you do not have a local dealer, contact Viking directly and they will sell/send you some.

[viking camper]

I have seen people use 1x2's for the corner supports.  I believe they screwed on a length of velcro to the lumber piece.  then the velcro can wrap around the lift poles, holding in place.  I would not enter the popup without them in place.

http://www.killerpop-up.com/

Went to link for the web site. I WILL find or buy poles for the camper, thanks!

[viking camper]

Viking Camper,

I am not sure if yours would be the same as mine, but my Viking uses two lengths of stamped steel with U-shaped cross sections that are about the same length as the exposed lift arms on the outside of the canvas.  You slip the U-shaped brace over the square lift arm after you have raised the roof but before you cover the lift arms with the flaps.  I am sure you can get a pair, probably for free, from your local Viking dealer.  If you do not have a local dealer, contact Viking directly and they will sell/send you some.

Thanks if i cannot find them in the camper i will contact viking. Do you know if viking uses a single or multiple lift cable system?

[ScouterMom]

My 1973 Starcraft that I bought last year came with ONE of these post covers/ supports, and we MADE 3 more for all four poles - not just to support  in case the cables failed, but because we DON'T have canvas flaps over the poles, and they help shed water so water doesn't flow inside the telescoping posts!

One of our major repairs was because water had gone down these posts over time and completely rotted out the floor under the posts.  Not likely to happen in most campers - I suspect my camper had bee parked and unused for 10 yrs or so that way.

We made ours out of aluminum studs - 10' lengths available at Menards or Home Depot for about $2 - $3 each - so you get two posts out of each one.  they clip easily over the posts.



Hope the photo works - if not, go to Webshots TLauraT7 > albums > our first trip!  - they are photos # 16, 17, etc.

laura