Tension rafter

[kathyrose]

I just bought a 2005 Viking and am having a terrible time getting the tension rafter in place, it s all but impossible for me to do it anyone have any suggestions on an easy way to put it in place?
Lso am thinking of buying a corded drill to use with socket jenie any suggestions?
Won't need the drill if I can't find away to get the rafter bar on.

[kathyrose]

Just got a new 2005 Viking and have found that I cannot get th tension rafter in place. Anyone have any ideas about an easy way to do it before I have to sell the camper .The rafter is the thing that holds the canvas up off the bed

[tlhdoc]

Sorry but I am not sure what the tension rafter is.   As far as the drill I use a DeWalt 987 18 volt drill for the roof on my PU.  Good luck.

[kathyrose]

Sorry but I am not sure what the tension rafter is.   As far as the drill I use a DeWalt 987 18 volt drill for the roof on my PU.  Good luck.

thr rafter is the thing that hold the canvas off the bed

[flyfisherman]

Kathy - don't know what the sequence you might be following, but I was wondering if you are securing the bottom sides of the bunk ends with the shock cords before you are installing the bunk end support poles, or, tent bows,  (your calling them "tension rafters", they have also been referred to as "shepard poles") whatever ...

Here's what I've found out with my Starcraft: after the bunk ends have been pulled out, I sort of make sure the canvas is streched out proper around the bunk corners, then I go inside and insert the support poles (of course, I know that you know there are adjustments on these poles in order for them to fit proper). Last thing I secure the outside sides of the bunk ends with the shock cords. This way things seem to fit properly.


Hope that is along the lines your asking about.

Fly

[Done Working]

Just got a new 2005 Viking and have found that I cannot get th tension rafter in place. Anyone have any ideas about an easy way to do it before I have to sell the camper .The rafter is the thing that holds the canvas up off the bed

I think I know what you are talking about. Some call it the Shepard pole. What is your difficulty. As far as I know every pop-up manufacturer has them. Didn't the dealer show you how to do this during the walk through.

[tlhdoc]

Have you tried shortening the poles, before you install them?

[kathyrose]

My  book calls that thing a tension rafter but it also speaks of a snap button which my poles do not have. I hae sawed a small portion off the pole but still having trouble. I am short and old and can't get the pole to the slots on the roof most of the time. The Viking people suggested I move the bracket on the ceiling but it is not moveable as far as I can see. Years ago I had a palomino pop up and did not have a problem but did have to crawl on to the bed to put the poles in place, can't remember how the system worked however.
There are three slots on the ceiling bracket and I cannot imagine anyone strong enough to get past the second one. I will try the bed end flaps this weekend, but don't have much hope.
I bought this in Phoenix and am now in Texas. Not using the camper. If I can't get it to where I can use it I hope to take it back to Phoenix and see if he will sell it for me. Thanks for all the replys