Planned Roof Rebuild, Reposition the AC?

[afmmfoomb]

Hello all long time since Ive chimed in. Looking for some advice.

With spring break coming Im looking to take on a whole roof rebuild on my 83 Skamper 159C.

Some history
The previous owners did a horrible install job, cutting 1 big whole instead of two. Additionally they removed the supports that were there (guess they didnt check the portal for advice first). Last year I put in some more support and sealed it in but there is still a bit of sag.

I figure if Im getting back in there it should be whole hog. The front of the AC currently sits right over the wheel wells, the back then goes towards the rear of the pup.

My current thoughts are to remove the top, then with old foam cleared. Use some sheet metal to cover the original hole and relocate the ac more central equal to the middle from all four corners. My thinking is this will distribute the weight evenly to all lift corners.

1) is the relocation warranted and wise
2) closing up the original hole what process.
 I dont have the skills to torch that kind of material. My thinking was cover sheet rivet then JB wield or another type of metal to metal bonding.
3) in the roof rebuild I need to take a look at my outer frame boards, can anyone say if those are supposed to be adhered to the aluminum?

I have 9 days of vacation to get it done.

Thanks all

[brainpause]

Whew! 9 days! Wow!

If you are going to move it at all, I'd move it so that the weight of the AC is either on the axle or forward of it. That way you won't have to front-load the camper to counter the weight of the AC, helping to avoid sway by front loading the camper. The AC probably weighs around 110#.

I don't think it is terribly important to put it right in the middle for the weight to be evenly supported by the posts.

You are getting into a big job. Don't get into too big of a hurry. I wouldn't be surprised if it took you much longer than 9 twelve hour days. I guess it depends on a lot of factors. Just from my own experience of remodeling an old popup, the more you get into one, the more you find that needs fixing.

Larry

[afmmfoomb]

Larry, thanks for the reply and I agree with the "the more you get into one, the more you find that needs fixing". We picked this girl up pretty cheap, and every time I work on it, it seems each hour and dollar invested has come back to us 10 fold. Usually hits when im sitting on the beach or in the woods. Im sure others know the feeling.

Currently the lift system operates pretty smooth up and down, one corner (driver side rear) will catch for a second or two. We give it a bit of help to avoid dropping the top any distance.

Maybe my best bet is since a good 2/3s of the roof is still solid a slight remodel vs full rebuild. Unless I can get a garage for a few days.

Noted from someone else who took on a similar job with an 85, the most time was taken by the adhesive drying times.

If this goes the route of a partial rebuild, my biggest concern will be the outside frame boards and re-supporting the AC section.

Looks like Im going to get in there today for a few. Ill post the thoughts

Look forward to any other comments, and regardless Ill put some pic up of the process.

[Ranger3/75]

Hello all long time since Ive chimed in. Looking for some advice.
 
With spring break coming Im looking to take on a whole roof rebuild on my 83 Skamper 159C.
 
Some history
The previous owners did a horrible install job, cutting 1 big whole instead of two. Additionally they removed the supports that were there (guess they didnt check the portal for advice first). Last year I put in some more support and sealed it in but there is still a bit of sag.
 
I figure if Im getting back in there it should be whole hog. The front of the AC currently sits right over the wheel wells, the back then goes towards the rear of the pup.
 
My current thoughts are to remove the top, then with old foam cleared. Use some sheet metal to cover the original hole and relocate the ac more central equal to the middle from all four corners. My thinking is this will distribute the weight evenly to all lift corners.
 
1) is the relocation warranted and wise
2) closing up the original hole what process.
I dont have the skills to torch that kind of material. My thinking was cover sheet rivet then JB wield or another type of metal to metal bonding.
3) in the roof rebuild I need to take a look at my outer frame boards, can anyone say if those are supposed to be adhered to the aluminum?
 
I have 9 days of vacation to get it done.
 
Thanks all

About the ac remove....I just purchased a 2009 Flagstaff pup a few months ago...My ac is actually right where yours is now.Mine is a factory install:sits with front over axles,rear about 10" from back of top,positioned on drivers side of pup off center by 6".Seems to ride fine there,and not back heavy,no sway.........Just some thoughts to give you before you remount....

[afmmfoomb]

Thanks for the info Ranger

Thinking about it more, when empty, and with out anti sway installed. it holds its own fine. Fully loaded and done right no sway either. i may have faulted those guys on a poor install but maybe the placement was right,

I moved it to the back yard today. Thinking next weekend will be the time to get into it. Had a busy week and wanted to enjoy the race.

Looking over everything, honestly I'm thinking the money being lined up for the roof may be better spent elsewhere. New tire combos, canvas work etc

I'm aiming for part of next weekend Ill give it the full set up, do the garden hose check. If no leaks and drain off is good, maybe some re-thinking going on.

appreciate the comments. Web shots added, has a bit of the roof history and current state. You can see the sag worry I have in the view from the side.

May pop up some shots of the inside roof  next weekend. If anything this thought on the roof is helping do some better prioritizing.

[4Campers]

A couple of my thoughts-
Moving the A/C and trying to cover the large hole it left is asking for a roof leak.
My A/C is off set to the drivers side, possibly for the rear view when towing. You can see down your side OK, but it's harder to see down the passenger side. With the way mine is mounted, I have a good view over the PUP roof of the road behind me on that side.
I would suggest some kind of support for the roof as the weight of the A/C will cause sag before long.

Good Luck

[afmmfoomb]

Good info,

We did a leak check just before popping the canvas to send to bear creek. No leak and the drain off while level was good.

Looking for a new tv currently, our prior suburban left us a a great view of the pup.

With everyones advice and the current good shape of the roof looks like I'm leaving the ac right where it sits

[Ranger3/75]

Think you're making a good decision about leaving the ac right where it is.You are always opening a bundle of worms,when you start missing with the integrity of these roofs (leaks/roof integrity).This ac was probably a dealer install,and certain manufactures build in roof supports for ac's.My Flagstaff has ac supports in roof,plus has seperate electrical breakers,and 30a outlet in top section of roof with its own power cord coming from side of unit,by park power plug.
 
As far a viewing from tv,I have very good view to rear over PUP,plus side views are good on both sides.No sway,even in heavy wind...so go with your gut,you did state,that you also had no sway.Just be sure and use new seals on roof under ac on outside and inside,dont overtighten and compress the screws to roof..........
 
Good luck,know you're making the right decision............Have a good camping season...............