I am finally off to florida for a couple months of windsurfing on a barrier island. We get some wicked blows down there during frontal passages, line squalls and when low pressure areas move through. I have a '01 Four Wheel Camper Hawk model on a '04 Toyota Tundra. I am a bit worried about the rear or front of the roof canvas taking a direct hit from high wind and collapsing the roof on me as I sleep! I can give the rear wooden folding open mechanism the slightest pull inward and it collapses down easily. Surely a 30-60 mph wind gust will do the same. Other than the light duty spring tension incorporated into the design of the wooden push to open/close mechanism I don't see a really secure way to lock this roof up. The front section has a snap device that goes around the metal rod devise that you push in to help the roof go up and pull out to get it down. That snap devise seems a bit flimsy for a violent wind gust. Should I sleep with the top down when high winds are predicted? Any input on this? Has anyone camped in high wind areas in a four wheel camper? Help, I don't want to get squashed! Jim.
'04 Toyota Tundra, '01 Four Wheel Camper, Hawk Model.
I also have a Four Wheel Camper, and If I was in that same scenario, I would probably sleep with the top down. As much as I like the light weight and the simplicity of these campers, I dont like the lift mechanisms.
Your rear lift mechanism should have a strap and snap that goes around a small brass knob, similar to what you described for the front. Without this strap and snap your rear lift could easily collapse even without any strong winds. If you don't have this part, I suggest you call the 4Wheel factory ASAP.
Cheers
Mark
2003 Ford F350, XLT, Sport,4x4, Crew Cab, 7.3l Diesel,Auto
2001 ARE MX canopy with custom mini-camper conversion (a work in progress)
2007 Fleetwood E2 "semi-off-road" base-camp pop-up trailer
Thanks MarxF350 for alerting me to the fact that the snap arrangement is indeed missing on the rear lift mechanism. I will get one. And thanks Gregg also, I have never camped in a popup before and was sort of appalled when I thought of the roof easily collapsing in even moderate winds. When they come up the roof will go dowm and I'll sleep in the dinette! Jim.
I am considering buying a Four Wheel Camper for my Toyota Tacoma...how do you folks like them? I am very interested in anything you can tell me. I would be getting an Eagle.
Feel free to email me directly. mtnmanvt@sover.net
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