PopTop Storage

[JS4910]

Hi All,

Just a quick question regarding storage of potop vans, as ours SC 17.58-1 OB won't fit in the shed it means it will be spending it's non travelling time in the back yard exposed to the elements. Now although I intend to get an ADCO cover for it I was wondering do you learned people out there in ExpandasDownunder land store your poptops with the lid down or the lid up. My reason for this is it will determine the model cover I buy, I can see benefits and negatives for both but not sure if my reasoning is correct, so I am asking the knowledge tank here what way is best and why, Thanks.

 

[Mick]

Hi Glen,
We have the 17:56.1 and when its not in use we store it with lid (roof) down as have roof air con and think the weight on the roof support struts would be harsh so its kept under storm cover to fit 18ft as this also covers gas bottle
I also leave fridge/freezer and microwave all open and put two damp rid hippos to keep it fresh and mold free.
The other thing I do is I put a block of wood long and as heigh as the roof antena when down to keep the cover of the antena as I have covers rip in the wind when rubbing on the antena.
Cheers
Mick

 

[bigcol]

I store mine roof down like @Mick said - for the same reasons - weight on the struts

but mine is parked under the back patio, only the drawbar and 6" of the front outside..........

 

[dagree]

Also store ours with the lid down but release the catches to take a bit of pressure off the seals.... Don't know if it helps or not but no harm trying!
Just need to make sure they're locked down before leaving Van is parked under the carport.

Previous van was kept under a cover out the front with the poptop down with no issues that we could find but did find it "stuffy" inside in warmer weather. We used to put foam pool noodles on the roof to keep the cover just off the roof (Like an air gap for circulation)

 

[MDS69]

Lid down with the cover on for us however I might do the latch thing like @dagree I also leave the pop out windows ajar under the cover.

 

[The escapist]

Lid down for us, under an adco cover (the Aldi one just didnt last!)

Will look into the damp rid hippo though @Mick , sounds like a good idea.

Anyone leave the air vents open a crack in the roof with the van covered? Our old van used to get that hot in there it'd melt the wifes candles! Was thinking if I could leave the vents open a crack it might help with heat. Couldn't leave the windows open though - it's parked in the front yard. I'd be worried about break-ins....

 

[Mick]

Lid down for us, under an adco cover (the Aldi one just didnt last!)

Will look into the damp rid hippo though @Mick , sounds like a good idea.

Anyone leave the air vents open a crack in the roof with the van covered? Our old van used to get that hot in there it'd melt the wifes candles! Was thinking if I could leave the vents open a crack it might help with heat. Couldn't leave the windows open though - it's parked in the front yard. I'd be worried about break-ins....

I would most likly forget to shut the window and get flaged down by a passing motorist waving franticly for me to stop as a passing truck has sucked out my window and half of the vans curtains are hanging on by the last thread

 

[Tricky]

Lid down for us also. Just leave the lock down clips undone and it will be fine.

 

[WHHEMI]

I have always stored our poptops with the roof up, I have seen a lot of poptop sleaves covered in mold from storing them closed.

 

[Dobbie]

Simple solutions?

Use it more often so the poptop gets a regular airing.

If only, if only......




We always store it under cover, with poptop down and clips undone but do check for mould, condensation etc relatively frequently (translated.....when we remember to do so)

 

[Bonners]

Aldi cover has lasted thru the year so far, roof down, windows cracked open, rubber corners on solar panel to prevent tearing, will release catches from now on