When I'm lowering my heavily-laden top, I don't worry about whether windows
and doors are open.  I put a pillow or sleeping bag or similar thing on the
upper bunk, lower down to that.  Then I can walk around and make sure all
the canvas is tucked in nicely and not getting pinched.  Then pull out the
pillow from between the top and the bunk and it goes down the last inch.
Then even if you lose control a bit (I'm only 5'3" so that can happen) it
doesn't come crashing down.  It works very nicely.

With a little bit less gear on top (boat, no bag of paddles) I could lift it
myself sort of.  I'd get the initial couple of feet up, then grab a 2 x 2
pole that I wedged in place to hold it up.  Then grabbed my step ladder (I
have to travel with one anyway, so I can reach to strap things on the roof)
and climb up it a step or two.  Then I had leverage to get the roof up the
last foot.

But once I added the extra bit of weight I just couldn't get the lift
started, so I depend on the kindness of strangers to raise my poptop.  It
can be a good way to strike up friendships in campgrounds!  But when I'm
camping out in the boonies with no one around it's not so effective.

Joy

****************************************************************
Joy Hecht
and Matilda, 1989 Burgundy Vanagon

For musings about life and the vanadventures:
http://users.rcn.com/jhecht/gypsy

****************************************************************

:::-----Original Message-----
:::From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
:::Of Dennis
:::Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 2:23 AM
:::To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
:::Subject: Re: Roof Racks, Space Boxes and Westys
:::
:::I carry windsurfing stuff up there all the time.  If you're not 6ft and
:::pretty strong, you might need just a little help locking the top in
:::place.
:::The initial lift is easy, it's the last foot that gets me.  Try and get
:::your box as far back as possible on the roof.
:::
:::For lowering it, make sure the doors and windows are closed.  Air
:::pressure
:::is your friend.  You'll figure out how much to open one window to allow
:::an
:::easy drop.