The simple way to lower a heavily loaded poptop without the risk of the
parachute effect is to stick your pillow on the upper bunk and then lower
the top.  If you should drop it, it hits the pillow instead of your head (at
least if you're my height) - then it lowers the rest of the way slowly as
you pull the pillow out.

Joy

:::-----Original Message-----

:::From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf

:::Of Mike

:::Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 10:16 AM

:::To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

:::Subject: Re: poptop raise assist

:::

:::  Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to lower the top with all

:::the

:::doors and windows closed, unless you are leaving in the pouring rain.

:::This

:::may assist with slowing the rate of closing, while easing the load off of

:::your back, but it's at the expense of 'ballooning' the canvas out and

:::getting it stuck between the roof and the top seals.  This will cause

:::damage

:::and increased wear on the canvas, if you don't take care to pull it all

:::back

:::in.   Sometimes it's hard enough to keep it all from pinching in several

:::places, as it is.  Also, if the canvas is old and slightly weak from

:::dry-rot, this will eventually blow open a seam or worn spot somewhere.

:::Your

:::method would pretty much guarantee it to get caught outside of the top

:::seal

:::and hasten the canvas' demise.   I've learned that one the hard way.

:::

:::my 2 cents,

:::

:::Mike B.

:::