Scissor lift

[john]

Hi fellow members,
After rebuilding the poptop on my 14 foot Franklin, I find it is now heavier, and it operates with only three scissor lifts. I would like to fit a forth at the front of the van, any suggestions where I may be able to locate one.
Regards,
John

[pisces51]

G'day John,

CaravansPlus stock the Breha range of canopy lifters, in sizes 700, 900, and 1200mm. You would most likely fit the 700 size to the front (whatever matches the rear size). Price for the 700 size is $150 plus shipping.
There are other caravan spares websites that may be cheaper. Do a Google search for Breha canopy lifters.

Cheers,
Al.

[john]

Hi Al,
Thank you for the information, I guess the size of the scissor lift is measured by the length of the top or bottom mounting plates. Looking at eBay and Gumtree sites, there seems to be plenty available.
Thanks again,
John

[pisces51]

G'day John,

Yes, the length of the top and bottom channels is the nominal size.

Note that each canopy lifter is rated to raise a certain weight, approx 35-40kgs. Therefore four of them will lift, say, 4 X 35kgs, or 140kgs total. The weight of your pop-top roof is typically around the 70kgs mark, so four lifters provides plenty of grunt to get the pop-top up.
Where you can have problems is during the process of lowering the roof, because you have to apply 140kgs of force to collapse the springs. The roof weight provides 70kgs, and your arms provide the other 70kgs. Men or women who are lightweights can struggle to get the roof down.

Cheers,
Al.

[john]

Hi Al,
I have measured the lifters, and they are 900mm long. I would love to find a second hand one so they all look the same, but caravan wreckers don’t seem to exist. If I don’t do any good with my search, I will settle on a new one.
Cheers, and again thanks for your help
John