camper van - correct way to put up

Hi Matthew, I don't have the goldstream but it operates the same way as my Jayco Eagle. The canvas can sometime be a bit tight to get over the bed and this can usually be rectified as long as the beds are not pushed out too far. By this I mean that sometimes after a little wear and tear the beds start to droop making it difficult to get the canvas over. I believe you should push the beds out 90%, then pull the canvas over the beds. Extend the beds out the remaining 10%, insert the external support bars, then raise the internal support bars, followed by affixing the velco undersides.
Hope this helps. Also suggest you visit the goldsteam website to see if they have the manual online or contact them to get one.

we put it up they way you have... depending on how the canvas it sitting (step 3) it can make step 4 harder to push up.

1. pull bed end out
2. install bed supports
3. pull canvas over bed end
4. push roof support up
5. tighten bungy cord over clips

Hi Matthew - possible causes may include:

canvas shrinkage - could be a big repair job, but i think unlikely due to age of camper;

bent bed rails - sight the bed rails before and after you place the support poles under the beds to see if the beds sag down when they are pulled out. if sagged severely they may need straightening or replacing. usually caused by someone getting on beds before the support poles underneath the beds go in;

or sagging chassis on door side if the problem is at the rear only - you could check the gap on the vertical edge of door on the handle side between door edge and van body. it should be even. if rear is sagging down the gap will be wider at top of door. i would check this with rear leg up first then down. check if winding it further down to lift the rear corner helps with canvas - obviously only if its the rear bed that is problem.

Maybe worthwhile getting yourself a copy of this Service Book that you can refer to. They are available for all makes but the Jayco one will suffice if you cannot get goldstream.

putting the camper up is simple enough as per posting above. Just need to ensure you pull canvas out and over corners and caution how you hold it if the canvas thread is perishing as it can tear here.

I have the service repair manual if you are in south west sydney otherwise suggest you buy one. price in 1997 was $35 so advertised price seems fair enough to me. good luck with it....

Thanks all, some things for me to check out.

I should point out, its most tight on the rear right hand side ( from the rear ).

Matt

Have a look at this link below to Jayco and click on OWNERS HANDBOOK under OWNERS COMMUNITY at top.

You will then be able to download the owners handbook which has the correct procedure for setting up a camper and should be ok for yours too as they are all very similar. It will probably help you as it says to fit the canvas first over the bed ends.

Look at pages 17 and 18 (from memory)

Jayco Owners Handbook

Good luck...