Coromal Pop-top roof out of square.
Submitted: Friday, Nov 09, 2012 at 20:18
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Paul V2
Recently I purchased a 1987 Coromal pop-top caravan...the red/black series....and upon returning
home, and thoroughly inspecting the van, I find that the pop-top roof does not sit squarley on the van when it is pulled down. The roof is out of alignment by about 1cm front to back and consequently does not fit snuggly over the front lip of the van. The roof is slightly raised at the front. The roof still secures with the roof clips, but I'm not sure how safe the van is to tow in this situation. The only way to secure the roof in its correct position is to have someone on a step ladder at the rear and push the roof forward while it's being pulled down from the inside. Not the best scenario. Unfortunately the van cannot be returned to place of purchase.....private sale, no comeback.
Does anyone know if the van is safe to tow with the roof in this "unsquare" situation and how can I recitify the problem?
Thanks for any advice
Reply By: disco driver - Friday, Nov 09, 2012 at 20:47
Friday, Nov 09, 2012 at 20:47
It sounds like the lifting gear is out of alignment.
Check with the roof fully erected that the scissor arms are not bent or deformed or have been moved from their original position.
This will cause the results you have discovered.
If the lift system has those things like the boot retainer units, they may be bent or unservicable.
Unless you have the knowledge and space to repair the system (you need to be able to remove or support the roof) you should take it to a caravan service place for attention.
It should be safe to tow the caravan at normal speeds as long as all the roof retainer clamps are securely closed.
Disco.
AnswerID:
498244
Follow Up By: Paul V2 - Friday, Nov 09, 2012 at 21:09
Friday, Nov 09, 2012 at 21:09
Thanks disco driver.....your info is helpfull. But can you tell me what what you mean by the "things like the boot retainer units". The van has the scissor arms front and back, and gas struts on each side. I will have a close look at those.
Thanks again
FollowupID:
774207
Follow Up By: disco driver - Friday, Nov 09, 2012 at 21:32
Friday, Nov 09, 2012 at 21:32
Memory Blank!!
Gas Struts is what I meant.
I'd be checking that the gas struts are not bottoming out before the top is really down.
From memory I don't recall gas struts on vans much before 1990, so they could be replacements for the scissor sets.
The back ones could bottom out early and this would cause the top to remain a bit too far back to close properly.
Disco.
FollowupID:
774209
Follow Up By: tungbean - Saturday, Nov 10, 2012 at 09:57
Saturday, Nov 10, 2012 at 09:57
I recently purchased a Coromal poptop caravan and was told by the previous owner to raise and lower the roof only with 2 persons at each end pushing/pulling equally and at the same time.
The fellow had owned many caravans over time and said that when only one person pushed or pulled - the roof tended to move forward slightly and affected the seal and fit.
I offer this advice only as it was explained to me and cannot verify it as correct - only to say that the roof fits perfectly and is a 1995 model.
hope this helps and doesn't hinder
regards, Barfomolew
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Follow Up By: Paul V2 - Saturday, Nov 10, 2012 at 23:40
Saturday, Nov 10, 2012 at 23:40
thanks tungbean.........have used two people on the inside to pull down the roof, but this hasn't helped. Will
check out previous posters suggestion that it may be the gas struts need replacing.
thanks for your advice.
FollowupID:
774286
Reply By: Member - Tom C - Sunday, Nov 11, 2012 at 08:28
Sunday, Nov 11, 2012 at 08:28
Hello Paul,
I may be able to help you with this as I had the same problem with 90 Coromal 18 ft dual axle van red/black trim. The chassis on these units was liable to bend, with the result that the roof would not close properly and the door opening spread at the top. To ascertain, sight along the alloy frame on the top of the van body with the roof up and any distortion will be apparent. Even standing back and looking at the side of the van you may see the bend. The only cure is to allow the weight of the van on stands to flex the chassis upwards at the ends and drill holes at intervals along the mid-line of the rail and insert a close fitting inner rectangular section rail and puddle weld the inner rail to the outer. The only steel of the correct dimension that I could find was from
Hill Holdings in South Aust and I had this shipped to
Townsville for the repair. The repair solved the problem completely. Contact me through the
forum if you need more detail, hope this helps.
AnswerID:
498324