Velco install for Pop up Gizmos.

[vinmaker]

I was finally able to pop open the pop up.

I was pressed for time today but I was able to get the Velcro installed onto the roof of the pop up.

The Velcro is used to attach one end of the Gizmo to the roof so that it will be tucked under the lip of the roof and prevent water from getting under during rain. It also aids in getting the Gizmo up onto the top of the bunkend as it is pretty high on these highwalls.

The option to have a strip of Velcro ( the loop side of Velcro) sewn onto the Gizmo costs $10.

Some people use adhesive backed Velcro. I decided I did not want glue residue if it did not work so I opted for the kind that you sew on. I then simply stapled (1/2 inch staples) the Velcro ( the hook side of Velcro) to the inside side of the roof.

What you would then do is lift the roof about a foot and Velcro the Gizmos to the roof. Then simply raise the roof like normal and push out the bunks, etc.

It is a bit difficult I found to get your hands on the backside of the Gizmo so you can attach it. The way I had mine folder was a bit cumbersome. I suppose if it was rolled up it would be easier.

I think the more I use them the easier it will be.

Here are a few pics. The roof is not all the way up as I was still installing the Velcro when I took the pics.

Vin.

[flagst228]

Thanks for the pictures on this.Today I got my gizmos in by the mail man,now I gonna open the box and check them out.I also had the Velcro put on them...

[vinmaker]

If you raise the roof about half way, you will be able to just jump up onto the bedding and sit while you staple the Velcro.

The slide out was a bit more challenging but you are able to sit on the outside wall while the slide is in.

Good luck with your install.

Vin.

[Jimandchris]

Glad to see the velcro option worked well for your pop up. I think it's an easier and quicker setup than using clips, especially on the taller Roos.

[W4NT3D]

They look awesome! Thanks for posting pics of install.

Since we have same camper, what's the size you have so when I order I don't have to measure.

[vinmaker]

If your asking for the size of the Gizmos, they already know the size. I just told him the year and model I had. I think all the HW's have been the same for years. One end is a King, the other end is a Queen and then the slideout. The tenting is a function of the bed/slideout size.

One note to all: I ordered 5 yards of Velco and had to cut into pieces because I could not span the entire distance. I am not sure how I order the small roll but I did screw up.

You need 7' for each end and 6' for the slide out. A total of 20 linear feet if you want to have a continuous strip.

I fully believe that the strips I have will be sufficient to hold it up under the lip. It just might look like a better install with a continuous strip. Not that you can see it. lol.

Vin.

[W4NT3D]

Thanks, the reason I asked about the size I went to the website and I didn't see our PuP listed for a size.

[vinmaker]

Yes. That is true but he did have the measurements.

I did measure mine as I thought I would need to tell him the dimensions.

I can dig those numbers out for you if you wish.

These fit great. The end slightly overlaps the end of the bunk.

He is great to work with and will gladly make you a new set if his size is off. No worries there. Not sure if he will remember Vinmaker but you can mention it on the call. I think it was on the pop up explorer site that I missed his Christmas sale and he honored the sale for me after I posted.

Good luck.

[W4NT3D]

send me PM of his contact info please

and dimensions when you get a chance.

[f5moab]

Good job with the Velcro. After setting up a trailer last Sunday outside of Moab with 40 mph wind gusts, the Velcro saved the day. However I did add a clip to the top corner on the windy side of the trailer since the wind started to unzip the Velcro.

[vinmaker]

Will do but you will be surprised when he picks up the phone. His name is Bob Piney down in Texas. Great guy.

I never told him the dimensions. All I said was I had a 2015 Rockwood HW296 and I wanted the velcro strip sewn on. He will sew a 1 inch velcro strip.

I installed a 1 1/2 inch strip to make sure I caught it while attaching the Gizmo.

Vin.

[vinmaker]

Originally Posted by f5moab

Good job with the Velcro. After setting up a trailer last Sunday outside of Moab with 40 mph wind gusts, the Velcro saved the day. However I did add a clip to the top corner on the windy side of the trailer since the wind started to unzip the Velcro.

Did all of your attachment strings reach each other? I am thinking the ones on the very top are not long enough. I did not pull them tight as I could not grab both at the same time. I need to place a couple of hooks underneath to hold them down so then I can go under the bunk and pull them both together.

[f5moab]

I should have been more specific. Only needed the extra clips when raising the top and until the bed was pulled out and set up. After that, the top of the bed material and the bottom of the roof pinch the gizmo and helps to hold in place. Remember, I'm doing this by myself; dang dog just lays there and laughs.

After three days of blowing winds, the gizmos did shift a bit and I had to pull back over to the wind blown side. But overall, considering three days of high winds the gizmos held up great.

[cabranch47]

Last fall we camped in Arkansas for a month, first trip out. I put the velcro on for the Gizmos and leave them attached when folding up. Had no problem doing that and much easier to set up. I also attached the tie downs to a central ring on one side and hook on the other side, only one point to hook up. We went through a very rough storm the first day out (wife and I spent the day in the men's bathroom), and everything was fine when we went back to the camper. Highly recommend them.

[vinmaker]

Hey Branch,

I saw photo's about having a single ring to hold them all together but the top one seems too short. I did not have much time to fiddle with it but it did not look like a single ring our work. Maybe I need to replace the string with longer lengths.

I am not going to be folding up the Gizmos with the tenting as I am too concerned with the tree sap that falls on the ends. That is the main reason I use Gizmo's - to keep the tenting clean and protected. Try selling a pop up with ugly spotted tenting. The problem with sap is once you fold it over, you now have two sap spots. And the sticky sap will attract dirt/dust to stick to it. It is also a pain to take off so I just as well pull the Gizmos off and fold in the clean canvas.

I totally agree that leaving them attached would be very convenient. I will be doing it for our first trip as the Gizmos are new.

Vin.

[3hooligans]

Thanks for the pics. I didn't have the Velcro sewn on so I will have to work with my daughter and her sewing machine to do the gizmos.


Me the missus and three hooligans!
2014 Rockwood Premier 2317g
2012 Ford F150 super crew ecoboost
2011 Honda Pilot

[f5moab]

On the back I tie the outer two strings to the bed supports, the next two I used a key ring, the next two I tie together. The last one I actually tuck a bit under the horizontal velcro on my trailer to keep it close to the trailer body. Seemed to be the best for high winds.
On the front, with the bike hauling deck, I have so many points to attach the strings to I just make sure they are tight.

[vinmaker]

I like the idea of attaching them to the support poles. I plan on possibly making a few simple zip tie loops to slide over the support tube poles and then simply hook the string to them. Individually. Or like you did. Grab two at a time. That might actually be better,

The slide I need to figure out but I am hoping to grab the lower end of the slide out wall.

Vin.