Roof off track - help!

[Tinafish]

Last night as I was folding up my A128S in a thunderstorm, the roof got off track and would not close. It folds down with a gap of ~8 inches. Seems to have slid to one side and now the lower roof side (back half of roof) is outside of the upper roof, which is stopping it from closing. Has anyone had this problem? And have a suggestion on how to fix? I am in the middle of an extended trip across country!! Help please!

[Pooneil]

My first thought is a broken lift assist spring in the back.

It is hard for me to see in my mind's eye what would cause this and not be seen on a visual inspection. Is there any other visible change in the camper? Can you post some photos?

[Palletbob]

Yes, we have had that problem several times. You need to put it back up and push the side back into it's original positionand and let it back down again. It might take two people. You need to watch this when closing as it happens at the most inopportune moment.

[Pooneil]

PalletBob, do you know what mechanism gets out of alignment when this happens? I've not examined the roof hinges closely, so I guess it is time to.

[Tinafish]

Thank you Palletbob, this did the trick. In fact, we didn't have to raise it all the way, just enough to give us some leverage. A good push and it slipped back in track. And yes, always at the most inopportune time! Thanks to all for your suggestions!! Safe and happy travels!

[mickrock]

of alignment, or slipping out of position???

Is something broke?

[Tinafish]

Mickrock, nothing is broken. My best guess is that if you raise the upper roof (front panel) too high and the camper is even a bit off level, then the lower roof panel can "tilt" enough to let it slip to one side or another. A good push, once it was level and the panels were unobstructed by each other, got it back into place for us. BTW, Forest River support was not at all helpful. They recommended a service call to nearest dealer. I'm sure this isn't the first time they've heard of this happening.

[handbuilder]

This is the first time I've heard of this problem...thanks for sharing your experience and solution. I'm still trying to visualize it. LOL