Bunk door assistance

[ddeanb]

Hi, I have a 2021Palamino Solaire 147X. I am wondering if anyone has installed gas struts or other devices to assist with raising the bunks to close them. Problem is, I am a short guy, 5'3", ( and not that strong anymore) and I need to get up on a ladder to close the latch. The front one is not that big of a problem because it has a negative angle, and will stay in place once it is raised. But the rear is a vertical, and will not stay in place by itself. Typically, the canvas needs to be tucked in for the bunk to be closed weathertight, and it is a real challenge, rather, impossible, to do this single handedly.. Any insights would be appreciated.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by ddeanb

Hi, I have a 2021Palamino Solaire 147X. I am wondering if anyone has installed gas struts or other devices to assist with raising the bunks to close them. Problem is, I am a short guy, 5'3", ( and not that strong anymore) and I need to get up on a ladder to close the latch. The front one is not that big of a problem because it has a negative angle, and will stay in place once it is raised. But the rear is a vertical, and will not stay in place by itself. Typically, the canvas needs to be tucked in for the bunk to be closed weathertight, and it is a real challenge, rather, impossible, to do this single handedly.. Any insights would be appreciated.

In the 16 years I've been on various Hybrid forums, I've never seen any such solution for those asking the same type of questions.

[Toppans]

Originally Posted by ddeanb

Hi, I have a 2021Palamino Solaire 147X. I am wondering if anyone has installed gas struts or other devices to assist with raising the bunks to close them. Problem is, I am a short guy, 5'3", ( and not that strong anymore) and I need to get up on a ladder to close the latch. The front one is not that big of a problem because it has a negative angle, and will stay in place once it is raised. But the rear is a vertical, and will not stay in place by itself. Typically, the canvas needs to be tucked in for the bunk to be closed weathertight, and it is a real challenge, rather, impossible, to do this single handedly.. Any insights would be appreciated.

I have the same problem with my 24WS Roo. I’m thinking of installing a spring hinge to help me out. I put a question out to everyone and waiting to see what they think.

[hobienick]

Close all windows and turn on all roof fans to high. This will suck the canvas in so you don't have to tuck it.

Has anyone tried using a pole to push the bunk end up? It will help if you usually need a ladder. I would mount a "receiver" for the pole on the bunk where you push to keep the end of it from moving around. The pole can also be wedged against the ground to hold the bunk in place. The issue with a pole is getting a telescoping version that is both long and short enough to do the job.