Shepherds hook problems - New owner old guy

[Dayhiker]

Shepard hook problems.
I can’t push them in enough. I managed after get after great effort on our fist night

So both hooks are same size but one bed is queen and 1 double. This right?

Seems to help if I get up on a step stool. What else can I do?

Afraid to try bending pole at the hook. I am desperate.

Oh. Both poles have are just empty tubing at both ends.

I’d happily buy shorter. Even have considered filing the end of the long shaft to shorten

I am not mechanically inclined.


All suggestions are appreciated

2023 Flagstaff Mac 206 Ltd 10 foot dox
Dayhiker

[Bob414]

My shepard hooks are length adjustable. Check if your are, I worry about breaking the little capture hook on the roof.

Bob B

[Dayhiker]

Bob414
Thanks for the reply. My Shepard hooks are not adjustable. What brand are yours?

[Bob414]

I assume original 2014 Flagstaff 206LTD included when I purchased PU in 2019. Same type of adjustment you find on a walking cane. Ie a spring assisted push pins, with selection of different holes. I would be surprised if they change the design.

Bob B

[Dayhiker]

Bob414 do I have a surprise for you. The full length of the pole is smooth and unblemished of any seams or holes or pushpins sticking out. After I got your reply I crawled onto a bunk and ran my hand offer the entire length. And the holes on both end have no inserts or anything.

I do appreciate your help. Things don’t always change for the better it seems.

[Rocky2018]

My hooks are solid and non adjustable, make sure your bunk ends are level , they do require a bit of force to install , a buddy of mine on his camper used to install the hooks first then zip the corner zippers after , just make sure the corner zippers are started an inch or so or you might not be able to get the seem to close enough to zip . It worked for him .

[Campworthy]

Hi,

My poles are not adjustable but they are different lengths, I have a king and queen beds. Like suggested don't do the side zips up until the pole is in place. Also. I don't know if your model has them but I don't slide the bed lock until the poles are in place either.

I'm short, so putting the poles in place can be a pain for me. It helps if I climb on the bed and pull the pole rather than stand in front of the bed & push it.

[Dayhiker]

Thanks to all who have been responding. I took down and came home today from the first trip. My wife unintalled the shepard hooks with just a shove. In the cool of the morning we will pop up to dry out,



I will have the 4 corner zips almost fully unzipped so my new, unstretched fabric will have a tiny bit more room to stretch. Also I will not have the bunk support rods installed when I try to install the shepard hook. This is to allow the end of bed to sag and thus lengthen the distance from the pole latch to the connection on the bow pole. Remember the hypotensus is more loose than the other two sides. Third I will be sure the roof is fully raised, again trying to create a longer distance between the two attachment points of the shepard hook.



On the second bed if there is still a problem, I will not pull the bed out fully hoping that will help perhaps letting the tenting flex, sag or otherwise be persuaded to cooperate.



I'll be sure to report back.

[Dayhiker]

Here is my report of the successful bed pop ups. I did not install the under bed support rails. The corner fabric was almost fully unzipped. I was on a step stool face high to the shepard pole. A couple sharp pushes and it was in place. Both beds were equally easy.



I think it was the step stool and the unzipped fabric that made it easy. Before installing shepard pole on one bed I did not slide fully out and the other bed I did slide fully out. No difference.



I am so pleased. And I thank all of you for your support and suggestions.