Jayco (Flamingo) roof rack

DIO
I would be very surprised if the extra weight would break the cable on a reasonably new camper. Despite Jayco's reputation for "doing things on the cheap" I think the cable they use is fairly strong. BUT, every system has a weak link and in the Jayco the weak link is the way the pulleys are attached to the floor. I pulled the front offside pulley straight out of the floor in my 2000 model Eagle in 2003. The service manager told me that the problem is they use coach bolts and only attach them to the woodwork. When they pull out he replaces them with a substantial nut and bolt right through the frame. I only ever carried two kevlar kayaks, total weight 28kgs for a distance of about 2000k's bitumen on mine and removed them before wind up each time. And by the way, that hammer effect you speak of is not restricted to campers with extras loaded on the roof. The walls of mine got so far out of shape that water would funnel into the camper whenever it rained. And that happened before we bought the kayaks.

tessa

I have a Flamingo outback ( 2000 model ) and have a little bit of sag in the roof -- with NO roof racks of any description. so i would imagine that its not good to add any extra weight - especially if you use yours like we do ... Off ROAD

we do have an extension on the back of the van that can easily hold 2 tires if i do a little mod ( and bikes ) this may be the better option for you as there is already considerable weight on the ball of your car - and getting more weight at the back would help even out the van

You guys bring up an interesting question that i have also been thinking off -- the strength of the cable that lifts the roof --- If the cable should break say during the night will the whole roof come down -- or is it secured on a ratchet system as a safety device ???


Boc

Ozboc, going by what i was told at Dandenong, YES it will come down, hence putting up the wood on each corner.

cheers,

Lance