Will it work?

[LoriMaury Kimbrough]

At the Southwest Meet last month, GM was telling us about the automatic opener that she bought for her tonneau cover. I got to thinking… would that work for the engine cover on my boat? I haven’t seen what GM bought, I can’t even remember what it was called but with the way that she described it, it sounds like with the press of a button the cover will open. The engine cover weighs about 60 pounds, which explains why I would like something to open it for me.



What do you guys think? Is there something out there that we can istall that will raise the cover? Here are some pictures of the engine cover. You’ll see that it already has shocks, I can’t imagine how hard it would be to open without those.



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[JK II]

I think it'd be something like an actuator?

 

[Jeff C]

What did GM get to make her tonneau go up? I want one! and one for my tailgate too, so I can just hit a button and it all opens up.

 

[Richard L]

Kimbro,

GM has an EZLift kit that I sell. They are custom made for the Sport Trac's OEM hard tonneau cover, and there is also a kit available for Sport Trac's with the Advance Cover.



I have also designed a kit for Jeff C's home made plywood tonneau cover.



The difference in whether the gas springs will cover will lift by itself or only act as a counterbalance to make the cover easier to lift is based on the pressure in the gas spring and the geometry angles of the gas spring mounts.



I could design a lift system or calculate the gas spring pressures needed to lift your cover without assistance but I would need some accurate measurements from you. Obviously, your engine cover would require a lock or latching system (which it probably has) to hold the cover closed or your cover could not be closed.



If you are interested, email me at [email protected]



...Rich

 

[Jeff C]

Nah, Rich, I was thinking of something more automated. I know some minivans have the automatic rear hatch opening. I know it's not practical for the ST, but it would be pretty cool to push a button on the remote and have the tailgate lower and the cover lift. Something pneumatic I think could do it, but it would be major $$$ and lots of custom work. Maybe JK could do it first since he seems to have the hook up at custom shops in FLA.

 

[TRACket Paul]

Many higher-end boats have powered covers. Visit some boat dealers and take a look at their set-ups for ideas to "borrow".

 

[LoriMaury Kimbrough]

Thanks Rich...I'll get some details about it from the hubby tonight. I can ask generic questions, but when it comes to the details it's best to get 'the expert' involved. We'll put some stuff togther and send off an email to you. I think we'll also take Paul's advice and go to some dealers....no reason to re-invent the wheel.



Thanks guys!!

 

[Richard L]

Kimbo,

I suspect that your cover may only need stronger gas springs, so the mounting hardware would remain unchanged. I sell the gas springs for $32 a pair. I don't charge anything to calculate the proper lift capacity needed for the gas springs.



The electric lift units are called "Linear actuators" and the smallest cheapest units that can lift a 60 lbs cover cost about $150-$200 each without any mounting hardware,. wiring or switches. They are nice but kind of pricey.



...Rich

 

[TRACket Paul]

Here's a source:

 

[Gypsy me]

I have the EZLok kit as well. That was the kit I was talking about at the SWAZ meet

 

[LoriMaury Kimbrough]

Thanks Paul for the link. It looks like they have exactly what we are looking for.

 

[Wes Davis]

I don't even have a tonneau yet but now I want one just so I can get one of those lifts. Good job Paul!!! Please someone post some pricing if you give them a call.