PopUp Gizmos new Super High Wind Gizmos

[ngatel]

Why ‘Super High Wind’ Gizmos, when PopUp Gizmos makes a ‘High Wind’ version? Read on to find out why.

We often camp in the desert where 30 mph-sustained winds are common.

We used the High Wind version with great results on our 1992 Starcraft Meteorite. However, when we ordered a set for our 2006 Niagara, they did not stay on as securely as they had on the Starcraft. In winds above 20 mph, sometimes the metal clips holding the Gizmo to the sides would fall off if the Gizmo billowed with gusts of wind, and sometimes the Gizmos would blow off the bunk ends; something we never experienced with our smaller Starcraft. The reason for this will be explained later.

The ‘High Wind’ version attaches to the PU bunk ends using 3 attachment mechanisms.

• One end is secured by the tension of the bunkend of the roof
• The other end is secured by the tension of a bungee cord
• The sides are secured by several metal clips

          'High Wind' version on our '92 Starcraft

         

So why did the ‘High Wind’ version work better on our Starcraft? The answer lies in the size of the bunks. The Starcraft had two Twin Size bunks, versus two King Size bunks on the Niagara. The surface area of the Niagara bunks is just about double that of the Starcraft. This leads to a discussion of wind deflection. The wind deflection of the surface area of a panel in tension is proportional to

• The surface area of the panel
• The amount of tension in the panel

What this means is that the larger Gizmos had twice as much surface area, and the side clamps provide little tension on the panel. The tension of the panel was less than the smaller Starcraft Gizmos. Therefore, the larger Gizmos became sails in "super" high wind.

The new ‘Super High Wind’ Gizmos incorporate 5 bungee cords, thus eliminating the troublesome clips. This is the importance of the new bungee system:

• It creates 4 panels on each bunk, effectively reducing the surface area by 400%
• Each panel has two bungee cords to create exponentially more tension than the clips

Our ‘Super High Wind’ Gizmos are “permanently" attached to the bunk end with Velcro. On our high wall Niagara, not dealing with the time and effort it took to attach 24 clips is a pleasure in itself!!

How well do they stay on? We left our trailer in the driveway for nearly two weeks during the windy season of April - May. We had constant winds of 20 – 30 mph everyday, with gusts well over 40 mph on occasion. The Gizmos stayed snug and secure.

We have taken several trips during the past two months with our new ‘Super High Wind’ Gizmos, and the set-up and take-down is significantly easier and quicker. On a scale of 1 – 10, these are definitely a 10.

          'Super High Wind' version on our '06 Niagara


         

        Note: This is a prototype and the production items are a little different


More 'Super High Wind' Gizmo pictures here.

You can find more information at www.popupgizmos.com

I want to thank Bob Pitney at PopUp Gizmos for allowing me to test a set of the prototypes. I have dealt with Bob several times over the years, and his company provides outstanding products and great customer service.

[merc]

I'd already heard about these in the last few weeks.  Ordered mine on Wednesday, 1 July and received them on Monday, 6 July.  Pretty good turn around for a camper he didn't have measurements for, plus the holiday in there. We'll be using them for the 1st time this weekend. I have the camper plugged in cooling the fridge as we speak....

[Baytoven]

Excellent review!   You confirmed what I noticed with the cover for our slide out, that it seems much less vulnerable to wind than our bunk covers.

Being vertically challenged, the idea of being to secure the covers myself without fetching a box to stand on is very appealing.

Is there any problem with the downward pull by the bungies on the unsupported canvas sides of the bunks?  The cover seems to be distorting the sides, enough perhaps that Reflectix window panels might not fit correctly.

We've had excellent service from PUG too.  He sets the bar high.

[ngatel]

No problem with the downward pull on the sides. I probably have them tighter than needed in the pictures.

I did not get a SHW for the slide out. As a matter of fact, I don't even use the clips on it. Not enough surface area to cause a problem.

[Red Barchetta]

Nice write-up Nick!   

We have the high-wind version and are very happy with them (2 clamps per side on the bunks and none on the slide-out (8 total clips)), but if we camped in super high winds these look like they'd be just the thing.   

I'll also add a "thumbs up" on the outstanding service Bob at PUG provides!!   

[mnkrobinson]

Hello all, I've been lurking behind the fire for some time now(well over a year), I've gained much knowledge on mods for my pup. The PopUp Gizmo is the single best/easist mod. I've had mine for over a year and used them on every trip. The temp. is easily reduced/saved by 10 degrees. I live in Washington State and camp all over the state. I wont readress what has been stated already, but I certainly agree with the write-ups so far. I just expericanced another reason why the PopUp Gizmo is a great feature. We camped this weekend at Belfair State Park, the weekend started out nice, 75 on Friday, 85 on Saturday, however by Sat evening a strom came in with thunder, lightening, rain and wind about 15 knots(I'm guessing) coming off the water. The Gizmos, stayed attached and helped repel the water from the bunk-ends and slide-out. In the morning the rain picked up and we had to break camp as it was our last day, and while lowering the roof and keeping the gizmos on until the last minute we were able to keep the bunkends reletivly dry. We then removed the gizmos at the last minute (FYI the clips could rust if left on for a significant time). My wife thought I was crazy for buying the PopUp Gizmos and now she has enjoyed eating her slice of 'humble-pie". As I was stowing the pup, I thought I needed to share this info as another reason for purchasing the PupUp Gizmo SHW feature. I know that its been said to help keep sap and dirt  off of the canvas, but this experiance was far better than what I was expecting.
 

[TooManyTents]

Nick,
Thanks for the write up and photos.  Looks like I have something to add to the "if you need an idea for a gift for me" list!

mnkrobinson,
Welcome to PUX neighbor.

[JimmyGator]

I didn't see my model in the list of already spec'd out measurements but it's a new Palomino Pony.  Who could I ask if there is a set already spec'd out at the PUX Trading Post?

[mnkrobinson]

Try the direct link to the company at http://www.popupgizmos.com/ or 972-849-9240 Monday-Friday, 9-4, CST, Closed Sat.& Sun.

 They may have it. I called and gave them my make and model and had it available and ready for shipment, last year. I see they changed the model from clamps to bungee...very nice. Last year I was camping a Lincoln Rock State Park, in Eastern, Wa. and we easily had 50+ mph winds. I had my clamps in place and put a few extra on, with some bungee cords and all the covers stayed in place. I like this new feature, but I wonder how it will work if the wind gets under the cover. I still see the need for the clamps, just to keep a better seal between the canvas and the covers. I do appreciate the look of the newer version, and I think I might be able to fashion something like this on the covers I currently own. Either way, hope the link helped and good luck.

Thanks for the welcome TooMany Tents, my neighbor to the south.
  Forest River Flagstaff 228D, Chrysler T&C