Pop top wind loading

[WelshGas]

Here’s a question for amateur physicists...

If parked in strong winds, with the pop top up and rear facing into the wind, will the wind be trying to close the roof, or will it be trying to lift the roof?

 

[Amarillo]

The effect will be neutral. There will be an initial downward pressure but the wind bouncing off will cause eddies which will give an uplift. Actually, I just made that up. Sorry, no idea.

You should have left off those last two sentences. Up to that point you sounded to be speaking with authority.

 

[Joker 1299]

View attachment 76187

Does the fact that the photo is flipped have an impact?

 

[Joker 1299]

You should have left off those last two sentences. Up to that point you sounded to be speaking with authority.

I’m good at that!

 

[WelshGas]

Does the fact that the photo is flipped have an impact?

No. Couldn’t find a side view in the orientation I liked as I wanted to go L to R.
Was going to put some flying chickens in but couldn’t find anything suitable.

Tom.

 

[flying banana]

Worrying about nothing again. Fire blankets.carbon monoxide detectors,gas lockers and now wind. What's up with you lot. Biggest issue with wind is the noise. a pop tops never been ripped off by wind that i know. Go camping, drink beer and stop worrying over nothing

 

[Cali Phillip]

Worrying about nothing again. Fire blankets.carbon monoxide detectors,gas lockers and now wind. What's up with you lot. Biggest issue with wind is the noise. a pop tops never been ripped off by wind that i know. Go camping, drink beer and stop worrying over nothing

Ha ha the beer may mitigate any noise issues !

 

[Amarillo]

Worrying about nothing again. Fire blankets.carbon monoxide detectors,gas lockers and now wind. What's up with you lot. Biggest issue with wind is the noise. a pop tops never been ripped off by wind that i know. Go camping, drink beer and stop worrying over nothing

Well, if parked back to the wind, and the worst that could happen is the top gets blown closed, I’m inclined to agree that it is nothing to be concerned about (I’m only considering the Beach with gas struts holding it open here, as I have no experience of the Ocean).

 

[Azteccamper]

Worrying about nothing again. Fire blankets.carbon monoxide detectors,gas lockers and now wind. What's up with you lot. Biggest issue with wind is the noise. a pop tops never been ripped off by wind that i know. Go camping, drink beer and stop worrying over nothing

I think it’s the pandemic. People seem to worry either about things breaking or what accessories they need to buy to enjoy the van.
You only need yourself and the van - get out while you can and enjoy yourselves, smile, laugh and have fun!

 

[WelshGas]

Well, if parked back to the wind, and the worst that could happen is the top gets blown closed, I’m inclined to agree that it is nothing to be concerned about (I’m only considering the Beach with gas struts holding it open here, as I have no experience of the Ocean).

Unless you are sleeping upstairs of course.
The Hydraulic rams on the Ocean are kept pressurised all the time and probably work at a higher pressure than the Beach gas struts.
But the main problem is, the wind direction is rarely consistent and gusts from off centre could produce a considerable side force which the roof system on both vehicles is not designed for.