Late yesterday afternoon I decided to take the camper out for a night–needed to reload stuff and organize both van and camper for the spring season.Tango and I needed some outdoor time, too!
One corner of the lift system malfunctioned. A spring goes up into each of the telescoping corner poles, which is what lifts the top up. On the back right corner, the spring “oozed out” of the telescoping pole instead up going straight up through it. Yikes! The spring kinked and damaged the aluminum opening where the poles go up and down.
I was able to prop up that side with a safety pole. I always install two safety poles, one on each side, per directions since the cable for the lift system can also snap.
Anyway, it was late so Tango and I spent the night–we had electric hook-ups which was nice. First thing in the morning–after coffee of course– i packed up and tried to put the top down. The sprung spring was in the way. Hmmmmmmmmm.
After drinking coffee and contemplating my navel some more, I decided to drive into the nearest small town (smaller than Wheatland) and buy a cable cutter. Woo hoo! Snipped right through the gnarly spring and I was able to carefully lower the top and snap it shut.
Now, I have to take it to a shop. I found one closer to me, in Cheyenne (was going to Denver). I hope they can do the work. I learned all about the lift system and they might have to replace all four of the springs…it looks like a complete assembly and costs $156 just for the part : (
Sure hope warranty covers it!
I am on vacation April 21, for a week. That leaves this coming week to get it fixed. Yikes!
Lessons learned:
1.Cable cutters should be part of tool box. I need more tools in general, including wider assortment of screwdrivers.
2. Think things through before taking action: I researched in the manual and online, and I now understand a great deal about my lift system.
3. Having both a trailer and a separate tow vehicle is a good plan–can always disconnect the tow vehicle from camper and go for help.
4. Internet access is wonderful when camping, when you can get it. Ditto with smart phone.
