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Lift/Lowering device type II


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#1 Star152

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Posted 06 December 2007 - 03:45 AM

I want to thank BUZZ for giving me the inspiration for thinking about and creating the roof lift and lowering device. I used many items that I already had and the cost of the items I needed was about $15.00 and OSH. Items needed.
1. 1 pair of aluminum crutches
2. 4 hose clamps
3. ¾ inch PVC pipe 2 pieces cut into 7 inch pieces (check if the crutch fits inside the PVC pipe and slides freely)
4. ¾ inch square dowel cut into 2 7 inch pieces
5. 2 double wheel pulleys
6. A piece of metal strap.
7. (1) 6 inch long bolt and nut to replace the one for the handle


Take one crutch and remove the underarm support and handle.
Take the other crutch and remove the adjustable foot you will no longer need this.

Using a long piece of wood knock out the plastic cap at the other end of the adjustable foot support.

Drill a hole to fit a bolt and nut to hold pulley.

Attach the PVC pipe and wood using hose clamps see photo.

Take the other crutch and drill holes and enlarge to fit a larger bolt for strength where the arm support was removed. Slide the crutch with the foot into the PVC pipe.

Secure the saved handle with the larger bolt and tighten.
Shape a piece of metal strap around the plastic handle and drill a hole to fit the other pulley.

Drill a hole and screw down to hold the pulley parallel to the crutch.

Tie one end of the rope to the handle where the pulley is attached. Route the rope through the pulley so that the rope ends up so you can pull up the rope to raise the crutch. Now you are done.

Raise and lower the camper top to your hearts content.

NOTE on my camper the front is higher than the rear. I raise the foot section to meet the roof support and pull the rope to raise the top. Have fun……it works great.

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05 Ford F250 LB V10 04 FWC Grandby

#2 Buzz

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Posted 06 December 2007 - 02:09 PM

Good! I was hoping that I could inspire someone to take something from my idea and carry it farther.

I really like what you've done with those old useless crutches. The mechanical advantage that you gain with your pulley system will serve you well when you load the roof rack. Great choice of material!

Ben B. at ATC suggested that I use closet rod hangars to keep the crutch tip from possibly slipping and damaging the roof. The crutch tip diameter is too large to fit into the hangars; so, I made two 1/2" thick blocks of hardwood (happen to have some laying around the garage) with holes large enough to accommodate the crutch tips and attached them to the two lift points on the roof. Thanks, Ben.

Way to think outside the box!

-Buzz
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#3 Star152

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Posted 07 December 2007 - 05:27 AM

BUZZ thank you.....I did catch what ben said. if the crutch slipped opps......I will make a set of stops to protect the roof.... one thing I did noticed the hand support looked like it bowed a little where the crutch tip was placed. Did you see that as well......I also tested the lift potential. it looks like it saves 35 to 40% in weight lifting savings. My back is saved...
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05 Ford F250 LB V10 04 FWC Grandby

#4 Sam

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Posted 07 December 2007 - 06:34 PM

Nice work guys, keep it up. Since FWC and ATC don't seem interested in updating the archaic lifting system then I guess we will figure out a better way on our own.
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#5 Buzz

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Posted 07 December 2007 - 08:37 PM

Think like this guy and you can do a lot of things:

http://j-walkblog.co...oving_big_rocks

-Buzz
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#6 Sam

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Posted 07 December 2007 - 11:27 PM

Think like this guy and you can do a lot of things:

http://j-walkblog.co...oving_big_rocks

-Buzz



Very cool!
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#7 Len

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Posted 08 December 2007 - 12:20 AM

Brilliant! A lift system with mechanical advantage, light in weight... WELL DONE!!. I think it would be fairly simple to add to use of a device like this by constructing lightweight metal lift support frames at each end of the camper. This would replace the old system entirely leaving the camper end sections open to have windows installed. The support frames would unfold as the lift is raised and pop into place. I'm thinking a knee joint that locks open. So lowering would mean setting up the lifter, popping the end lock and lowering the roof. Lifting would be easier.... set up the lifter, raise and the ends lock automatically. Where can I find a nice old Eagle to renovate!! Trouble is, I want one with the 48 inch cab over so there is probably not that many around.
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#8 DLN

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Posted 08 December 2007 - 01:27 AM

Len,
I've also given that end support issue some thought and decided that an aluminum frame of some type, and there are many configurations that would work, would do very nicely. The only real requirement beside vertical strength is lateral rigidity. The current lift panel system also provides all of the side to side support for the roof. So, what it may take is something like a braced frame or a folding shear wall system, but I know it is doable. Now, my problem is that our camper is just too new to be messing with that much. Good Luck and keep us posted.
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DLN Ex- 2006 Eagle - 2002 Tacoma TRD - Ride Rite Air Bags Current - 2004 17' Casita SD

#9 lqhikers

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Posted 08 December 2007 - 08:08 PM

just as soon as i saw star152 lifting device which was inspired by buzz i had to discard my device and head to to garage to come up with mine!support frame is 37.5" long,3/4" thin wall tubing.slide tubes which are mounted on support frame are 1" square thin wall tubing 8.5" long.lifting frame is 3/4" thin wall round tubing 45.25" long.lifting frame has 1/4-20 nuts welded into tube ends so you can slide lifting frame through slide tubes then bolt top end to frame,in center of top end i mounted a adjustable leg that fit into roof bracket so as not to slip.this fits my eagle shell i dont know if all models are the same height something to consider. i had my wife try it the first time worked perfect.2nd test was with 6 10ft 2x6 pieces of lumber on roof rack,(close to weight of kayak) as boat is mounted on left side i will probably have roof storage basket loaded at same time to even out load,was able to raise and lower with complete control.i will ad the next time i get to a marine supply a cam clete to control pulley if needed.bracket on roof is same one i used with old lifter i mounted velcro to both areas to keep support in place. thank's again to buzz and star152 drive slow and enjoy "its the journey"

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#10 lqhikers

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Posted 08 December 2007 - 08:13 PM

rest o pics of my lifter

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