22 replies to this topic

[teledork]

 The rear panel had become difficult to lift - like it was catching on something. I discovered that one of the struts was mangled - looks like one screw on the upper bracket was loose, the other one sheared off and the bracket is

bent. There was nothing I could do but remove it - I can still lift and lower the roof - had a FWC for 12 years with out the lift assist. 

 

So I need to have the broken screw drilled out and the strut replaced - I'm guessing I can't reuse the one I have unless I can replace the bracket.  

 

What kind of business would do this kind of work? Camper shell place? RV store? Or is it possible to do it myself? with some help?  

 

Any suggestions are appreciated. 

Edited by teledork, 18 November 2021 - 09:58 PM.

[teledork]

Ok. Thanks to Dirt Farmer Jay on Youtube I was able to remover the bracket from the strut. 

 

edit to add: the strut I removed is longer than the other one - hmmmm - 

Edited by teledork, 18 November 2021 - 10:13 PM.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Give Marty a call.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Maybe the unequal length of the lifting struts caused the problem over time.

I should think they need to be the same length.

 

Frank

 

 

PS Great suggestion from Steve.

[teledork]

Give Marty a call.

Yup - I figured that would be the next step. 

[pvstoy]

What is your poundage and model number of the struts?  I have some in the shop not using and if it is a match you can swing by when you are in town and get them.  Patrick

[teledork]

Maybe the unequal length of the lifting struts caused the problem over time.

I should think they need to be the same length.

 

Frank

 

 

PS Great suggestion from Steve.

The lift was fine up until recently. I think it may be a chicken/egg kind of thing. And yes - I'll call Marty. 

[pvstoy]

Here are a couple of images of what I found makes taking off or on easy.

 

[teledork]

What is your poundage and model number of the struts?  I have some in the shop not using and if it is a match you can swing by when you are in town and get them.  Patrick

IGS part # ICU416885BB0134, 30 lb 

 

The strut still has gas (I have lived a large part of my life with non working struts on a camper shell) so I may be able to reuse it? I don't know - 

 

And thanks for the images - I did get the mangled bracket off thanks to Youtube and I can see how using that ratchet strap can put the genie back in the bottle so to speak. 

[pvstoy]

I have two 40 pounds and four 20 pound Suspa struts. I have no 30 pounds struts.

Full extended about 35 5/8" eye clip to eye clip and shaft that compresses into the housing is about 16" long.

Don't know your specifications to your number you have. The 40 pounders maybe too strong for you to get the top back down and 20 pounder are too soft as you are used to 30 pounders.

Edited by pvstoy, 19 November 2021 - 12:42 AM.