Raising the HW roof

[kdot]

If the actuator on the HW model A-frames fails while camping, can the roof be raised manually? How difficult is it? It really seems to strain that little actuator when it's being raised.

Kdot

[OYO]

Originally Posted by kdot

If the actuator on the HW model A-frames fails while camping, can the roof be raised manually? How difficult is it? It really seems to strain that little actuator when it's being raised.

Kdot

You have to disconnect the connecting rod that goes from the motor to the roof section. Best to secure it with a wire tie if you plan on leaving it unattached

[kdot]

OYO, thanks for the reply. I know it has to be disconnected; I guess I didn't make that clear. What I want to know is: from those who have had to raise the HW roof manually, once the actuator is disconnected, how hard is it to raise that roof? It looks like it would be a beast to do. Is it?

Kdot

[Big Vic]

It is all about leverage and upper body strength. Pushing up near the middle of the trailer will help decrease the effort needed. The closer you are to the back of the trailer while pushing, the more effort needed. A small ladder will help, as will having someone help push up from the other side of the trailer.

[Pooneil]

Opening the camper door before lifting will allow better airflow into the camper and make that initial push up much easier. So will having another person on the front handle.

[kdot]

Thanks Big Vic and Pooneil. From what you guys wrote, it sounds like the job should be pretty difficult, but could be done with help.

Kdot

[dissident5]

My actuator broke on our first trip, I disconnected it with an adjustable wrench and lowered it manually. I can raise and lower it by myself fairly easily, but I'm 6' 2". Has anyone replaced the actuator themselves? I don't want to waste a camping weekend driving to the dealer.

[kdot]

Dissident, was it easy because you're 6'2", or because you're exceptionally strong? I'm 5'11" and pushing 80. If it was easy to do because of your height, then a ladder ought to do it for me. If it was because you're exceptionally strong, then I might have a problem doing it that I wouldn't have had when I was younger!

Kdot

[dissident5]

I think it's more height/reach than strength. I start with the handle on the side until I can get in and then push up on the roof the rest of the way. I would say I have average strength for someone around 40.

[abdiver]

I use a step stool and also have my wife give a starting push on the other handle and it is not too bad. I am 5'9" and I have notice it does lose it spring tension with age same as me!

[kdot]

Abider,
Aha! Spring tension. I wondered what it was I'm losing.

Kdot

[kdot]

Abdiver, apparently I'm also losing my spelling.

Kdot

[timfuji]

I've replaced my actuator myself. It's one nut at each end to put it on/off. The wire runs inside under the bed and is secured with wire nuts. It'll take you about 10 mins to replace.

[kdot]

Timfuji, thanks for the info. If I ever have to replace one of those things, it will help. What I was really wondering was whether it was possible to raise the roof if the actuator was not working, and how much effort it took to do it? Did you have to do that?

Kdot

[timfuji]

Yes after disconnecting the power lift I pushed up on the handle that is attached to the lower roof section and it goes up in seconds. It wasn't to hard to do but my unit is almost new so the springs are still very good. I'd say if you have someone help and push up either on the other handle or the other side of the lower roof section you won't have a problem.

[kdot]

Timfuji, thanks! That's what I wanted to know.

Kdot