How do you jack up an exterior wall?

[Jeff DeRouen]

I have a 2013 329DS. I have read the threads on how to repair a side wall failure (mine is the front passenger). In a couple of the threads the author says that they used a hydraulic jack to lift the wall into place, but they didn't say where they placed the jack prior to lifting. I don't want to crack the fiberglass, and would appreciate any feedback. Also, was something placed between the jack and the wall for additional support or cushioning?

[phillyg]

Without seeing it, I would caution that using any single-point jack around the RV would require you to spread the weight with a 2x4 or 4x4 length of wood. If you're jacking a long area, say 6-10', better to use two jacks with the wood.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by phillyg

Without seeing it, I would caution that using any single-point jack around the RV would require you to spread the weight with a 2x4 or 4x4 length of wood. If you're jacking a long area, say 6-10', better to use two jacks with the wood.

Key phrase here. I agree. Without seeing what you're dealing with it's hard to give "good" advice.

And what's a 329DS?

[NXR]

Originally Posted by rracer5

Key phrase here. I agree. Without seeing what you're dealing with it's hard to give "good" advice.

And what's a 329DS?

An older model Georgetown double slide motorhome.

When the self-tapping screws that secure the bottom of the walls to the frame shear an entire section of the wall drops. The driver or passenger sees the dash bouncing around and can see the ground through the wall separation by their feet.

Ray

[jimmoore13]

I'm big on DIY. This does not sound like a DIY job.

[D W]

Originally Posted by jimmoore13

I'm big on DIY. This does not sound like a DIY job.

I'll second that.

[campdoc]

Originally Posted by Jeff DeRouen

I have a 2013 329DS. I have read the threads on how to repair a side wall failure (mine is the front passenger). In a couple of the threads the author says that they used a hydraulic jack to lift the wall into place, but they didn't say where they placed the jack prior to lifting. I don't want to crack the fiberglass, and would appreciate any feedback. Also, was something placed between the jack and the wall for additional support or cushioning?

I went thru the same thing on my 08 Georgetown. There was a post few years back from a fellow in Penn state that posted the repair. Have not had a issue since.
I found a box frame extending to the lower part of the right front side wall dog ear in front of the wheel. Using a floor jack and a 4x4 I used it to raise the side wall to the proper height and reattach the wall with larger stainless steel bolts and nuts.
Once wall is raised to proper location the job is not that difficult.
Hope this helps

[NXR]

Originally Posted by jimmoore13

I'm big on DIY. This does not sound like a DIY job.

There's a thread here going back to 2012: https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ure-77309.html

To me, the key seems to be if you have a Georgetown from that era you should pop that exterior piece of trim off of each side iand check the existing screws. If you can replace them one at a time before the wall falls down it, obviously, will be far, far faster and easier to accomplish.

This thread post from an FR person explains what they are using nowadays: https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ml#post2638802

Ray

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by NXR

There's a thread here going back to 2012: https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ure-77309.html

To me, the key seems to be if you have a Georgetown from that era you should pop that exterior piece of trim off of each side iand check the existing screws. If you can replace them one at a time before the wall falls down it, obviously, will be far, far faster and easier to accomplish.

This thread post from an FR person explains what they are using nowadays: https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ml#post2638802

Ray

X2 Ray............Solve the problem BEFORE it becomes a problem!

[Jeff DeRouen]

It's the front passenger side wall, but mostly there's about a foot to work with between the wheel well and the door jamb. That side needs to go up about a 1/4"- 1/2".