Roof actuator replacement

[steve02bat]

Forest River sent a replacement part for the roof actuator at no charge. Model a214hw roof actuator failed after first season. Easy to replace. 1 nut at the top and another at the bottom, cut the wire and the old one is gone. Use the same brackets for the new actuator. The main difference is there is now a Jack to plug into the Actuator motor. It's the same one used for zamp solar. Rockwood sent me the part. I just pulled out the wires through the hole on the bottom bracket where the actuator is attached. It is connected under the bed and easy to find. I didn't do a very fancy job installing the new zamp outlet. I just left it hanging, which is Rockwood told me to do. Everything works.

[OYO]

I find this amusing. They've decided to make it easier to replace the actuators when (not if) they fail.

On another note: I'm convinced it's all about waterproofing. On my 3rd one I sprayed the motor with flexseal and made a grommet like thing to keep the water from running down the shaft into the motor housing.

No issues over a year later.

[Ortep]

Yep, it looks like it will be easier to replace BUT now you have "daggling" wires to get caught on a stray branch, flying road debris etc. at least for those of us who have the "older" models. I would hope that the new units coming off the production line have a "cleaner" look with NO wires to get caught on debris.

[MontyPP]

If and when I have to do mine. I'm going to make a braket for the connector to sit in or on. I snag my belt knife holster on that arm every-now-en'again as it is

[cpttimerstraint]

I removed the cable hookup and replaced it with the plug since I never used the cable.

[traveling.geocacher]

Called my dealer yesterday to get a replacement assembly under warranty. I remember when we bought the camper, the motor hummed right along lifting and lowering. When setting up last weekend, we had to "help" to lift the roof. Then when we returned home, the assist stopped after raising the roof about a foot. I lowered it and disconnected the assembly and raised the roof by hand. The assist is a nice concept but poorly implemented.

[cpttimerstraint]

Originally Posted by traveling.geocacher

Called my dealer yesterday to get a replacement assembly under warranty. I remember when we bought the camper, the motor hummed right along lifting and lowering. When setting up last weekend, we had to "help" to lift the roof. Then when we returned home, the assist stopped after raising the roof about a foot. I lowered it and disconnected the assembly and raised the roof by hand. The assist is a nice concept but poorly implemented.

If they give you any hassle, just contact Tim at Forest River and he will get you one out quick. Once you deal with Tim, you will realize that everything the dealers tell you about warranty service is complete lies. He is easy to deal with and ships parts fast.

Mods, can we make a sticky with Tim's contact info?

[traveling.geocacher]

cpttimerstraint, I appreciate the info. Can you PM me Tim's info in the event I need it. The dealer already ordered it but the hassle is I need to take the camper to them to install under warranty. On the bright side, it will give me an opportunity to get some other stuff looked at.

[cpttimerstraint]

Tim Brumbaugh

Warranty Administrator

Rockwood & Flagstaff

Forest River Inc.

Phone: 574.642.8944

tbrumbaugh@forestriverinc.com

[traveling.geocacher]

Thank you, I'll put that in my camping contacts folder.

[steve02bat]

Originally Posted by cpttimerstraint

I removed the cable hookup and replaced it with the plug since I never used the cable.

That's a good idea

[tlspencer]

I drilled it out and made it look like it had always been there. It was aggravating at first but I am glad it was the plug in and not the hardwired mine came with because it will be easier to swap out when it craps out again. And yes I fully expect it will!

[steve02bat]

I haven't heard about any of the new actuators failing. At some point last year they started with a new model actuator . That is what they sent me as a replacement anyway and so far seems much better.

[LafIN]

Originally Posted by cpttimerstraint

Tim Brumbaugh

Warranty Administrator

Rockwood & Flagstaff

Forest River Inc.

Phone: 574.642.8944

tbrumbaugh@forestriverinc.com

There is a new Warranty Administrator , her name is Rayna Dimitross
Same phone # 574-642-8944. She was great, sent a new actuator when I called her to tell her ours was dead. Also when you call be sure to have the last 7 #’s of your VIN to prove which unit you have.

[Midnight Rider]

Can some post pictures of the old and new actuators please?

[backpacker3]

Had mine replaced a few weeks ago by Rayna, looks pretty much the same as the old one that when into the trash. Installed new one and ran the roof up and down a few times and then took it off and stored it in camper. I can raise and lower the roof a lot faster by hand.

[steve2000xj]

Good morning,
I am on number 5 actuator.
I drilled a 3/4 hole in the side of trailer and used two screws to secure it.
It took only about 20 minutes and it is now set up for the new style, that will fail again I am sure. Now if and when it fails I just need an adjustable wrench to remove and unplug.
I hate to be a negative nelly but experience s the best teacher.

[Midnight Rider]

Thanks for the above name and number. My actuator went out and I have a new one being sent over.

[NormTn]

First 2 went out in first year. The last one they sent was a different design.

[Gerbie53]

I have been following this thread and others on the roof actuator. I have decided to go with gas springs. I tried to order from Hatch lift as was suggested and just my luck they are out of stock on the springs that I need. So I found a site “Liftsupport depot” they had the springs and brackets in stock and with free shipping so I placed the order. And here is a link on what I ordered.
Gas Spring
https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/li...-lift-support/
10mm Ball Mount
https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/qt...bracket-black/

I hope the install goes well
Thanks for all the info and hard work on this problem over the last few years