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Old 09-14-2021, 07:37 AM   #1
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Roof torsion bar replacement

I just bought a 2015 a128s , the price was right but I knew it had issues, this torsion bar roof assist is #1. Mine are so weak that it takes 2 people to raise it. I watched the goingnowhere video for aliners but they use a spring, FR uses a torsion bar similar to what you might find under a car. At this point in my repair job I need to acquire the exact part replacement for this model. I will video the procedure and post it because this repair has to be fairly common on these popups. Any help with parts suppliers or procedure is appreciated.
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Old 09-16-2021, 07:00 PM   #2
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Do you have the struts installed on the front or the rear roof panel?
I installed my 40# struts on the rear panel according to Trailer Texans detailed instructions on this forum under “actuator failure”.
Good luck to you
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Old 09-16-2021, 07:09 PM   #3
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ClaraCaroline

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Suspa C16-15952 35.43" Gas Prop/Strut - Set of Two - Force is 40 lbs Per Prop/Strut - Force is 80 lbs Per Pair

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Old 09-16-2021, 07:22 PM   #4
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Here’s the whole magilla
T21TBHW roof actuator failed again

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo....php?p=2275236

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Old 09-17-2021, 09:52 AM   #5
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TY! Any information is greatly appreciated!

I didn't even know these torsion springs were called "actuators", I made inquiries at my closest authorized dealer (Lloyd Bridges in Chelsea, Mi) and haven't heard back yet. I do have 4 (four) of these on the roof panels, one in each lower corner. They are readily accessible from inside the unit. Looks like a straight forward R&R, with only rivets. Probably have to undo the bungee's and open the roof panel to a 90 degree, Propping it up in a straight up position to totally unload the springs before replacement.
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Old 09-17-2021, 10:04 AM   #6
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TY for the information, greatly appreciated! Not sure what the red lettered "OP" is I can't see it on my side.
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Old 09-17-2021, 03:26 PM   #7
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OP is "Original Poster." In a long thread it is helpful to keep track of the person who started the initial thread.
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Old 09-17-2021, 03:29 PM   #8
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See https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ar-132657.html

See https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...er-176550.html
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Old 09-17-2021, 03:59 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ClaraCaroline3421 View Post
I didn't even know these torsion springs were called "actuators", I made inquiries at my closest authorized dealer (Lloyd Bridges in Chelsea, Mi) and haven't heard back yet. I do have 4 (four) of these on the roof panels, one in each lower corner. They are readily accessible from inside the unit. Looks like a straight forward R&R, with only rivets. Probably have to undo the bungee's and open the roof panel to a 90 degree, Propping it up in a straight up position to totally unload the springs before replacement.
Torsion bars and actuators are NOT the same thing, as I'm sure you now know. I have never even noticed the torsion bars on my A-frames. I have replaced the bungee cords - one of the bungee cord brackets came apart. And I have replaced/added the gas lift struts - both fore and aft - on the T21TBHW (A213HW). I now have 60# struts forward (extra lift due to dormer) and 40# struts aft - and no electric lift :-).

Fred W
2019 Flagstaff T21TBHW A-frame
2022 Kia Carnival minivan
last trip: Virginia Eastern Shore
next trip: Kerr Lake
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Old 09-17-2021, 04:50 PM   #10
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Clara,
I apologize for misleading you. After reading your last reply I realized we were not speaking of the same repair. I had a 2013 128s and the one torsion bar needed replacing. I didn’t have two friend’s available and capable to help me. The affected roof panel must be absolutely vertical, and was told by the dealer that it took 3 men to do the job. If you can move your unit so the affected panel can be pushed up and rest on your house you can install the new torsion bar. You will need assistance for this or take it to a repair shop, not a dealer.
First you need to get your VIN number off the front left side of the unit, then call Kathy Swope at FR-(574)*642-8927, give her your year, model & VIN and tell her which torsion bar to replace & she’ll ship to you.
Good luck
Roy
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Old 09-26-2021, 09:49 AM   #11
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Replacing the roof torsion bars

I have the parts and plan to back the unit up to my garage where I can undo the bungee's and lift the roof and lean it against the garage, this should unload the torsion springs then remove the rivets and simply install the new springs. I'll try and take photo's of this and post them.
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Old 09-26-2021, 02:39 PM   #12
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That’s the way I’d do it but try for a day with little wind
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Old 09-26-2021, 04:49 PM   #13
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Copy that!
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