Raising high walls

[cspanky1]

My husband and and I are getting older but we love our Rockwood a214HW! The walls are a little heavy for him to raise by himself, and I am too short to attempt it. Does anyone have an idea as to how we could simplify this process? Would removable suction cup bath grab bars help? Or some sort of pully system for the side walls work?

2011 Ford F150
2018 Rockwood a214HW

 

[Gramps42]

I’m 79 and decided to install 40 lb gas struts on each side of the rear wall. There is a thread on here by Trailer Texan, a competent & friendly engineer with detailed instructions on precisely how to install the struts. It opens so easily you can do it without your husband. Closing will require one of you on each side to pull the rear roof down
Look for one of the threads for «actuator failure»
Let us know how you make out.
Roy
2019 Rockwood A214HW
2011 Toyota Highlander

 

[WanderMore]

An alternative may be the installation of linear actuators. They are available to run off 12 volt DC. This would allow you to raise and lower the walls at the push of a button or two. Any local fabricator should be able to install them.

 

[Gramps42]

I replaced my actuators (all 3 within the first year I owned my camper) with gas powered struts because after a few rains the actuators filled with water. If you will read the threads on actuator failure, you’ll find most of the high wall owners are very unhappy with the under powered and poorly designed actuators.
Roy

 

[douglas1879]

Hardside actuator replacement

At 86 and a solo camper I had to replace these after they lost some power, probably due to winter storage with roof down, in my garage.
I found the following source useful and also increased power later.
https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/
Input your OEM actuator details then look for a slightly higher rating with same configuration.
When power has dropped I can stand in my A122 and push up rear roof panel to disengage and let front panel partially lower, then exit, putting door panels in place. I'm over 6 foot so this may not be an option for you.
2011 Ford Escape 6 cylinder
2015 Rockwood A122

 

[OYO]

I may be wrong (not unusual), but I think the OP is asking about help raising sidewalls not the roof.

 

[pgandw]

The OP was asking about raising the side walls - which are a little heavy with no leverage to get them started to the up position.

As I age, I am finding those to be a little struggle sometimes myself, the starboard side especially where you stand in the door way and lift the wall. I am thinking that a pulley mounted just below the peak of the rear roof could be just the thing to get the wall started on its way up. Rope to the wall peak to the pulley and back down to the person pulling. I have not tried this myself - the details would be mounting everything on the outside or on the inside so as to interfere with the wall fit against the roof.

Fred W
2019 Flagstaff T21TBHW A-frame
2022 Kia Carnival minivan

 

[Gramps42]

Cspanky
My apologies for misreading your problem. The most difficult part with the side walls is lifting from the horizontal position to about 45°. Can both of you stand in the doorway opening and lift the wall as far as your arms will reach but have a pole ready with a rubber end so you can assist pushing the wall up?
You can purchase rubber tips at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Failing that, some sort of Jerry rigged pulley system appears to be your only solution. That or a small Puma, made by Forest River and about the same tongue weight but no lifting. I love my 214HW too.
Roy

 

[Letarae]

What a great post. I'm having the same problem. I love my Rockwood HW 213 but I've been noticing I'm having more trouble raising the side walls. I frequently camp alone so this is becoming an issue. I thought of a pully system on the outside but there would have to be a way to secure the wall on the outside so I could get inside to secure the clamps. Something I've tried but haven' done yet is using my cane to push up the wall from underneath. I have more trouble pulling than pushing. If anyone has any thoughts about this, there are obviously many who are thinking about this.

Thanks in advance.

 

[cspanky1]

I’m 79 and decided to install 40 lb gas struts on each side of the rear wall. There is a thread on here by Trailer Texan, a competent & friendly engineer with detailed instructions on precisely how to install the struts. It opens so easily you can do it without your husband. Closing will require one of you on each side to pull the rear roof down
Look for one of the threads for «actuator failure»
Let us know how you make out.
Roy
2019 Rockwood A214HW
2011 Toyota Highlander

Never installed them as my hubby regained his health but I will keep it in mind if it becomes an issue again. Thank you.