73 starcraft lift system - eyelet pulling apart?

[ScouterMom]

hi all!

Earlier this spring I replaced the whole lift system on my 73 Starcraft.  In checking the camper out for a trip this weekend, we noticed that the eye bolt that attaches the main cable to the rest of the lift system was being pulled open.  so we got a new one.  

Right away IT is starting to unbend, too.

Can't figure out why?  the system cranks up and down smoothly,  there doesn't seem to be any thing binding or pulling.  the eybolt is actually a heavier one than the original, and there is no extra weight on the roof - we don't have an AC unit or anything up there but the roof itself.

Anyone have any ideas why this might be happening?

laura

[mjn]

Make sure you are using a good grade of steel. Some times I have experienced metal products that I purchased from mega stores are not good quality and prematurely fail (see if you can get something made in USA and rated) . Don't know if this helps.

[brainpause]

Make sure you are using a good grade of steel. Some times I have experienced metal products that I purchased from mega stores are not good quality and prematurely fail (see if you can get something made in USA and rated) . Don't know if this helps.

Good point. If you can, get a Grade 8 bolt from Tractor Supply or some place like that.

I'm not sure which eyebolt you are talking about. Can you describe more?

Larry

[rmojo]

I have a 1976 Starcraft and I suggest going to a Starcraft dealer and ordering a replacement part.  We ordered 4 new cables and 2 pulleys.  The original parts were weaker than the new ones.  The pulleys we had were plastic and the new ones are metal.  When in doubt get original parts...they don't cost that much more.

[ScouterMom]

I had a 1976 Starlette as my first PUP.  did some roof work and replaced
most of  the lift system.  I agree that for some parts, the original make is best - like you, I found the STARCRAFT brand replacement pulleys are better than anything I could come up with locally - but some parts are exactly the same thru your local hardware store, or even better.

here's a photo of the cable hook ups after we cleaned it up, & before we attached the cable - (hope the photo posts for me)

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It's the single eyebolt that goes to the winch cable - the other four go to the corner lift cables.

the eybolt loop is being pulled open - and we can't figure out why.  It's happened on two bolts now - both are heavier eyebolts than the originals.  

I did find a 'cast' eyebolt that has a 'closed' loop - no opening to  unbend - but my BF is afraid that it might not take the stress either, and would just break suddenly.

We DO have supports / covers we made for the lifter arms once the roof is up - they cover the joints of the telescoping lifter arms and keep out water, and they would support the roof if the cable gave way.  the camper came with 2 originally, when I got it, one was missing, so we fabricated more.  thought they were a good idea, so we cover and support all four corners.  the weight of the roof is NOT on the cables except as it is traveling up and down, or during 'camp driveway' times.

Anyone have any idea why this would be happening?

laura