Dutchman lift cable

[bpike]

Hey everyone. I'm a newbie to the boards as well as the world of pop up campers.
I recently bought a used 1994 Dutchman 1202 Pop Up. When I got it home I went to open it and noticed it was very difficult to crank open. Going down was no problem but up was a task. I know this topic has been discussed on here multiple times but here's my question.
I've looked at the cable and it's not frayed or coming unwound so what can I do to make the cranking up go a little easier?

Also...what is the best mildew remover for canvas?

Thanks so much and I look forward to your responses.

[flyfisherman]

Hey everyone. I'm a newbie to the boards as well as the world of pop up campers.
I recently bought a used 1994 Dutchman 1202 Pop Up. When I got it home I went to open it and noticed it was very difficult to crank open. Going down was no problem but up was a task. I know this topic has been discussed on here multiple times but here's my question.
I've looked at the cable and it's not frayed or coming unwound so what can I do to make the cranking up go a little easier?

Also...what is the best mildew remover for canvas?

Thanks so much and I look forward to your responses.

Would want to welcome you to Popup Times first off ...
Then I must confess I know nothing about Dutchman popups but I suspect there's someone here who does.

Would not surprise me if your Dutchman has a Goshen lift system ~

//www.goshenstamping.com

if so, there's a zerk grease fitting right underneath the popup that probably needs a squirt or two (not too much, you just want to see a little grease on the main cable). Also, the outside lifters (four of them, that you can see on the four corners of the popup) no doubt need some 100% silicone spray applied as your lowering the camper.  Try this and see if it helps a tad.

Now, you have depleted me of all my knowledge of Dutchman popups.

Good luck.


Fly

[wavery]

For some fabrics, a 10% solution of bleach and water is the best mold remover. First find out what material you have.

You might just try it in some obscure place to see if it changes the color of your canvas first.

[ScouterMom]

try here :

http://www.rvworkshop.com/pop_up_camper_parts.html

for basic manuals and lift diagrams.

http://www.popupportal.com/manuals.asp

for manuals and info.

BLeach and water WILL work to clean the canvas - but it would be my last resort - any amount of bleach is tough on fabric, and you can't rinse it completely away on camper canvas like you can with fabric in a washing machine.  some bleach will remain and it will cause your canvas to disintegrate faster - esp the parts exposed to the sun. (and what part of the canvas ISN'T exposed to the sun?)

 
I would first try "Oxyclean"  long soaks in Oxyclean and maybe a little scrubbing (on things i can't 'soak' - like furniture, or the seats of my car) have gotten out alomost any 'organic' stain I have come across. (organic being natural stuff - like dirt, blood, mildew, grass stains, - but not things like auto grease and ink) - there are even Oxyclean upholstery & rug cleaners available now that 'foam' and give it time to soak into the fabric and work. (used this recently on a sofa someone was going to throw away, because their dog had the back of it coated with greasy dirt - the dog always slept between  the couch & wal)  Now you can't tell it was ever dirty - the soil just lifted up on the foam and I vaccuumed it up with the wet/dry vac!)  It also eliminates odors ( mold, pets, smoke)  

Unlike some other cleaners - Oxyclean won't 'set' a stain that it can't get out, either.  and it's cheap and non-toxic - won't hurt you, no fumes, your pets could drink it if they wanted.  ( one warning, do NOT mix it with bleach - then toxic fumes CAN hapen)


Once you have the canvas clean - whatever method you use - you will need to let it dry thoughroughly, and then re-treat it with waterproofing.  Esp the seams and any 'stress points' like corners and places where poles support, etc.

happy camping!

[Beerlifter]

Flyfisherman is correct on the lift system. On my 1002xs there are grease zerts underneath and in the very middle (of course!!) use a standard grease gun and give them a few squirts. I also locate all the pulleys and sray them down with a good silicone spray which can be found at wal-mart, home depot and the likes. Let us know if this helps.

[izzy]

Hi, Do you happen to have a manual. Or know where to find one. We also just bought a Dutchmen 1994 Pop up...yesterday. It came with a broken cable. Been on line all morning looking for info. on replacing it. Folks who have done it before...or specs. manuals on how to do it. Hubby is a mechanic by trade (forklifts) but never worked on one of these. Any info would be helpful.

Izzy

Hey everyone. I'm a newbie to the boards as well as the world of pop up campers.
I recently bought a used 1994 Dutchman 1202 Pop Up. When I got it home I went to open it and noticed it was very difficult to crank open. Going down was no problem but up was a task. I know this topic has been discussed on here multiple times but here's my question.
I've looked at the cable and it's not frayed or coming unwound so what can I do to make the cranking up go a little easier?

Also...what is the best mildew remover for canvas?

Thanks so much and I look forward to your responses.

[bpike]

Hi, Do you happen to have a manual. Or know where to find one. We also just bought a Dutchmen 1994 Pop up...yesterday. It came with a broken cable. Been on line all morning looking for info. on replacing it. Folks who have done it before...or specs. manuals on how to do it. Hubby is a mechanic by trade (forklifts) but never worked on one of these. Any info would be helpful.

Izzy

I can't find the manual anywhere. I've looked all voer the place and am starting to believe one doesn't exist.
Best of luck with the cable. I'd like to see some step by step pictures for future reference.

Bill