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Issue With Electric Lift

Started by chip, Oct 16, 2007, 08:32 PM

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chip

Oct 16, 2007, 08:32 PM
For Fleetwood owners, and possibly others, a warning:

Our electric lift system failed today in a rather scary way.  We were in the process of closing up for the trip home, and when the DOWN button on the control was pressed, there was a loud POP! and the roof slammed down under its own weight.

After attempting to raise the top via the manual process to no avail, I removed the cover plate from the bottom of the lift system.  A bushing on the "wiffle tree" gave up the ghost, splattering ball bearings all over the inside of the cover plate.  It was obvious that the lift system was not going to work.

After some manual lifting of the corners (a 14' roof with an air conditioner mounted is HEAVY) and insertion of 2x6 (leveling board) supports in each corner, we got the canvas tucked and the roof down.

When I called my dealer to advise him of the situation, his comment was, "I know exactly what happened."  (That is a direct quote.)  He also said to bring it over and they would get it fixed up.  (I have no qualms with this dealer-Chesapeake Recreation in Easton, MD.)  

Here is the heads up:  The dealer also advised that there is a letter forthcoming to owners of power lift equipped trailers advising to NOT use the electric lift when the trailer is plugged in to 110V, since it causes the motor to generate too much torque for the lift system.

Sounds goofy to me, but I haven't seen the letter.  I'll find out more tomorrow when I drop the trailer off, and will post more info as I learn it.

My PUP is a 2007 Niagara.  This info may apply to other Fleetwoods or it may not.  (The system looked the same on the other Highlander series trailers, including the Avalon.)

As I said, more as I know it.

tlhdoc

#1
Nov 12, 2007, 06:22 PM
Quote from: chipFor Fleetwood owners, and possibly others, a warning:
 
Our electric lift system failed today in a rather scary way. We were in the process of closing up for the trip home, and when the DOWN button on the control was pressed, there was a loud POP! and the roof slammed down under its own weight.
 
After attempting to raise the top via the manual process to no avail, I removed the cover plate from the bottom of the lift system. A bushing on the "wiffle tree" gave up the ghost, splattering ball bearings all over the inside of the cover plate. It was obvious that the lift system was not going to work.
 
After some manual lifting of the corners (a 14' roof with an air conditioner mounted is HEAVY) and insertion of 2x6 (leveling board) supports in each corner, we got the canvas tucked and the roof down.
 
When I called my dealer to advise him of the situation, his comment was, "I know exactly what happened." (That is a direct quote.) He also said to bring it over and they would get it fixed up. (I have no qualms with this dealer-Chesapeake Recreation in Easton, MD.)
 
Here is the heads up: The dealer also advised that there is a letter forthcoming to owners of power lift equipped trailers advising to NOT use the electric lift when the trailer is plugged in to 110V, since it causes the motor to generate too much torque for the lift system.
 
Sounds goofy to me, but I haven't seen the letter. I'll find out more tomorrow when I drop the trailer off, and will post more info as I learn it.
 
My PUP is a 2007 Niagara. This info may apply to other Fleetwoods or it may not. (The system looked the same on the other Highlander series trailers, including the Avalon.)
 
As I said, more as I know it.
 
 
Chip I am sorry you had a problem.  I missed this post when you originally posted it. :yikes:

chip

#2
Nov 12, 2007, 08:55 PM
Quote from: tlhdocChip I am sorry you had a problem.  I missed this post when you originally posted it. :yikes:
Is OK...  Only took about three days to get it back, and that included the dealer's having to order the part.  

Went up in the driveway fine.  We will be a little leery of it now when raising or lowering, but you can bet that we'll unplug it first.  And make sure the battery is in good condition...

tlhdoc

#3
Nov 13, 2007, 02:45 PM
Was Margie doing her job when the roof came down?  If she was, tell her not to be so rough on the PU.:D

mike4947

#4
Nov 13, 2007, 04:11 PM
Here's a link to a copy of the recall and a disccusion on the subject: Fleetwood recall

chip

#5
Nov 13, 2007, 06:18 PM
Quote from: tlhdocWas Margie doing her job when the roof came down?  If she was, tell her not to be so rough on the PU.:D
Yes, she was.  And I was getting ready to do the tuck-in-the-canvas-thing when it let go.  Another ten seconds and it could have been Yewgli.

Her eyes looked like this:  :yikes:

chip

#6
Nov 13, 2007, 06:41 PM
Quote from: mike4947Here's a link to a copy of the recall and a disccusion on the subject: Fleetwood recall
Thanks Mike.  I just posted my tale of woe over there as well...

tlhdoc

#7
Nov 13, 2007, 07:07 PM
Quote from: chipYes, she was. And I was getting ready to do the tuck-in-the-canvas-thing when it let go. Another ten seconds and it could have been Yewgli.
 
Her eyes looked like this: :yikes:
LOL I can picture her eyes popping like the icon.  I think the noise you would have made is a cat sound.:)

chip

#8
Nov 13, 2007, 07:47 PM
Quote from: tlhdocLOL I can picture her eyes popping like the icon.  I think the noise you would have made is a cat sound.:)
I don't know about a cat sound, but the air was a little blue...especially after having to lift the corners of that monster.

jhart

#9
Nov 17, 2007, 12:15 PM
Is this just an issue with the Fleetwoods as far as unplugging from 110?
We have a 2007 Rockwood with the electric lift and I was just wondering if I needed to be aware of this also.  Thanks

tlhdoc

#10
Nov 17, 2007, 12:49 PM
Quote from: jhartIs this just an issue with the Fleetwoods as far as unplugging from 110?
We have a 2007 Rockwood with the electric lift and I was just wondering if I needed to be aware of this also. Thanks
I would contact Rockwood and find out from them. :)

chip

#11
Nov 18, 2007, 03:21 PM
Quote from: jhartIs this just an issue with the Fleetwoods as far as unplugging from 110?
 We have a 2007 Rockwood with the electric lift and I was just wondering if I needed to be aware of this also.  Thanks
The recall refers to, "...units produced with a Barker Manufacturing Co., Inc. (BMC) Power Lift Roof System."

Not sure how to tell if that is the system on the Rockwood, but maybe there is a tag on the lift motor?

Like Tracy says, though, it probably wouldn't hurt to make a call to your dealer, or to Rockwood.

Just my .02.
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