RE: new pop up owner with a million ?s

[av8tin]

 
I am a new pop up owner.  I bought a 83 jayco dual axle(not sure the model name or how long, was told 18 ft, let me know if someone knows what this is and has links to pictures of one).  I have a few newbie questions.
 
 1.  The lifting mechanism is broken, should I be able to get inside with someone else and lift it up manually and prop up with 2 by 4 s to fix, if so any tricks or advice on fixing this model of lifting system?
 
 2.  It has surge brakes, do these require any special hitch or ball?
 
 3.  Could someone just go over the basics of how to set it up as far as the sides and top, is the canvas connected to top and bottom or do they have to be attached after roof is raised, how?
 
 4.  It needs all new cushions and mattresses, what is the cheapest route to go for new or used ones?
 
 Any help is apprecitated, thanks.
 
 

[luvourjayco]

 av8tin
Jayco  canvas is attached at the roof and the sides of the box the rest uses a bungee type cord to attach to the bottom of the beds.
 You raise the top lower the stabillizers and then pull the beds afix the shepard s hooks and then attach the bungees. Its also easier to put the door in before you attach the bungees.
 For cushions on the beds I d personally be tempted to go with air mattresses. For the benches you can buy the foam at most fabric storesI believe it is the 2"  one they use. To recover it use a heavier fabric and make pillow cases wrap the end of the foam in plastic before struggling to insert it.
 Can t help with the rest sorry.

[Tim5055]

 av8tin
First of all, welcome to the board.  You will find a lot of great information here.
 
 Check out my [link=http://www.title-3.com/FAQ.htm]Frequently Asked Questions Web Page[/link].
 
 
 

ORIGINAL:  av8tin
 1.  The lifting mechanism is broken, should I be able to get inside with someone else and lift it up manually and prop up with 2 by 4 s to fix, if so any tricks or advice on fixing this model of lifting system?

 Yes, this is how you work on it.  Just get sufficient help to lift equally on all 4 corners if possible.
 
 

2.  It has surge brakes, do these require any special hitch or ball?

 No, you don t need anything special.  This is the nice thing about surge brakes, nothing special is needed on the tow vehicle
 
 

3.  Could someone just go over the basics of how to set it up as far as the sides and top, is the canvas connected to top and bottom or do they have to be attached after roof is raised, how?

 The general order for set up is:
 [ul]
 

• Park and level the pop up (remember to chock the wheels)
• Raise the roof
• Lower the stabilizers (don t go inside until it is stabilized)
• Pull out the bunk ends.  Once out they shoud be supported by braces on the bottom.  The canvas should be attached to the top and will go up when you raise the roof.
• I will leave the set up of the canvas on the bunk ends to someone who has specific information on that generation Jayco.
[/ul]
 
 

4.  It needs all new cushions and mattresses, what is the cheapest route to go for new or used ones?

 Check out any local upholstery shop for the cushions.  They are really nothing more than foam covered with fabric.  Most matresses are really nothing more than large cushions.  You may get them at an upholstery shop of custom matress company.  Check the board for previous comments on how to make the bed comfortable.
 
 Good luck
 

[wssfetch]

 av8tin
Hi, welcome to the PUT!
 
 Your double-axel Jayco is probably a 14  box and is pretty heavy weight.  Make sure that you have the appropriate hitch to pull this with sway control.
 
 I am not sure how the canvas attaches to bottom of bunks ends in your camper, but on my Jayco the bottom edge of the bunk canvas attaches to the slide out bunk with heavy duty velcro. The canvas is attached permanently at the roof of the camper and along the body or box of the camper itself. So as others mentioned, pop up (or push up in your case!), stabilize the ends, pull out the bunks and secure with braces, pull down the door, then attach the interior bed bows (that hold the bunk end canvas up and out, and attach the canvas to bunk ends.
 
 Jayco is really good about supplying information about its older campers.  You may be able to email them for schematics on the lift system for that model and for a photocopy of the owners manual if you didn t get one with the camper.  
 
 Oh, make sure before you do any pulling out or popping up of anything that you have leveled the camper front to back, and side to side.  This is especially important since you do not have a functioning lift system.  You ll want the PU to be as stable and level as possible when you make repairs.
 
 Good luck.
 
 

[Garrett]

 av8tin
I hate to disagree with you but he has surge brakes.  They do not get along well sway control.  If it is load correctly with the tandem axles he should not have much problem with swaying.  Just make sure the tongue is not too light.

[Camping Coxes]

 tim5055

Check the board for previous comments on how to make the bed comfortable.

 Go to an upholstery shop and ask for dense foam, at least 1" .  Most upholstery shops deal with RV owners a lot, so let them know what you re doing and they can make suggestions.  They ll even cut it to exactly what you need.
 
 Also, go into the search feature here on PUT and check for a Jayco owner with your same year (1983 AND Jayco) and they may be very helpful for your specific questions.  Everyone here on PUT are very, very helpful and have a wealth of information and experience to share.   Welcome to PUT![]

[spirdione]

 av8tin
I used to own an older version of your PU. The model was, at one time known as the Cardinal. The tandem axel tows like a dream, and is very stable in the wind when cruising at highway speeds. This particular model can sleep a small army, ok it can sleep eight resonably comfortable, unless there is an bath option. Be careful with the roof, because of the length, my roof cracked down the middle seal, got wet and rotted.
 
 Jayco is extremley helpful, and will send you a blue print of the lift system upon the asking. It does not look like it is very difficult for the average DIYer.
 
 Good Luck[]