HELP-Lost cranks

[a1coolmom]

 
Well it finally happened, we left both our cranks on top of our TV and drove off, Don t ask me why they were put there,it wasn t me! (hint dear hubby!) Why we didn t hear 2 metal cranks falling off a aluminum truck cap I have no answer to either, but be that as it may, I now no longer have any cranks and my food and clothes are in the camper. All all cranks interchangeable or do I need to go to a Starcraft dealer? any suggestions in the meantime? Sockets or wrenches? The PU was folded up wet ( one of the reasons we were rushing) and I don t want to leave it closed up too long! Thanks for any help!

[jpreiser]

 a1coolmom
Yipes sorry to hear about your crank problems... Maybe your dealer can lend you one until the order comes in....[]

[Ab Diver]

 a1coolmom
Awwww, man... I wish I could remember the specific shape of the end of the crank for our old Starcraft. Best bet: take a close look at the trailer s crank stub and see if a socket will fit it, or if it s oblong, hacksaw a smaller socket to fit the shape. You DON T want to leave that trailer closed for more than a day or so (depending on temp, the warmer it is, the shorter the period of time) or mildew will be a problem.
 
 If the dealer or local RV repair shop doesn t have one, drive around and see if there is a Starcraft owner in your neighborhood, or at a nearby campground. Ask if you could barrow their hand crank (with a suitable deposit). Most pop-up owners are usually willing to help someone in need.
 
 Or maybe this: Will a Jayco crank fit a Starcraft? Don t limit your choices to only one brand name. All you need is a matching profile and you re in business.
 
 Good Luck!

[MommaMia]

 a1coolmom
I have an 84 starcraft.  Maybe I can help. My crank looks like a small oval with flattened sides.  The opening is just big enough to get the nail portion of my pinkie finger onto it.  
 
 If you are going to head out to pick up a replacement i suggest you take an imprint of the end of the  crank shaft with you to make sure you get the right crank the first trip.  Use a blob of modeling clay or playdough or even some makeshift homemade dough (flour salt and water) and gently push it onto the end of the crank shaft.  Pull back gently and you have a print that you can take with you to check size and shape!

[a1coolmom]

 a1coolmom
Thanks to all that answered. Thankfully I was able to locate 2 new cranks at a Starcraft Dealer not too far away and they weren t overpriced at all (Thanks Leo s in Gambrills,MD) I had nightmares of prices in the $50 range. After all if you need them you have to pay no matter what the cost. Its supply and demand at its best.But $20 a piece seemed very reasonable to me. Best of all since this was hubby s fault entirely I now have a " get out of jail free card"  when I mess up! []