Starcraft lift arm punched through floor!

[jackman_54]

New poster here. I looked at an older starcraft last night. The camper was in over all excellent condition for a 74. When seller was cranking up the top so I could look it over, a lift bar in the back punched through the floor. When this happened a pulley on the front (same side) poped off as well. They owners were mortified. They said the cables were new 3 years or so ago. I looked the underside over and the floor was fine except that one corner in the back where it fell through. They offered it to me as is for $750.00 and I jumped on it. Canvas and everything else was in fantastic shape.

Question...Has anyone else here run into this before? Im hoping I got myself a good deal after a little work and this wont be to difficult a fix. I will be thankful for any help.

[flyfisherman]

I would'nt have the foggiest idea of what lift system a '74 Starcraft might have used. Would not be surprised though if it were a Goshen lift system. Starcraft uses two different systems, their own patented lift system for their upscale models and then the generic Goshen system for their more price conscious models. But don't sell that plane-jane Goshen lift system short; it's simple but tough. Forget to undo the roof latches when you go to raise the roof and that Goshen lift will raise the lifters right through the top of the roof!

I've found the factory folks at Starcraft just to be great people to work and deal with. Why don't you give the factory a call and ask for tech services; I'm sure they will know what lift your '74 model has and just what to do to repair same.


Fly

[mike4947]

It's been reported by several folks over the years on the various forums. The common fix was to replace the corner floor and weld a cross brace across the corner contacting the new scabbed in flooring to support the lifting post. I'd look at the other three corners carefully. Most reports are that if one is bad at least one other isn't far behind.

[jackman_54]

It's been reported by several folks over the years on the various forums. The common fix was to replace the corner floor and weld a cross brace across the corner contacting the new scabbed in flooring to support the lifting post. I'd look at the other three corners carefully. Most reports are that if one is bad at least one other isn't far behind.

Thanks a bunch for the ideas guys. As a matter of fact, I brought the camper home today and went to work. From the looks of things it seems they  have tried to fix the corner spots under the lift posts after they put in the new cables. All they did however was screw in a small piece of sheet metal to the floor, and to the bottoms of the posts. I found this when I was reattaching the pulley that poped off the front post. The bolt just snapped from the weight all on one side. While looking under I discovered the sheet metal, and it was bent down some. I dont like the looks of it and I was already planning to do just what you proposed. To do this right is going to take a bit more work than I thought but I still feel I got a great deal getting this for $750.00! The rest of the camper is in fine shape and clean.

Thanks again.

[Texas5thwheel]

Thanks a bunch for the ideas guys. As a matter of fact, I brought the camper home today and went to work. From the looks of things it seems they  have tried to fix the corner spots under the lift posts after they put in the new cables. All they did however was screw in a small piece of sheet metal to the floor, and to the bottoms of the posts. I found this when I was reattaching the pulley that poped off the front post. The bolt just snapped from the weight all on one side. While looking under I discovered the sheet metal, and it was bent down some. I dont like the looks of it and I was already planning to do just what you proposed. To do this right is going to take a bit more work than I thought but I still feel I got a great deal getting this for $750.00! The rest of the camper is in fine shape and clean.

Thanks again.

  I just bought an older Starcraft that has a bent-up slide. I have tryed to fix with no luck, I bought it with a homebuilt trailer title to use as an flea market trailer. so no VIN number, the local parts man says he cant order by discription and must have a VIN number. Im assuming this to be a 1986 model or so, slide has 3 section's cable operated.. anyone know where I might get one or even a VIN number that will please my parts man.

[Texas5thwheel]

Hope this link helps someone

       //www.goshenstamping.com

[tlhdoc]

Congratulations on the new PU purchase and keep us updated on the repair.  If you can take pictures and post them.

[ilovecamping]

We have a 74 Starcraft we are trying to sell and it needs the same thing done to it.  The floor hasn't given out yet but it is weak.  DH has replaced cables and worked on it several times and he was tired of messing with it so we bought a new Flagstaff.  I think you got it for a pretty good price and would love to sell mine for that.  Good luck with the repair.  We always loved ours and had many great times in it.

[Texas5thwheel]

Received this note from   popupparts@charter.net

Lift Post (3 stage).  The Lift Post cost $85.00.  The inner cables are $7.00 if you need them. There is also a 4 stage Lift Post so you want to make sure you get the correct one

 Im still opting to find a used one. ( if you have one let me know) I have the 2nd PU (Coleman) 90% ready for the Flea-Market stand. Have to replace the wood on the bed frames. The PU make for a great flea market The Colman inpressed me in the construction, Also on the starcraft I am welding a extension pad on the frame to support the Lift Posts.
   
Bill