Lift question

[javo]

I'm picking up a 1977 Jayco Popup camper tomorrow. The current owner says it's in great shape with one exception. One of the lifting cables is snapped. He said you can still raise the top but someone has to get back there and help it up. My question is, can I just use some type of device to just join the 2 pieces back together until I can replace the entire cable?

Thanks for the help

[CAPEd CODger]

A lot would depend on where the cable is broken. If it were broken in a place where it wouldn't have to go thru a pulley or wrap around a shaft, I'd say give it a try.  As far as what to use to try to join the ends, I don't have a clue what you could use.
If there was some slack that you could use, you could just overlap the ends and clamp the overlap area.
Seems that that would be more work than just replacing the damaged cable, though.
I would also carefully inspect the remaining lift cables.....if one broke could the others be far behind?

Best of luck to you.

Bob

[javo]

Thanks for the reply..

The break is about 6 inches out of the big plate where all 4 cables go in, just inside a piece of channel thats bolted in the floor. That channel is bolted with other pieces of channel that hold other cables in. I'm wondering if I have the camper open and remove that channel thats covering the cables if the camper will come crashing down on top of me.. Can anyone verify?

The camper worked great all weekend but it's just too big. I was expecting something smaller when I made the deal over the phone and when I got down there saw how big the tandem axle Jayco was. If I can find someone with a smaller one thats the same age shape, I will gladly swap.
If theres any one here in the Texas area that might be willing please let me know..
You can reach me by e-mail at jason@javo.org

[Johnowolf]

OK, I tried to resist. I REALLY REALLY tried ... honest! But it's just TOO much to pass up!
 
Complaining because it's too big? That's gotta be a first!!!!!

[CAPEd CODger]

OK, I tried to resist. I REALLY REALLY tried ... honest! But it's just TOO much to pass up!
 
Complaining because it's too big? That's gotta be a first!!!!!

That is a first. I always thought mine was too small! (the camper!)
Now I think my hybrid's too small.

But, in response to your asking about the roof crashing down, I would suggest placing 2X4's cut to the proper length, to support the roof while working on the system.

Best of luck

[Kelly]

OK, I tried to resist. I REALLY REALLY tried ... honest! But it's just TOO much to pass up!
 
Complaining because it's too big? That's gotta be a first!!!!!

so, what you're saying is that size does matter?   :confused:


and I second the idea of using 2x4s to support the roof while you work on the lift system ...

[SpeakEasy]

Popups are odd beasts. They look so BIG when you're dealing with anything to do with towing, and they look so SMALL when they're full of people on a rainy day in a campground!

When we bought ours five years ago we were a family of four. Since then the two daughters have grown up and moved out. Now it's just the two of us. I actually had passing thoughts that our camper was too big! But, when we're both in there with all our gear it seems just right. How did we ever do it with four of us?

[javo]

I know too big is an odd complaint. It's too big for a few reasons..
1. I only have a small Ford Ranger with a small v6. It pulls it ok but an old lady on a 3 wheeled scooter took me off the line. My truck actually stops it just fine thanks to the hydraulic brakes that are on the trailer. Thats a very nice feature.
2. The trailer is too wide to keep on the side of my house, it wont fit through the gate. I cant keep it on the driveway because my homeowners assoc will have a cow and the angle of my driveway is too steep.
3. Theres only 3 of us and most of the time it will just be my son and I so I dont need the ability to park 7 or 8 or more people in there..

I've had a couple of e-mails from people I really just need a smaller camper and am hoping someone out there will want a bigger one that isn't perfect but is useable.