News:

SMF - Just Installed!

Main Menu

leaning palomino

Started by wilds21, Aug 30, 2005, 03:38 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

wilds21

I have an 1988 palomino xlt (or txl ...whatever) hard sided pop up.  Even on level ground the top part of the unit leans towards the door side.  What causes this and how do I fix it?  Is it the springs or the raiser arms or something else?  Does anyone else have this problem?

This is my first unit...new to me old to them
Wilds21

noahnsteph

Does this problem happen w/ and w/o the awning up? I've seen the awning tension cause a PU roof to lean.

Measure all 4 corners and see if they're all the same height. You may be in need of cable adjustment.

Does your PU have a rooftop AC and if so where is it located?

Just throwing out some ideas.

wilds21

Quote from: noahnstephDoes this problem happen w/ and w/o the awning up? I've seen the awning tension cause a PU roof to lean.

Measure all 4 corners and see if they're all the same height. You may be in need of cable adjustment.

Does your PU have a rooftop AC and if so where is it located?

Just throwing out some ideas.


No awning is attached at all.  No rooftop AC just a nine inch vent (no weight there) How do I measure the four corners? Like from what to what?  And if it is a cable adjustment how do I know?  How do I adjust? And how hard is it?

Wilds21

lushy

Quote from: wilds21No awning is attached at all.  No rooftop AC just a nine inch vent (no weight there) How do I measure the four corners? Like from what to what?  And if it is a cable adjustment how do I know?  How do I adjust? And how hard is it?

Wilds21

Wilds21,
I have a Palomino TXL hard-sided PU also. Here are a couple of questions that might help you. Some questions may seem kind of basic, but these are some of the things I have run into.

When you have the PU cranked up are both side walls (the hard-sided walls with the windows) completely opened straight up and down?

Are the wall locks in the locked position after cranking up? My locks are above the door on one side and on top of the middle brace on the other side.

Are the telescoping lift arms on the 4 corners of the PU getting jammed or stuck in any way? Try spraying some lubricant/WD-40 on each arm. I do this about every other time we go camping.

It sounds like it may be a lift arm or cable issue???

Good luck!

wilds21

No, this occurs even with the walls fully locked into place.  The lock or brace above the sink is in place as well as the one over the door.  And, lastly, the arms go up with relative ease.  Even with all that it still is leaning slightly.  Not enough to really effect the door, but it is definately noticeable.  If it is the cables how do they adjust?  Would springs be doing this?

Wilds21

lushy

Not sure how to adjust the cables?? You might try contacting your local RV dealer's service department and ask what the problem might be and how to correct it. Check out the Palomino web site also for contact info, they may be able to help also.

http://www.palominorv.com/palomino/default.htm

Jeremy

I have the same problem with my 85 Pal.  I have the external lift bars and springs at the bottom.  The top is leaning to the door side, and most recently the top is also leaning to the tongue end (even though the camper is level side to side and front to back prior to roof lift up).
 
There's nothing on the roof other than a 14" vent.  The lift bars & springs are in good shape, no bends, excessive rust, etc.  The last trip I ended up tying a rope to the right rear corner and staking it to the ground to try and pull the top towards the back, I also tied a rope at each corner on the street side to pull the roof back.
 
I think it's the tension I'm putting on the awning ropes that is pulling the roof side to side, but the front to back I can't quite figure out a solution for.  I think the next time I go I'll raise the roof, secure the door and see if I get the same amount of lean before I open the awning.
 
The problem is, the awning has a bit of a sag in it, so it naturally causes you to put more tension on the awning ropes to try and counter it.
 
I keep telling myself it's a 20 year old camper, stuffs not going to work like brand new.  The door still closes, but to get it to close all the way it requires a little extra effort to pull the upper door back into the frame.  I guess it's just something I'll learn to live with.  It's just a mental thing since I was able to fix all the other issues with it when we got it, it's just this one problem that sits in the back of my head.

wilds21

[ No awning on it.  How do I adjust the cables?  And what or how do the cables affect the plumb of the camper?  I am thinking of buying new lift arms but after talking with vanguard the makers of palomino they about worthless in helping or even answering any questions.

Wilds21