hard to crank pop-up

[doreenb]

I have a 1993 Coleman Destiny that I purchased recently. It cranks up all the way, but it is extremely hard to crank and it squeaks loudly. The piece that goes in to lock it has some surface rust on it. I seem to remember reading on a post that someone ruined theirs by putting wd-40 on it. Any suggestions on what to do so it cranks easier?
thanks, Doreen

[Recumbentman]

Hello doreenb
there have been a lot of topics on this. on doing a simple search.
 I found this one that will probably have your answers  lube lift
good luck  

[tlhdoc]

Have you lubed the pulleys and lift cable?  If not you should use silicone spray and make sure you spray all of the pulleys.   Under the camper you can follow the cables and spray the cables and all of the pulleys, including the ones in the bottom of the lifter arms.  Then raise the top about 2 or 3 feet and you should be able to look behind the lifter arms and see a couple more pulleys.  I take a piece of cardboard and put it between the tenting and the lifter arms, to keep any silicone spray from getting on the tenting.  That should help, but you may also need to have the whiffle tree lubed.  I haven't done this job myself, but had my dealer do it.  If you want to do it, contact Fleetwood and ask them to send you a copy of the lift system repair manual and even ask them for advice on doing it.  Good luck.