'92 Flagstaff Lift Spring replacement

[terrond]

I've been tearing into my new project - It's a Model 624 - I'm replacing rotted wood in each corner of the roof and directly below on the floor.  Looks like I can get it done no problem. I removed the front lift mechanism and after staring at it for several hours I figured out how it works.........what I need are new springs that attach to the chain driven lift.  

Does anyone know where they can be found? I was speaking with a company in Michigan recently but they have not returned my calls. Any other suggestions. I rather by them from the manufacturer and not pay a dealer the added costs.  Thanks for the help.

[wkjanak]

http://www.goshenstamping.com/content/lift_system.htm.  

Try these people.  They helped me out with my 90 Flagstaff, although my lift is a cable and spring system, not chain.  Good luck!

[terrond]

Hey Thanks, I actually spoke with Forest River........looks like they own what used to be Flagstaff. They sell the springs but you have to cut them to your own length......$12.50 each plus shipping........looks like I'm on my way.

[scottykrug]

Terrond- have you learned anything regarding lubricating this system.  Was in your shoes about a year ago (minus the broken spring) and was dismayed by the mechanical nightmare that was the lift system.  I shot some lube on it per the manual, but it seemed to have no effect.  Just trying to figure out if you found any shortcuts.  Glad you found your springs.

Scooter

[terrond]

thanks for the response.....The spring replacement was quite a chore but it's up and running fine now. As far as lubing the lift system I'm in the same boat as you. other than a little WD40 when i was puting it back together I have not done anything. I was just going to shoot a little grease on the chain drive and main sprocket assembly. My PUP is not too hard to crank taking into account the size of the roof and the a/c unit too.

I had to replace the wood directly under the front lift mechanism in the corners.....this was a pain, but I feel safe knowing it's solid now.

Do you have the same model?  if so have you doe any improvements/ modifications?  Let me know.  Thanks

[scottykrug]

We have a 1994 618 and have had similar problems with wood rot.  Weird thing is that mine is harder to crank down than up- guess the springs work too well.  Our wood rot was on the roof on both the front and rear edge.  Replaced both pieces somewhat easily, but had a tough time getting the metal skin to conform nicely to the new wood.  The top edge is a little rough and bumpy.  I tell people it was done that way on purpose as a lift spoiler to keep the trailer from going airborn down the highway.  

Found an oddity this last week when camping at a site with electrical.  Our system has 30 amp capacity so I figured running two large electrical heaters with a combined amperage around 20 amps would be ok.  It seems that one 15 amp leg was set aside for ac (which we do not have or plan to get) and the other 15 amp leg blew in the middle of the night forcing a braile like attempt to reset the breakers.  After a little rewiring, the four outlets in the camper now split the two 15 amp breakers.  Very few other larger mods have been done- did find out that the 303 fabric guard works great on the tenting- DO NOT USE OLD FASHIONED CANVAS TREATMENT!  It reeks and leaks.  The only thing it repelled was my wife.

Glad to hear the wood and spring episode worked out.