broken crank mechanism on coleman taos. I'm not a happy camper.

[Bowfin]

I just bought a used '98 Coleman Taos last week. I noticed it was a bit hard to crank up, though it cranked down fine when I picked it up formthe Po's house. I had a hard time getting the door to line up, so I gave it a 1/4 twist and heard a pop. I figured it'd b fine since this is the fix for the non ratcheting crank. I went to lower it this week and it wouldn't come down,just spinning. I attmepted to raise it and hte same thing, just spinngin the crank. I opened the worm gear cover and found hte crank ears were broken off of the worm gear and the pinbent.

I'm not a happy camper.

Where can I find the crankassembly?

I heard Fleetwood warranted the crank assembly for life, is thie true?

Is this a common issue? I couldn;t find it in a search.

[brainpause]

Have not heard of this issue. I'm sure someone will jump in here and give you a good answer.

Larry

[flyfisherman]

Afraid whatever warranty there was on your Taos was for the orginal owner only.

Kinda suspect the lift system had never been lubricated, or at least not on a regular basis.

[flyfisherman]

Might help if I made a COMPLETE post ... (the aging process!)

http://www.customcylindersintinc.com/camper_trailer_roof_lift_system.htm


Fly

[Bowfin]

Thanks, that's a great link.

I've been looking for an online parts source, but I haven't had any luck. Looks like I'll be headed to the $$$ Fleetwood dealer $$$.

I haven't signed the title yet, so hopefully I can get the PO to knock some off the price to cover some of the repair cost. Now I'm wondering about the wheelbearings.

Is there any online source for Fleetwood parts?

[flyfisherman]

Just got to be some Fleetwood owners on the board that might help you in the (salvage, maybe) parts department.

As for the wheel bearings, that would be my first order of business!

[tlhdoc]

I haven't signed the title yet, so hopefully I can get the PO to knock some off the price to cover some of the repair cost.  
Is there any online source for Fleetwood parts?

If you haven't signed the title yet and the person you are buying from is the original owener, have them get it repaired under warranty.
 
Fleetwood only sells to its dealers.  Some of them will ship parts to you.  You would just have to call a few to find out.  Good luck with the repair.

[aw738]

Some states don't allow manufacturers limit warranties to original owner. I work in retail and West Virginia law states that a warranty stays with the product even if sold. So check your local laws.

[Bowfin]

Out of warranty sicne I';m not the origional owner according to the RV dealer.

Called Young RV in Kings Mtn, SC and they were very helpful and familiar with the problem. They said i can buy the crank coupler for $10, but should also replace the whiffle tree assembly since it has a delrin bushing that wears and starts to seize up, putting stress on the crank.

The whifle tree assembly (p#4749B6731) is $104, and the crank coupler (p#4751B3671) is $10. If the entire lower crank assembly (p#4751F6671) is trashed, it runs $157.

Lets hope the crank is fine other than the coupler.

BTW, a big shot out to Young's Rv for their help. They're good folks.