Home
Our Camping Experience

FAQ Page

Guest Book

Natasha Pages:
About Natasha
Natasha Pictures
How Could You?
Doggie Dictionary
Camping With Your Dog

Camp Site Pages:
Our Trips
Fort Wilderness
DC Camping

Camper Pages:
Our Camper
Tow Vehicle
Site Statistics

Modification & Service:
Detachable Power Cable
Modified Drawers
Mirror
Single Drain System
Drill Lift System
LED Light System
Accumulator Tank
Florescent Light
Bike Rack
Outside Shower
Batteries in a PU
Bed End Tray
Battery Charge Cable
Stove Counter
AC Brace
WH Wind Guard
RV Plug @ Home
Awning Base
12v Power Adaptor
Battery Meter
Water Level Indicator
Tongue Jack Service
Our Bunk

Information:
Camping With Your Dog
Camping Checklist
Dry Camping
Pop Up Brakes
Break Away Switch
Campsite Safety
Towing & Hitch Info
Sway Information
Gray Water
Porta Potti
RV Air Conditioning 
Pop Up Tires
Changing a Flat Tire
Pop Up Refrigerator
Camp Site Power
Trailer Dolly
Folding Camp Table
Awning Base
Level Your PopUp
Winterize Your PopUp
Spring Set Up
Camp Cooking Accessories
Buying a Used PopUp
Message Board Shorthand

Camping Links:
PopUpTimes
Camping Links
Camping Club Links
Manufacturer Links

GSD Links:
MidAtlantic GS Rescue
GS Rescue of LA
Virginia GS Rescue
Flying Dog Press

 

 

 

Raise the Roof!

All photos are thumbnails, click on a picture to see a larger version

Well, the batteries for my cordless drill finally died and I needed new ones. WOW, $65 for each battery! Thinking about it, that is half the cost of a new "heavy duty" drill. Hmmmm, if I have a heavy duty drill - I can use it on the roof like everyone talks about.

Well, $265 for the drill and another $30 for the socket genie. What a neat system. 

P0002239.jpg (402436 bytes) Here you see the stock handle supplied by Fleetwood Folding Trailers to raise the roof of their pop up campers.  While I never counted, I have been told it is 67 cranks to raise the roof.
P0002236.jpg (35003 bytes) While FFT sells an optional electric lift unit, the price is a little high and owners have reported reported a poor maintenance experience .  Here you see the aftermarket option.

You need a "Heavy Duty" drill.  This includes a minimum of 18v, all metal transmission/gears and a minimum of 400 inch pounds of torque. Figure in the $300 range for a drill with these features 

P0002245.jpg (15923 bytes) Add to that a "Socket Genie".  This solid steel adaptor takes the place of your crank handle.  Note they are made in two styles;

1. Coleman/FFT {7/8" round)

2.  Goshen Lift style (7/8" square)

 

P0002244.jpg (47019 bytes) If possible, get a drill with a side handle attachment.  When you are talking 400+ inch pounds of torque, you can easily injure your wrist or arm if you do not have a secure grip.  A can't stress this enough, use the side handle!
P0002243.jpg (366299 bytes) Use is fairly straight forward:

1. Insert the Socket Genie into the drill

2. Set the drill for low speed/high torque

3. insert the Socket Genie into the lifter mechanism

4. Slowly raise the roof.  Be careful to watch as you get neat the top that you do not "over lift" the system.  Some folks who use a drill to raise the roof mark the rear lifter arms to see when they are nearing the top.

P0002241.jpg (78029 bytes) The drill/Socket Genie can also be used to crank down your corner stabilizing jacks if it uses the same socket as your lifter system

Should you decide to use a drill to raise your roof, extreme caution should be exercised!  Take it slow and easy.  Damage to the pop up lifter system or injury to you are both possibilities if you do not pay attention to what you are doing and take it slow and easy.

 

   Revised: May 08, 2007

 

Copyright © 2001-2007  TRH [tim5055]     All rights reserved   Our Privacy Policy
 

Home  |  E-Mail Tim  | Frequently Asked Questions  | Guest Book