Penthouse Lift

[bluedog225]

I was thinking used electric but I like the idea of a manual even better. Won't be long before I'll need the assist......

It doesn't have to lift much weight, 100lbs? I think those camper lifts are expensive because they have to lift some serious weight. I think you are after rapid travel rather than lift capacity.

There may be even cheaper but I found this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1000-lb- ... veQ5fTools

You probably know this but be sure to have a pad up top, maybe 6x6 1/2 plywood or a 1x4 strip.

Tom

[bluedog225]

Thinking about it some more. I may take two pieces of 1x4, about 1 foot longer than the ceiling height when lowered. Join them with a bolt. Then just set them with one end on the carpet and one end on the ceiling. Pull until they straighten out. That should move the roof about 1 foot and engage the big lifting springs.

The 1x4s seem easier to store than a dedicated jack. Just a thought.

[jage]

Originally Posted by bluedog225

Pull until they straighten out.

Push, it's easier on the back.

[SMBDAD]

I just got done adjusting the chain on my springs. The top just did not want to stay up. I had read up on it and had bought some come alongs as suggested. When I went to do it, it seemed the come alongs were just to big bulky/ clumsy. I just happened to have some new heavy duty ratcheting tie down straps sitting there. They worked perfect. There are holes that it seems SMB used to do the same thing. One strap would hold the tension and arm in place, while the other gave me the ability to loosen and adjust the chain. It is a little nerve racking having everything under such tension, but well worth it when done. Next step will be to slide another tube over existing arms to stiffen and prevent bending as you can see them bowing a little. With stronger tubes you could probably lift a lot of weight on the roof very easily.