Pop Up Camper Lift Motor

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AgileDobe

Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2007
Posts
16
I have a new 17 ft Coachman since November which I  have used about 6 times as I compete in agility trials in Florida with my Doberman
and I am very happy with the whole thing, EXCEPT I don't like cranking to get it set up: Has any one tried the battery operated crank motor lift
lately> I noticed the previous lift mechanism was recalled a year of so ago so don't want to get into a recall situation.
Anne & Miss Morgan

[edit]header caps[/edit]
 
I had the option of the electric lift (battery operated), but declined back in 06 when I bought my unit.  However, I did purchase a 'socket genie' - an attachment for a drill, which will take the place of a crank.  Your drill has to meet certain requirements which are listed on the site - PUX (PopupExchange).  I've used my genie a few times with my electric drill (wasn't willing to pay the high price for a battery operated drill) and it's been very helpful vs. hand cranking.
 
Hi Anne,

I would think the drill adapter would be safer than a lift motor. It is too easy to crank the top too much and a drill might be easier to gauge than a motor. If one had to crank a turn or two after lifting it certainly should be an easy task. :) If a lift motor is used I'd stop before the telltale is too tight and then crank manually until it is set.
 
Sorry for delay - Socket Jenie can be found at www.puxtradingpost.com.  There are different Jenies for various models of popups.  I've been very pleased with mine, and had it within a week of ordering.

You can also find the solar bunkend covers at that site - reversible for winter/summer use and make a big difference in comfort (my favorite reason for liking them is they are so much easier to clean than are the bunk ends - bird poop and tree sap)
 
What kind of drill is the least I can get by with? My neighbor would loan me an 18V rechargeable for my next weekend trip to SC and it fits the socket Genie. Or should I consider
120 volt drill instead?
 
I have a bud that I travel with (when my wife doesn't want to go in the motorhome) in his pop-up sometimes and we recently added the electric crank.  It is great and the install was pretty simple.
 
Dunno about overcranking with your Coachmen.  We recently bought a Fleetwood Sun Valley with the electric roof winch and now I wouldn't be without it.  A Fleetwood roof cannot be overcranked--the winch stops automatically.  It's especially nice to have on hot, sultry days when working up even more of a sweat doesn't seem all that peachy to contemplate.  If Coachmen has such a winch for your pop-up I'd most assuredly look into it.  You may have to keep an eye peeled on a "safety cable" as it cranks the roof up to make sure it doesn't get overcranked--I think that's true of most pop-ups except Fleetwood/Coleman.

G[randpa]
 
I bought a 2000lb winch from Harborfreight for $50 and it works great on my '97 Westlake.  It took me about 2 days to get all the wiring done though.   
 
I believe a 24-volt cordless is the one highest recommended.  I did read a post somewhere about someone having success with an 18 volt rechargable, but remember reading another post where the 18 volt 'started smoking'!

Best wishes
 
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