1998 Bigfoot Original HappiJac Tie Downs Won’t Loosen

[Island RV]

I own a 1998 Bigfoot Series C3000, 10’11” camper, on a 1997 GMC K3500 dually. I've only ever used it for camping and never removed the camper but now I'd like to. The tie downs or turnbuckles are original. They won't loosen by turning the cylinder, the cylinder travels up and down the threaded rod. The loop or eye that connects to the bottom bracket has no movement. I'm concerned if I remove the bolt that connects it to the bottom bracket that I'll never get it back together (it's tight-no slack in length). I'm also wondering, if I remove the assembly, can I then remove the threaded cap on the top for maintenance ie putting in some lubricant or will a spring launch out. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Kirk]

You did loosen the lock nut on it first?

If you have to disassemble them, you could just plan to replace them with new,

 

[Island RV]

I did loosen the locknut. I'm guessing that threaded end may turn to adjust length once removed from the belly bar. I'm guessing there is a spring inside the cap but not sure, so I don't want to undo it unless I know what to expect. No need to replace them as they don't appear to be defective or broken. I'm sue somebody has used these units in the past and can comment on their construction.

 

[Tom_M1]

Once the locknut is loosened you should be able to twist the barrel of the strut to adjust length.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Start pouring penetrant down from the top and spray the threads on the bottom also.

 

[Island RV]

Once the locknut is loosened you should be able to twist the barrel of the strut to adjust length.

Not the case here. The barrel simply moves and the length remains the same

 

[Island RV]

Start pouring penetrant down from the top and spray the threads on the bottom also.

Agreed

 

[PancakeBill]

Those are HappiJac tiedowns. I have them. There should be a hex and a nut ot bottom one hex nut is part of the barrel, the second one should loosen. wrench on body hex and wrench on lock must. Once loose then the body should just loosen on the threaded rod. I would use a penetrating oil on the nuts. Inside the body there is a poly shock washer, Marvel Mystery is my go to, it will wick into the threads.

I looked more closely at the image. it looks like either the lock nut is missing or an earlier version just had internal to the barrel threads. You might need a pipe wrench on the barrel then wrench on nut. Coufd try turning the nut and barrel together.

Bad news it looks like you need new tie downs. If that is the case, just cut the existing one down by the bar. May still rescue and the shafts are available at a reasonable price

 

[Island RV]

From everything I've read, it appears that these were used by Bigfoot at the time and when installed do not provide any further adjustment. Only one nut on the threads at the bottom of the cylinder/barrel.

 

[Kirk]

Lippert now owns HappiJac tiedowns so I suggest that you contact them for advice.

 

[Island RV]

Lippert now owns HappiJac tiedowns so I suggest that you contact them for advice.

Thank you

 

[Island RV]

Lippert now owns HappiJac tiedowns so I suggest that you contact them for advice.

I emailed them with photos and received a reply of delivered but deleted without being read. Sad

 

[Island RV]

Those are HappiJac tiedowns. I have them. There should be a hex and a nut ot bottom one hex nut is part of the barrel, the second one should loosen. wrench on body hex and wrench on lock must. Once loose then the body should just loosen on the threaded rod. I would use a penetrating oil on the nuts. Inside the body there is a poly shock washer, Marvel Mystery is my go to, it will wick into the threads.

I looked more closely at the image. it looks like either the lock nut is missing or an earlier version just had internal to the barrel threads. You might need a pipe wrench on the barrel then wrench on nut. Coufd try turning the nut and barrel together.

Bad news it looks like you need new tie downs. If that is the case, just cut the existing one down by the bar. May still rescue and the shafts are available at a reasonable price

Thanks but with the nut loose, the cylinder turns and moves up and down the threaded bar. I'm guessing I have to remove the nut and bolt that holds the threaded end to the bellybar and then manually turn the threaded end to change the length. I'm still wondering if there is a spring in thiese or simply a hollow tube.

 

[Kirk]

I emailed them with photos and received a reply of delivered but deleted without being read.

I suspect that you would be more successful if you would use the CONTACT US from their website.

 

[PancakeBill]

Thanks but with the nut loose, the cylinder turns and moves up and down the threaded bar. I'm guessing I have to remove the nut and bolt that holds the threaded end to the bellybar and then manually turn the threaded end to change the length. I'm still wondering if there is a spring in thiese or simply a hollow tube.

It is an elastomeric that absorbs shock. It may be destroyed in yours.