Clueless '75 Apache Mesa Owner

[UpSideDownClown]

Hi - have the above, which apparently my Dad never opened up since buying in about 2000...go to open it up, and it apparently needs a crank tool, which doesn't appear to be present. Of course. It does seem so turn ok when I go clockwise by hand on the mechanism at the back, but only to a point. Am I going the right direction? Thanks,

USDC

 

[IBTripping]

Welcome to the Forum. There is an Apache Facebook group that may be able to help you. Here is the web address: Log into Facebook
There is also an Apache Campers forum here: https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/apachepopupcampermessageboard/
Finally, you may be able to order a replacement crank here: Home | Apache Replacement Parts LLC

Good luck!!!

 

[LMHS]

If I remember correctly, clockwise is up, counterclockwise is down. DO NOT OVER CRANK! Loved my '74 Apache Solid State Roamer. Brilliant popup design! This is mine. Amazingly, I found the image on Pinterest! This was taken shortly after I repainted the bottom in a darker green. The original green was a little too "green apple" for my tastes. We put a lot of miles on that little camper.



You can also remake a crank. It is fairly easy. We forgot ours at home once and we cobbled together one by cutting two slots in an old reamed out deep well socket to accommodate the pin on the gear box and used a long handled ratchet to crank it up. The top is kinda hard to crank up without the additional leverage of the hand crank, that's why I used a very long handled ratchet. Or you may have to rebuild the gear box and/or the lift chain may be damaged. I suggest that if the lift chain is damaged, try flipping the chain end-for-end and you may be able to position the damaged links to the upper position. Rebuilding gear boxes is easy. I rebuilt ours and got the "new teeth" replacement gears. If the "living hinge" is shot, you can replace it with sections of "pipe heat cable" (cut to length). It will last for years! The double wires will slot into the tracks with a little bit of dish soap or electrical silicone spray to lubricate the track. The campers didn't change a whole lot from one year to the next so if you can't find a manual for the year you have, try looking one to two years older and newer.

Dave's Place - Apache Popup Trailer Information

Apache Camping Trailers

[b]Apache Sales Corp.[/b]587 South Court StreetLapeer, MI 48446[url=http://www.apachecampertrailers.com]http://www.apachecampertrailers.com[/url][url=http://www.ApacheOwners.com]http://www.ApacheOwners.com[/url]

www.popupportal.com

 

[Dusty Traveler]

Welcome to Forums!

We are from the Sunshine State of Florida, on Florida's west coast.
We H.L., Jan, and our RV a 2021 Coachmen Galleria 24FL with Li3.

 

[UpSideDownClown]

Thank you for the info. i am reaching out to the resources you mentioned. LMHS - I don't really understand the socket modification idea. Could you elaborate? I do have a 1/2 inch breaker bar as well as some fairly long pipes that I use to slide over a rachet or breaker bar for torque. Thx,

USDC

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The crank tool is dimply a pipe or tube with a slot to slide over and engage the pin on the crank shaft. If you cut a slot crosswise in a deep socket, it should slip into the crank port and over the crank. The drive end of the socket makes it easy too use a ratchet or breaker bar as a handle.

You can do something similar with a sturdy piece of pipe of the right diameter, cutting a slot across the end. To turn the rank, use a pipe wrench as the handle on the pipe. The exact shape depends on the crank shaft you need to mate to.

 

[UpSideDownClown]

Would a cheap angle grinder from Harbor Freight cut into the deep socket? I'm not real familiar with this type of thing. Thanks,

USDC

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

Yeah, if you're cutting a socket a grinder is going to work a whole lot faster than a saw.

That's a neat camper, I wasn't familiar with that style. LMHS, what would you consider the upsides and downsides of this kind of popup?

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[UpSideDownClown]

I know almost nothing about it but from watching a uTube video it seems like a fair amount of work to set it up.

USDC

 

[LMHS]

I know almost nothing about it but from watching a uTube video it seems like a fair amount of work to set it up.

USDC

A lot of work? My two preteen children and I could set up or break down our 12 ft Roamer in 15 minutes flat. Good thing you never watched us set up and then spin the camper around in a campsite so we could get a better view or more privacy.

 

[UpSideDownClown]

Sorry, I'm back with questions. Please see the attached pic and advivse if it's the same as yours. By cutting the slot, are we trying to clear the brackets that have the pins holding it together? Does the socket have to fit tight on the pin? I'm getting about 3/4 on the pin.

 

[roninX]

Bump! Were you able to cut it?