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help on lifting body

PostPosted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:53 pm
by alloffroad
I am replacing the floor in my 15 foot camp trailer. I have removed part of the old and have the body supported with blocks so it doesn't sag. I need to remove the blocks so I can install the new ply. I have a cherry picker (engine hoist) and atached it to the spare tire carrier. As I jacked up the picker arm, the body started to pull away until it stoped at the rear bumper. If I go another 1 inch it will clear the bumper and possibly tear the sheet metal. Obviously this will not work. I have thought about screwing through the trailer wall and sandwiching it between 2 pieces of 2X4 and lifting the body with that. It would spread the load out and prevent it from pulling away and possibly tearing. The down side it that I would have to repair the holes. I would appreciate any and all input.

p.s. I could put the wood on the back and keep it there as an accessory of some sort.

PostPosted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:36 pm
by Juneaudave
I love a puzzle...any pics? :thinking:

PostPosted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:21 pm
by cuyeda
What Juneaudave said.. pics?

Is the trailer a canned ham type of trailer. Make, model and year would help. Just like teadrop builds, the floor is the first to be laid down, and the last to come off in a tear down. You can't just lift the body off the frame and slide a new piece in. Pictures would give us a better idea of your situation.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 12:12 am
by alloffroad

PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:54 am
by Hoosier Greg
Here's what I think..

I'd be thinking of pulling the trailer from under the camper than the other way around..

Use the Cherry picker to place a strong back resting on two jacks far a part where it will clear the wheels.

Then do the same at the other end.
That way you can move the trailer first one way then the other way after you installed part of floor with the first move...

Best I can come up with, with out being there.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:07 pm
by cuyeda
Greg has the right answer. I was just looking at this pic this morning to do the same with mine.
Sorry the image link does not work here.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=16951
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=16950

It looks like he slid the camper off the trailer, but the shell is a bit more rigid than your body. Like Greg said support and lift the body up just enough to slide the trailer frame from under. Good luck.

PostPosted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 2:23 am
by alloffroad
I got the first piece of floor in tonight. It fit like a glove. (pics tomorrow) Now off to the front then the middle. I can smell the mountain air already :D