Swing-up top lifing aids on the Squidget GT?

[Ageless]

The top on the Compact Jr. lifts different; first the front lifts and locks; then the rear. I'm no weight-lifter (all 136 lbs of me) but I have no trouble raising the top.

[cracker39]

Since my last post, I’ve been doing some redneck engineering as I’m prone to do a lot of the time (like my plywood mower replacement wheel for example). Here’s my redneck lift.

Using the laws of physics in a typical redneck fashion, I came up with my using leverage to lift the top from outside of the trailer. First, buy two lengths of closet pole and some PVC that the closet pole will fit inside the tube for reinforcement. Or, steel conduit could be used instead of PVC and wouldn’t need the reinforcing. Also buy two L connectors.

Cut off two 3â€

[starleen2]

the design works - but you'd better have the camper coupled to the TV or you'll get a nice see -saw action going trying to lift the top (the wheels act like a pivot too!) with the downward force exerted at the rear. perhaps some jacks on the rear would stabilize and keep this from happening. Also is this lift mechanism going to be on both sides? I can see it becoming wedged to one side or binding while trying to lift

[john]

Ya, that's the ticket!

But if you want to keep the complexity at a higher level you could always use a telescoping paint-stick. 'Bout the same cost.

[cracker39]

As usual, I over-engineered my lift. Forget the hinge plates and bolts. Put some 1â€

[cracker39]

the design works - but you'd better have the camper coupled to the TV or you'll get a nice see -saw action going trying to lift the top (the wheels act like a pivot too!) with the downward force exerted at the rear. perhaps some jacks on the rear would stabilize and keep this from happening. Also is this lift mechanism going to be on both sides? I can see it becoming wedged to one side or binding while trying to lift

I doubt that 3 puonds of pull down in the back would move the camper weighing 1400 plus pounds and close to 200 pounds on the tongue jack in front if that's what you meant.

No seesawing, no binding of the cap either. The cap can't twist and it can't move any way but straight back and up as it is hinged to full width end panels that are also hinged to the roof. Even one pole would lift it straight. When one side is lifted, the other side has to go with it in a straight line.

[john]

Cracker said:

As usual, I over-engineered my lift.

No, no, no! Simplicity? You're going the wrong way!

Stop thinking like a Russian. This not a Makarov.
Think German, think Mercedes...


Love it!