08 Camelot 40PDQ Bed-Lift Brackets

[RustyTools]

For whatever reason, the PO removed the bed-lift struts and mounting brackets in our 'new' coach.

Found a source for new struts, but befuddled as to what type brackets were there before, and how they were mounted. Didn't think to take pics of the previous coach setup . There are several styles of brackets - some have the mounting post facing inward, some outward, some brackets are 'u-shaped', some straight, and so on.

Would appreciate a photo or two of how the top and bottom brackets are correctly mounted - both to the bed-box itself and to the bottom of the bed.

Thanks!

[MikeyG]

Here you go Rusty.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Mike

[RustyTools]

Now that is too cool, Mikey! Many thanks. Appreciate the effort in doing that.

Now I have one more project to complete (but this one is high on wife's list, so you know it will get done SOON! )

[MikeyG]

Good one for the list. That thing is a back breaker to lift without the assist. You can see where I've had to reset the brackets on the bed portion. Easy project.
Good luck.

[Happycarz]

Don, now that you have the new lift struts, change the placements of where they mount. The original setup has the stats horizontal,offering zero lift while lifting the bed for the first 6”. There was no way my wife could lift the bed.

Using the same supports, I remounted them to an angle that always has some upward pressure on them and still close without interfering with any structures.

Now I can one hand lift the bed. I believe I posted this in the "Tips" section about 8 years ago. And, I’m still using same lift supports.

While you are mounting your supports, make some 6” x 6” aluminum plates to mount to bottom of the bed board to spread the load before attaching the pivot brackets.

Sure sounds like an easy project to do in QZ next month. I’ll help.

[Barryc737]

Hey, Harry and Don! Can I get in on this project at Q as well? Two days ago, our bed became REALLY hard to open. Found one of end of one of the struts had completely ripped out of its mount. I recalled Harry's mod for the strut positioning and how easy it became to open and close the bed.

What would be a reasonable/optimum thickness for the aluminum plates?

Barry

[Captjake1]

I would like this mod too. Hard to open.

[RustyTools]

Soon's I wade thru some other pressing projects, I'm going to start on the bed-lift. I very much like the idea of moving the brackets a bit to create some 'tension' on the struts at rest. Thanks, Harry!!

Sure hope someone chimes in with a suggested distance to move the brackets . Thinking more on it, it might up being a trial-and-error thing, depending on the size, type and weight of the bed and the bed-covers and how much pre-tension you'd want.

My Endeavor had a board completely across the underside of the bed-board for the brackets to distribute the weight. IIRC, it was about 1" thick and maybe 6" wide, going just short of the bed-frame on each side.

[stillthinkin]

My Camelot didn't come with gas shocks to assist with bed lift. I'll bet while my coach was on the assembly line, the builder didn't have any shocks within close reach so I didn't get any.

I installed a pair a while back and they soon ripped out, several times and at different ends. I'd hate to have my face in close when they rip loose.

I ended up using through bolts on the bottom bracket and for the top I used a bigger mount plate and Gorilla Glue. Still holding, but I really need to check Harry's mount locations to get that, "easy" lift.

Sorry about sideways pics....

[l1v3fr33ord1]

Originally Posted by Happycarz

I believe I posted this in the "Tips" section about 8 years ago. And, I’m still using same lift supports.

Here's a link to Harry's post. It has pictures.

"Dutch Star Don's" mod post is there in the same thread, with pictures.

[Happycarz]

OK, OK, I’ll go do the measurements again, so it will be an easier setup for those who wish to do same. Stay tuned.

All the markings in the bed box were from me trying different angles to have lift but not too much, less the bed would not stay down.

[Captjake1]

Originally Posted by Happycarz

OK, OK, I’ll go do the measurements again, so it will be an easier setup for those who wish to do same. Stay tuned.

All the markings in the bed box were from me trying different angles to have lift but not too much, less the bed would not stay down.

That previous link seems to have everything there. Except, measurements on placement of lower bracket.

[RustyTools]

Cool, thanks y'all! And Harry, for getting the pics, etc.

Extra thanks to you, Mark, for posting that link. I tried to find Harry's earlier version, but got tennis elbow in my finger ('mouse finger'?) from clicking so many times.

[10Boomer]

Another QZ seminar Harry!