Power Gear return springs

[clyon51]

While camped here, I just discovered the rear 2 return springs broke. We must have been gone as Im sure we would have heard them go.

From what I have briefly read, I'll need to get them from a supplier and not PowerGear.

When I do get the parts, whats the best way to replace them. Looks to me to remove the top bar that bolts to the top of the cylinder, that the top of the spring bolts to. Or is there a better way?

[CLIFFTALL]

Originally Posted by clyon51

While camped here, I just discovered the rear 2 return springs broke. We must have been gone as Im sure we would have heard them go.

From what I have briefly read, I'll need to get them from a supplier and not PowerGear.

When I do get the parts, whats the best way to replace them. Looks to me to remove the top bar that bolts to the top of the cylinder, that the top of the spring bolts to. Or is there a better way?

Power Gear will not sell you parts as you stated however they will tell you how to replace them. They may have a tip sheet they can email you. You can contact them Mon. - Fri. info@powergearus.com.

Good luck.

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Power Gear will not sell you parts as you stated however they will tell you how to replace them. They may have a tip sheet they can email you. You can contact them Mon. - Fri. info@powergearus.com.

Good luck.

Thanks. I did find a thread regarding the replacement, very easy with the proper tools. My problem so far is finding someone who can order them. Called CW, but the parts lady was clueless. I found one local shop that understood what I needed, but he's busy until Wednesday. I guess I'll have to wait until Monday.

In the meantime, if any knows a big shop that might carry these that will ship, I'll be all ears!

[CLIFFTALL]

I know Fleetwood sells PG parts. Other mfg do as well. You may gave some luck there. FW's # 800-322-8216

[wa8yxm]

I very strongly suspect the return springs can be found at a good hardware speciality store, or at least springs enough like them that your jacks would never know the difference, Just in case you can not find them elsewhere.. Try a Fastener store.

Note; If nothing else this kind of store usually a few (Thousand, or Million) screws loose in their stock room (Of course I'm talking about the kind they sell, not the kind the write pay checks to).

[clyon51]

Duh, never dawned on me to call a mfg. Did try FW but they are closed until Monday too. I'll get 'em eventually. I can always wire them up until I get back home.

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

I very strongly suspect the return springs can be found at a good hardware speciality store, or at least springs enough like them that your jacks would never know the difference, Just in case you can not find them elsewhere.. Try a Fastener store.

I probably could find a temp replacement and rig something, but these springs are 17 x 2.5 inches and a loop at the bottom. The top narrows to about 3/8 which is held by a vertical bolt in the center. They are so stiff, I can barely bend them to insert shims.

When I find proper replacements, if I cant get them before I go home, its easy enough to pry the cylinders up (with proper leverage) and wire or zip tie them in place. So its not a big deal as I initially thought. If I was in a big bind, I would certainly use your suggestion!

[wa8yxm]

Originally Posted by clyon51

When I find proper replacements, if I cant get them before I go home, its easy enough to pry the cylinders up (with proper leverage) and wire or zip tie them in place. So its not a big deal as I initially thought. If I was in a big bind, I would certainly use your suggestion!

FLoor or bottle jack, Getting them up a little bit basically takes a spade and someone inside pushing the "RETRACT ALL JACKS" Button over and over (every time the jacks down light goes out or every mintue)

Work it up with the spade till you can get a jack under it then jack it up a bit, Button it down, Jack it up, and so on till it is "Topped out" (Really bottomed out in jack terms but "All the way up) then use whatever means you like to tie it up. Coat hangers work here.

[clyon51]

Yesterday I got a 2x4 and used the broken spring as a fulcrum. Had them both up in a minute. Sure went smoother than I was expecting! Very good tips btw! Thanks.

[clyon51]

Oh. The DW only uses those fat plastic hangers. So I always carry a 50ft roll of bailing wire, zip ties and duct tape. Gave up on the bubble gum as the dentist bill was getting high

[buck62]

Originally Posted by clyon51

Thanks. I did find a thread regarding the replacement, very easy with the proper tools. My problem so far is finding someone who can order them. Called CW, but the parts lady was clueless. I found one local shop that understood what I needed, but he's busy until Wednesday. I guess I'll have to wait until Monday.

In the meantime, if any knows a big shop that might carry these that will ship, I'll be all ears!

Call Camping World main number and not the local store. I needed a part, end cover for my Carefree awning and Carefree would not sell to me direct even though I had the part number. I called CW main office, not local store and asked for parts. I told them what I needed and gave them the part number and CW ordered it and shipped it to my house. Any RV dealership's part's department should also be able to order it for you.

[clyon51]

I called the main parts number on their website, thats when I got the clueless lady. She did say to call back Monday and I could talk to a Tech. I gave her the part number but she still couldn't comprehend.

I found a local guy and he is going to call PG Monday for prices and shipping time. A very nice and helpful fellow. He said he could have PG drop ship them to me or, for $100, he would put them on for me right in the CG. I like doing my own work, but this is very tempting