Front shell warp

[Larryjb]

My front shell bows out on the drivers side when it is lowering. I have to physically push it inwards to latch it. Is this simply an adjustment of the lift arm height?

[nwhouston]

Mine has always done this, particularly the driver side where all the cabling comes down the one support arm. When we latch up we both know to put a knee into the wall to push in so the bolts in the vertical support do not hold the top section from fulling seating. I just treat it as part of the process. However, if you read my new post on misalignment, I may just be living with a symptom of a larger issue that does not bother me.

Larry

[Larryjb]

I do see it as a potential larger issue. If this side bows out everytime the trailer is set up or closed, that is placing a big strain on the window frame which could cause window leaks in the future. Also, there is some "flapping" of the side walls of the upper shell. While it is good to have some flexibility, I am concerned that the additional strain of the bowing may ultimately cause a weakening of the roof to wall joint. This is probably not as much of a concern as the main flexing is along the lower edge. A third concern is how much strain it puts on the clamp holding the shell to the box when closed.

I did lengthen the rear lift arm by about 1/4". The effect of this would be to cause the lift arms to "stretch" out the bow. It does seem to have reduced the bow a bit. Interestingly, the entire shell seems to be pulled back by 1/8" now. I may try to shorten the front lift arm by 1/4" and see if it realigns the shell when closed.

[Larryjb]

I took another look at my TM and the warp. I noticed that the front lift arm is not parallel with the box. In the vertical position, both front lift arms lean outwards a few degrees. When lowering, the lift arms point outwards slightly, bowing the shell outwards. I am now suspecting that the torsion bars are slightly bent. These two torsion bars are also at their maximum adjustment, and not providing enough lift either. Perhaps when I go to Disneyland next, I'll drop into the dealer in CA and see if they can replace the front torsion springs for me, or at least sell them to me so I don't have to pay shipping from the factory.

[Bill]

Perhaps when I go to Disneyland next, I'll drop into the dealer in CA ...

Larry -

I'm sure you are aware that TM uses at least a dozen different torsion bars. Before you "drop in", it would probably be wise to arrange things with them by phone, to be sure that they have what you need when you arrive.

Bill

[Larryjb]

That's a good point Bill. It may be better for me to order the torsion bars from TM directly.

Anyone else noticing the front lift arms not sitting square to the box?