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Old 07-21-2021, 12:36 PM   #1
FlowerPower
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Indianapolis
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Default Any open-assist devices ideas or pre-mades available?

I just turned 60 and am realistic -- I could use some extra help opening/lifting the front end. (-D

Are there any new tools or devices out there that anyone has used?

Thought I'd ask before heading to my local fixit guy to help me come up with something. I'm planning a 10-day trip this fall and am afraid after days on the road I will be too tired to lift it at some point.

Thanks!
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Old 07-26-2021, 08:20 AM   #2
ThePair
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Location: Chicago, IL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FlowerPower View Post
I just turned 60 and am realistic -- I could use some extra help opening/lifting the front end. (-D

Are there any new tools or devices out there that anyone has used?

Thought I'd ask before heading to my local fixit guy to help me come up with something. I'm planning a 10-day trip this fall and am afraid after days on the road I will be too tired to lift it at some point.

Thanks!
Dunno about devices -- people have tried various bars, etc, but I never found anything I liked.

What I've done is drop the front end low -- much, much lower than level -- and then lifted it. This way, gravity is your friend, and you will have a much easier time lifting it. Once the front is up (and the slide is out, if you have one), you can use the jack to bring the front up to level, and then open the back shell, which is usually much easier to lift than the front.

Others here will also talk about getting the front shell adjusted, because apparently it's not supposed to be too heavy to lift. Ultimately, that's the best solution, but over time the bars lose some spring and the adjustments can only do so much, and take time and expertise to do correctly. Dropping the front before lifting is simple and easy and doesn't require anything other than patience--and you can start doing it today . I've been opening mine by dropping the front for years, and it's fine.
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Old 07-29-2021, 10:38 AM   #3
Larryjb
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What I have found is that if the shell is getting too difficult to lift, it probably needs adjustment. I can fairly easily lift my shell with one hand.

The front shell should begin to rise a few inches once the latches are released. If it is still difficult to lift, it may be binding slightly on the sides of the trailer which creates friction, making it difficult to raise or lower the shell. In this case, you need ensure the shell is rising perfectly equally on both sides.
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