front and rear shell lifting

[MrGallegos]

Thanks everyone!

[MrGallegos]

Originally Posted by Bill

....

If you look under the trailer, at the end of the bolt, you will see that tightening the bolt (which increases the torsion bar's lift force) pushes the stub end of the torsion bar upward. When the end of the torsion bar runs into the top of the adjustment cage, the bolt is at the limit.

While you are doing it, you should confirm one thing. The stub end of each torsion bar is secured in the adjustment cage with a stainless steel screw clamp. The clamp prevents the end of the bar from backing its way out of the cage as a result of road vibration or whatever. Make sure every bar is securely clamped.

Bill

Thanks for the information. I did look under and confirmed that each stub did have the clamp. I also see what could be the problem. The street side torsion bolt is at lower position so that the stub is at the bottom, while the curb side bolt has pushed the stub end to the top. Thus this might explain why the front top shell leans to the curb side when I open it.

[Larryjb]

Jacob from the factory told me to begin with the shells fully open, then turn the adjustment bolt so that it just begins to add tension to the torsion bar. This way, tension will be almost equally applied to each side of the shell. I would do the same for all 4 bolts that affect the front shell.

Adjusting the end (front) torsion bars will primarily affect the shell as a whole because it is lifting the shell near the centre of the shell. Adjusting the centre torsion bars will primarily affect the back end and not affect the front end of the shell very much.

Now you can try to lower and latch the shell at all 4 corners, then release the shell from all corners. Observe how it rises. Measure how much each side rises. First begin by adding tension to the front torsion bars until you see the front of the shell lifting off the bumper stops on the frame. (don't forget to add the tension while the shell in fully raised). Adjust so that the shell begins to lift evenly on both sides. For example, to raise the curb side only, adjust it from the street side.

Once you have the front edge of the shell raising roughly equally, adjust the centre torsion bars so that it lifts about 8" at the rear part of the shell. Try to adjust the torsion bars so that it rises equally.

You will probably find that the curb (door) side requires more adjustment. Remember that to increase tension on the door side, you need to adjust the bolts from the street side.

From here you can increase in quarter turns until you can lift it comfortably, yet close it easily.

Note: If the shell is leaning to one side as it lifts or closes, that can cause friction which makes the shell feel like it needs more tension. In fact, just evening out the lift can make it easier to lift.

I hope this helps. I went through replacing a torsion bar a couple of summers ago, and dealing with the rear shell not lifting evenly. Now both shells open quite nicely. Not perfect, but much better.

[BaconLover]

So how easy is it supposed to be to open the shells? I can open the shells by myself (I’m 5’4”, 120 pounds), but even when our TM is level, I have to often push using my legs on the back bumper for the rear shell. My husband who is 6’4” and 180 pounds has no issue with opening and closing it.

I’m just wondering if I should adjust the torsion bars or if it is what it is. We’re probably going to bring it into CustomRV for some work, so I was going to ask Scott to double check it for me. However, since this thread was going on, I thought I would ask all of you what your experience has been like!

[Shane826]

I can open each shell of my 3326 with one hand. It shouldn’t be difficult at all.

[MrGallegos]

I finally was able to obtain the correct size socket, 1 1/8 , and was able to turn most of the bolts, however the front street side bolt does not budge, so I will need to buy an impact wrench.

[Larryjb]

Originally Posted by MrGallegos

I finally was able to obtain the correct size socket, 1 1/8 , and was able to turn most of the bolts, however the front street side bolt does not budge, so I will need to buy an impact wrench.

Spray some good penetrating fluid on it and let it soak before using the impact. Then, apply some antiseize to the threads after and you will never have a problem after.

[Bill]

Before you put an impact wrench on it, be sure that it is not maxxed out. That could make a real mess. Will it budge backward?

Bill

[MrGallegos]

Originally Posted by Bill

Before you put an impact wrench on it, be sure that it is not maxxed out. That could make a real mess. Will it budge backward?

Bill

It did not budge either way.

[Shane826]

I wouldn’t put an impact on it either way. Even before you put penetrating oil on the bolt, maybe try a little heat.