Am still a bit of a newbie but have some idea:
1) It is all a matter of how well tuned the torsion bars (four on each module) are. If unbalanced it can be very difficult. When balanced it is a trade between easier opening vs closing.
2) For one person, the front is harder because it is difficult to lift from middle and raise the module evenly.
3) Generally the initial vertical lift is the hardest.
4) The rear is easier since you can lift from the middle. Force required is about the same. Front has bigger torsion bars to balance the weight of the AC.
5) An electronic system is possible now. The problem with electric motors is not torque but synchronization so both sides raise at the same rate. In the last century a mechanical linkage or shaft would have been required, today electronics will work.
5b) I've been noodling a U bracket about four feet long with a pivot so that you pull down on the bottom bar to raise the module. Major issue is the pivot point at the rear would need to be about two feet behind the bumper.
I do wish the factory would release the proper procedure for adjusting and balancing the torsion bars particularly since so many are now out of balance.
Following assumes all pivots are free and properly lubricated.
Adjustments should be made with both ends raised and locked to minimize the torque on the arms. I suspect it is some thing like with modules locked up, back off adjusters (takes an 18" 1 1/8" wrench like
this ) until clear of bar (if possible) then tighten until just in contact. Tighten XXX turns (may be different for each pair, key is to be the same).
Close rear module first then release latches. forward end should be xxx" above latch position and rear should be xxx". For each xxx" out of adjustment, raise module fully then adjust each torque arm pair 1/8 turn either tighter or looser and retry until all four points for the module are in specification then adjust the forward module the same way.
At least that is how I would write such a dash 1 for field use. Am sure the factory has something similar but may use special gauges.
Key point is that I suspect the factory has one rear module linkage and one front. Differences in trailer length is all in the center body so linkage adjustment should be "one size fits all". Good indicator is that all coaches have the same headroom and just makes sense that arms and torsion bars (except for AC vs no AC) would be the same. Is why my Judge uses stiffer torsion bars on the trunk lid than a LeMans to hold the wing up (and one way to tell a clone).
Perhaps at a meet we could take a new TM and measure everything then create a procedure but I figure it would take three or four people to do it properly. Has this been done before ?
Opening and closing the TM trailers
Linear Mode
