The roof lift system on a popup camper requires regular maintenance to remain safe and functional. Thankfully, the process is quite easy as described below.
Crank
Just under the frame from your camper’s crank handle is the actual crank. This device pulls on a steel cable to lift the roof and lets out the cable to lower the roof. Inspect this crank periodically to ensure that the crank remains properly mounted to the camper frame and that no debris has gotten into the steel cable spool.
Cable
With the cable let out fully, clean the steel cable to remove debris that could get caught in the crank or other areas where the cable passes through. When you get to the end of the accessibility of the cable, you can turn the crank to retract and expose more cable. Re-apply grease to any portions of the cable which were greased before cleaning.
Grease
There are often several zerk fittings located near where the cable enters the frame which need regular greasing to keep the cable moving smoothly.
A pistol grip grease gun paired with a high-quality grease tube works well for this task.
Scott
I've been camping regularly since I was a kid, from quick Cub/Boy Scout trips to week-long backpacking trips and everything else in-between. We got a popup camper when our kids were 1 and 3 years old to enjoy more time outdoors together alongside a few conveniences like heat and running water. Since then, we've spent over 75 nights together as a family in our popup camper. I've learned a lot about the intricacies of a popup tent camper during this time and love to share those lessons here for the benefit of others.
3 comments
Reuben
May 21, 2019 at 2:53 am
Scott thanks for the insights. I’m new to the world of tent trailers so I’m doing some research on how best to maintain it. Agreed that the tent trailer extends the amount of time we can spend outdoors with our young family!
Kim
September 2, 2020 at 7:13 pm
What would you clesn the cable with??..
A silicone spray cleaner??
JR
January 17, 2021 at 4:47 am
I just bought my family’s first pop up trailer today and you’re site is very helpful for me as I read up on what maintenance I need to keep up on. Also, the posts about various upgrades have given me some ideas I will use. Thanks!