DIY Lift System Service On A Pop Up Camper

Easy to follow step by step instructions for general maintenance on Coleman and Fleetwood pop up camper lift systems.
Official pop up camper pro merchandise is available! please visit popupcamperpro.com/

[@TheMistasecs]

Came from the other video with the guy spraying wd40 everywhere😂 glad I found this video!

[@75283skate]

Same haha

[@WordMelissa]

Thank you! We just purchased a 2001 Bayside Elite and we are walking through all of the necessary maintenance before we take her on her maiden voyage with us.

[@popupcamperpro]

Awesome! Welcome to the club Melissa.

[@billstortz5046]

Very nice job with the video! I sincerely thank you. Your right, there is no need to pay someone to do this!

[@NegativeIQ21]

I wish there was a way to *heart* this video! You all are saving my arms, back, and no doubt the components on my new-to-me pup!

[@popupcamperpro]

You just did! Thanks for the nice compliment.

[@chiphaskell]

This video is EXACTLY what I needed to see to maintain my little pop-up. Thank you!

[@jonmccauley6490]

It's been at least 15 years in my ownership since my 86 has seen service. My dad owned it before and I don't believe he ever serviced it since new. But I just opened up the cover and the whiffletree rod looks super clean and still has a bit of lubricant. I'm going to coat it in some premium red grease anyhow. Love how these Coleman's stand up to time! Thanks for the vid.

[@popupcamperpro]

Thanks for watching and writing Jon!

[@NordicDan]

Been watching through your videos all evening since discovering your channel and these are great guides for maintenance and updates on these campers. I'm glad to see there's so much parts and maintenance support for even the older models still. Something I wanted to throw out there for a safety pointer on this video though, is when greasing the cables, it's best to use a rag to run the length of the cables and apply the grease in a thin layer. This is how we were trained to lubricate and inspect rigging cables when I worked aircraft maintenance, as any frayed strand in the cable will then snag the rag and not only be easily discovered, but save you from a nasty slice or jab on your hand that gloves won't protect you from.

[@popupcamperpro]

Awesome tip Dan! Thanks for sharing and watching.

[@djtblizzle]

This video is worth its weight in gold! Thanks so much for sharing! I just bought a new (to me) 2002 Coleman Mesa. I’m SURE the previous owners didn’t do this, because they even failed to maintain the EASY stuff. I’ll be lubing my camper soon.

[@popupcamperpro]

You got this dtjblizzle!

[@scorpioburn5700]

Thanks! Your videos have been indispensable in getting our '95 Coleman Cedar in great dependable condition!

[@popupcamperpro]

Your very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@ginaloffreda6472]

Thank you for the walk through! We just completed the lift maintenance described in the video! So impressed we could actually do it ourselves! Makes me a happy camper!

[@popupcamperpro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bruce4656]

Super helpful! Keep those general maintenance videos coming!

[@popupcamperpro]

Thank you Bruce! Will do!

[@Winu58]

Great walk thru. So complete and detailed. THANK YOU!

[@popupcamperpro]

Glad it was helpful Winu58! Thank you for writing.

[@davidlewis6472]

Just completed my first lift system service on my new to me sea pine camper. Thank you for the detailed and easy to follow instructions!

[@popupcamperpro]

Glad it helped David!

[@donnahaye6357]

i have the same pop-up ! I've had mine and have tried to do this for a couple years. Finally !!

[@jameskasal2649]

THANK YOU! This is exactly what I needed - you're a life saver!

[@marycanote7627]

Thanks for this video!! I’ve had my pup since 2005 and I had no idea! I did this maintenance today!! Better late than never!

[@popupcamperpro]

Great job Mary! Thanks for sharing.

[@cyndilopez8783]

Thanks so much for this video! I just finished doing all of these. I'm so happy I saw the video this morning.

[@popupcamperpro]

You are so welcome Cyndi Way to go with the lift system service!

[@danros6530]

Thank you so much, brother! While we all loves cats playing pianos, I am truly grateful for the exchange of information (like this) that YT facilitates! I have a 2001 Fleetwood Mesa...it's basically this one, except with kind size beds. So far, everything I've seen you post has been something that I can use! I am morally opposed to paying someone $140/hr for anything short of heart surgery, so I guess it goes without saying that I really appreciate you sharing all of this knowledge...but just in case, thanks again!

[@popupcamperpro]

LOL! You know I searched cats playing pianos just now! I am glad to help, and love hearing positive comments like this. Thanks you for watching Dan, and more videos are in the works! Peace out brother!

[@acforhim1]

@@popupcamperpro 😹😹😹

[@JenniferDeCesari]

Derek - you are seriously awesome and this was PERFECT timing for me! THank you!!

[@JenniferDeCesari]

Do the next one on repacking wheel bearings!

[@popupcamperpro]

Got it :D

[@giuliettamiller2797]

This is EXACTLY what I needed! My 2002 Sedona is very difficult to lift when I’ve compared it to other pop-ups. I’m hoping once I perform this maintenance, it will operate smoothly and I’ll have to start getting my workout somewhere else other than lifting my pop-up! 😂

[@popupcamperpro]

Glad to help Giulietta! Thanks for taking the time to write and share!

[@sllashbr]

Exactly what I'm noticing now...owned this poor Coleman for 10 years and NEVER lubricated ANYTHING. I feel incredibly dumb for not but c'est la vie. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I kept it clean:) So now upon remodelling it, I've opened and closed it more in the past two weeks than in the past ten years and yesterday it got incredibly hard to turn the crank. I'm hoping it's just needing the lubrication and nothing else.

[@Ciangi87]

Thank you so much!! I just did all this to my pop up after just buying it used thanks to you👍🏻

[@popupcamperpro]

Glad I could help All-out action!

[@danros6530]

Yeah man...I picked mine up from some empty nesters, and it works great! It IS 20 years old, but with good info like this, I don't see it being an issue. After seeing how the lift system works, it just got a whole lot less intimidating, lol!

[@KRT045]

Great video, and you are an amazing artist!!

[@popupcamperpro]

Thank you very much Kyle! My mom thinks I'm the best :D

[@Papa-gr2zi]

Thanks. Just bought our very first camper. 2009 Sea Pine. You have a new subscriber.

[@popupcamperpro]

Welcome aboard Tim!

[@inyaface07]

Dude...thanks for posting this!

[@rizmartin6355]

Great Video - Thank you for the details on type of lubes to use!

[@popupcamperpro]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@lnick6905]

Thanks for sharing. Love the content. Going to follow these steps for my 2004 Bayside elite. Hopefully I can find an access point to lube the chain on the underside.

[@popupcamperpro]

You got this L Nick!

[@ccassidy43montana]

Thanks man... i used to be able to use the spark plug socket and a drill to "power" up my pop up... didnt work this year and i did the maintenance and dang.... jumps up like lightning now... a litte maintenance goes a long way... pop ups are great here in Montana... get to places the big RVs just cant go... appreciate the videos.

[@jasonb193]

Perfect timing I need to do my 99 Taos this week.

[@popupcamperpro]

You got this Jason!

[@jasonb193]

@@popupcamperpro I wish my Taos had the easier to remove cover. Mine has the bolts that go through the frame and supports instead of on the bottom of the plate. That is the hardest part, but otherwise, it's not too bad.

[@courtneyoneal8845]

Thank you for doing this video!

[@popupcamperpro]

Thank you for watching and writing!

[@ngudhands]

No whiffle tree on my 1995 Columbia but lubricant of other others very helpful.

[@galil1612]

Love it man, thumbs up! I thought it would be hard! Only recommendation is wear safety glasses spraying that close to stuff and dealing with potential dirt and debris underneath.

[@popupcamperpro]

Good tips! Thanks for watching and writing.

[@sllashbr]

Wonderful video my friend! 😉 Hopefully this saves my lift !

[@popupcamperpro]

Glad it was helpful

[@sllashbr]

@@popupcamperpro Thank you Derek! Followed this video and my roof goes up and down like butter! Many thanks for doing these videos!

[@mavrick561]

Love the maintenance videos! I have a Somerset E3 and can't get to the pulleys in the life arms. Any ideas to service them?

[@popupcamperpro]

Not sure why you can’t get to the lift arms. Somerset used the same style and manufacturer that coleman did. Please send me a picture or two.

[@user-xr9jv9wq4u]

Derek-love the videos. There is so much I've learned from you. My question is this- we own a 2008 Feetwood SantaFa with a chain drive. I know I shouldn't spray the chain so how do I lubricate it? Smeer grease on it with my fingers. And should I use the same red grease you used on the wiffle tree? Thank you

[@popupcamperpro]

You can spray a chain lube or grease it. Do either at the 12 tooth gear. Thx for watching!

[@laffilmfest3759]

I appreciate the info!

[@popupcamperpro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@laffilmfest3759]

I will watch plenty more of ur videos....I have a 1985 Coleman Sun Valley....mint condition.....want to keep it that way....never knew u had to grease the cables and such a thing as a whistle box.....thanks!!

[@nunya2512]

Hey Derek I think I messed up by spraying silicone into the crank lift system, can that be resolve in some way? Also I thought pop ups had these safety lift arms that were placed over two of the main lift arms? Thanks for all your advice it is greatly appreciated!!

[@popupcamperpro]

For the crank, you may need to replace the clutch pad if it’s no longer engaging. Coleman and Fleetwood campers do not use lift arm braces. The screen door is the roof brace.

[@tannerkuramata6870]

Thanks for the video! I checked under my Coleman Evolution and one of the cables has a slight sag while the rest are tight. Can this affect the up and down motion or raising and lowering? Should it be tight?

[@popupcamperpro]

Hello Tanner. It should be just an snug as the others. The adjustments can be done at the whiffle tree.

[@tannerkuramata6870]

@@popupcamperpro great! just bought the same grease and lube you used in the video and will be following these steps prior to my next trip. Thank you!

[@jimkeeling]

Have a scamper 2002. Cant seem to find any parts for lift system or anything else. Any tips on cable lift system.. hard to lift plus rebuilt top totally. Weight added. Tks for your videos..easy watching!

[@popupcamperpro]

So sorry Jim, but I am not familiar with Scampers yet. Try canvas replacements dot com. Please tell them Derek sent you!

[@romeorivello2632]

Nice video. Would you know exactly what kind of lift system I would have In my 1993 StarCraft starflyer 1021?

[@popupcamperpro]

I do believe you have the Goshen lift system in your camper Romeo. Take a look at popupportal.com for verification. I do plan on bringing Starcraft campers into the fold and making content on them soon!

[@2explore828]

Did this last April before seeing this. Got it mostly right… didn’t think to grease the tree cover. Will be doing this again soon… we use our Coleman SanteFe A LOT now that we’re retired! I’ll be watching the videos on the crank mechanism… ours has become hard to crank when lowering roof… any insight appreciated. Thanks!

[@popupcamperpro]

Hello 2 Explore! Hard to crank when lowering could be that the drive hub tube is not completely disengaging from the clutch. I would start here for diagnostics.

[@2explore828]

Thanks Derek! Do you have replacement bumpers for ‘09 SantaFe? Bent mine!

[@popupcamperpro]

Negative. They are a pain to ship, but easy to source locally. Try a local Rv dealer or a metal fabricator.

[@rachellemartin7980]

Love all your videos and help! Thank you! We're newbies to the pop-up camper world... Our crank is very hard to turn and there is also that hammering sound. From watching your videos, I have learned that this is probably the thrust bearing that needs to be changed. But before watching all of your videos, we did lubricate the crank assembly. Can we just change the pressure washer or do we need to change the whole crank assembly now?

[@popupcamperpro]

I would start with a new thrust bearing and maybe a pressure plate (clutch pad) from what you are describing Rachelle. If the pressure plate did not get to saturated with lubricant's, then replacement may not be necessary. It should be slightly rough and dry.

[@rachellemartin7980]

@@popupcamperpro Thank you so much for your help!!

[@khowe1747]

Can the same grease be used in a Goshen lift system? Please and thank you. I am new to this and need to grease some zerks! 😃

[@popupcamperpro]

For the grease fittings yes.

[@user-jr1xg1ey3s]

Derek, love your videos! Thanks for doing them! I have a 2016 Somerset Evolution E3. If I lube the lift cables as shown in this video, I'm worried about dirt and dust from all of the dirt roads I travel on sticking to the cables. Is that a legitimate concern? Would dry lube work?

[@popupcamperpro]

This depends on your conditions you camp in. For dry and dusty or sandy terrain, I would not recommend it.

[@luis910216]

Thanks for the tips! Would It be basically the same process for a 1994 Coleman pioneer Avalon? I can't find any videos on my specific model

[@popupcamperpro]

That is correct Luis! Same steps for your Avalon.

[@luis910216]

@@popupcamperpro thank you very much for the help!

[@daves6979]

Greetings! As others have said, this is an outstanding series of videos. Thank you so much for putting them together. We have a 2010 Coleman Sun Valley which (from looking at the other videos) I think is a chain drive system. The crank assembly is at the center but up above the bumper with a vertical chain connected to a gear below the crank assembly at the bumper level. Do I need to grease the gear and chain at the bumper level, or will that get up into the crank assembly and cause problems. Thanks again for all of your helpful resources.

[@popupcamperpro]

Greasing the chain from below is what I do. It won’t affect the upper clutch.

[@angelasmith5204]

@@popupcamperpro Awesome. Will do. Thank you!

[@tomchristensen2914]

I have a different lift system. Mine is push button motorized lift. But it seems the front lifts before the rear. Is there a way to adjust so that all 4 lift at same time

[@popupcamperpro]

Yes! Minor adjustments at the whiffle tree draw bar, major adjustments at the pulley brackets.

[@davehobby6421]

So the cover of winfetree is not just a cover it also hold the moving block stay flat not spin?

[@popupcamperpro]

This is correct. The cover adds stability to the whiffle tree frame, and the drawbar rides along the cover.

[@thcrw7391]

Should i wipe down the lift cables and whatever else is dirty ? I'm going to do this on a pop up we just got and it just seems to be coated with desert and no grease lol dry as a bone on the lift cables..

[@popupcamperpro]

Absolutely! Clean it up first with rags and compressed air.

[@randallrobinson442]

Just looked under my 2000 Coleman Fleetwood Tacoma the whiffle cover is missing looked at parts online store didn't have my camper listed will another one work thanks

[@popupcamperpro]

Hmmm. Your calls for part number 4752b4291. I do not have one match to that part number yet. What are the dimensions of your channels please?

[@tomphillips2608]

We have a '03 coleman yuma. Same precedures? It is enormously difficult to get the last inch or two to fully extend for door placement. It's currently on the mountain in WV. Any videos on evicting pests that might claim adverse possesion? Lol.

[@popupcamperpro]

Hello Tom! The maintenance is indeed the same on your camper. There may be a nest already in the tree pan, causing the resistance. To deter unwelcome pest, I recommend cab fresh. You can find it at our web store.

[@tomphillips2608]

@@popupcamperpro Thanks! I'll see you as we're in Maryland!

[@soccerpimp5000]

Hey Derek. How do I remove or move my butterfly key on my 93 fleetwood americana?

[@popupcamperpro]

My new Savannah has one stuck in it currently. We will look into this in the near future.

[@mominskyway]

Im not sure i inderstand, we have a 2008 Avalon Highlander with a motorized lift system. Which steps do I take for that lift system?

[@popupcamperpro]

Exactly the same steps!

[@coreysanchez8794]

Thanks for the video! I’m getting ready to do this service soon. A few questions. Is red and tacky from Lucas oil a comparable grease? Also I notice that you greased the cables, any concern for the grease collecting dust or debris? I see that with the wiffle tree the cover protects it, but greasing the unprotected cables gives me that concern.

[@popupcamperpro]

This will be a question of common conditions you camp in. If you commonly on roadways and campsites, grease them. If you’re normally in dusty or sandy conditions, skip this step.

[@coreysanchez8794]

Ok thanks. Every year we camp beach front on a sandy site, so that’s helpful. Would there be an alternative you can use like that silicone spray?

[@popupcamperpro]

I wouldn’t

[@gordonhughes3773]

I have a 1997 dutchman which is cable drive. What kind of maintenance is required on it

[@popupcamperpro]

So sorry, but I have not to date studied the Dutchman lift systems. Perhaps someone else can help with this question?

[@kevincaldwell7431]

Is this basically the same procedure to follow for a Jayco Jay series 806 popup camper? Thanks.

[@popupcamperpro]

The pulleys and crank are similar, but not the lift system.

[@aaol1]

Awesome video! What do you recommend for greasing the chain on those chain driven lift systems? And will lubricating the chain accidently lubricate the "clutch"? Since chain goes from the bottom to the top where the clutch is

[@popupcamperpro]

I use spray chain lube from the 12 tooth sprocket at the bottom.

[@aaol1]

@@popupcamperpro and it never affects the clutch at the top ?

[@popupcamperpro]

Correct

[@burningheartsministriesmis1488]

Thanks 😊

[@popupcamperpro]

You are very welcome Blake!

[@gladd651]

Outstanding preventative maintenance. Will y'all be doing a 'how to replace your pulley's' in the near future?

[@popupcamperpro]

The lift arm pulleys are the most difficult ones. We already have a how to video for these.

[@danros6530]

@@popupcamperpro Ya see? This is why we all love your videos!

[@glennkantner2778]

You mentioned lubricating the chain in an indirect cranking system. How and with what?

[@popupcamperpro]

Use a good quality spray chain lube and apply it to the entire chain.

[@zzz7zzz9]

question. i have a bon-air ba-1400 trailer. it's a hardwall-system. i just picked it up a couple years ago. now, someone previous, had removed the lift system, i'm assuming because the cables broke, or something, and they didn't know about fixing it. so they removed the lift system altogether, and rigged up a hokey system with steel poles that need to be mounted on the ends, then the top gets winched up. it's extremely sketchy though and i would like to get it back to being proper. this model had the telescoping lift arms mounted to the exterior of the trailer. i'm guessing it's about impossible to get the original system though. what i was assuming i would do, is get a new set of telescoping arms, and mount them where the originals used to be. then make covers to protect them. i can't find any info on this model, the ba-1400 with hard walls. any idea which arms might be best for me to go with?

[@popupcamperpro]

I recommend giving my friends At canvasreplacements.com a call. Please tell them Derek sent you!

[@zzz7zzz9]

@@popupcamperpro thanks. i'll try them.

[@bradshutler9356]

Wont dirt and road grime build up on lift cables if you grease them up even lightly causing issues?

[@jeremygagliardi7063]

I thought I needed to use like a dry grease on the cables

[@popupcamperpro]

Good question Jeremy. The grease that we used is resistant to attracting dirt, but not fool proof. It comes down to conditions and use. If you are in excessive dust and sand constantly, you would increase this service interval. If you stay in generally dry and road conditions, then yearly maintenance is recommended. The benefits outweigh the negative if this makes sense.

[@danros6530]

@@jeremygagliardi7063 As I recall, it's dry grease on the pulley wheels (and lift arms), and red grease on the shaft and cables. Have I got that right, Derek?

[@roamer2u2]

How do I get my roof to level up on my Coleman Sequoia. The door side is lower than the roadside. I can't get the door to latch into place

[@popupcamperpro]

Hello Roamer 2u. Minor height adjustments are done at the whiffle tree. Tightening the cables raises the roof corner. Major adjustments are done with the pulley routing guides before the butterfly brackets. Move the pulleys increases or decreases height.

[@vjmeht]

How to clean off the old grease before applying new grease just a rag or brake kleen?

[@popupcamperpro]

Just a rag works fine

[@tvguy12346]

easiest way to get to the chain on a chain drive model? I see a lot of rivets to drill out to get the rear panel off my 97 sunridge.

[@popupcamperpro]

From below Joshua. Someone raises, while someone applies chain lubricant at the lower 12 tooth gear. You might find a small cover to remove.

[@tvguy12346]

@@popupcamperpro thanks! I'll have to take a closer look one of these days! great video! perfect DIY!

[@cduda5369]

Just tried to replace a Goshen cable on my 2001 Starcraft 1706. When we try to test crank it, it gets stuck right after we crank it enough to take up the slack. I am afraid to force it to go because I do not want to snap or break anything. Please help. Is there a way we can call you? Thanks

[@popupcamperpro]

Sure! Please give us a call at the shop for assistance.

[@cduda5369]

@@popupcamperpro I do not know where your shop is. What is your phone number?

[@popupcamperpro]

Colemanpopupparts.com

[@MaryBrooke]

Would this also apply to a 2002 Jayco eagle 10 SG?

[@popupcamperpro]

Unfortunately not Brooke.

[@joeicampbell5189]

Any clue if this system is the same as a starcraft?

[@popupcamperpro]

So sorry Joei but they are not the same.

[@kathygrimm1285]

I have a 1987 Columbia. Is it about the same as this one?

[@popupcamperpro]

Yes it is Kathy!

[@thejkway_]

Advice for if someone sprayed lubrication in the crank assembly on a direct drive? (Not me, someone trying to be “helpful” while I was doing spring cleaning…)

[@popupcamperpro]

You may need a new clutch pad now.

[@thejkway_]

Thank you

[@andyc.947]

Won't the grease on the cables attract dirt? Maybe I'm wrong. Actual question

[@popupcamperpro]

This is a choice of conditions. If your in an area that lets say is very dusty constantly, then I would skip this step. In your in conditions that are not, then it’s a good step.

[@jimkeeling]

Always....on cue!!

[@popupcamperpro]

Thanks Jim!

[@larryroedl395]

So my 2005 sea pine doesn’t have a wiggle tree pan cover at all I didn’t even see screw holes

[@popupcamperpro]

Larry, you should have one. Please take a look at page three for your tree breakdown showing the cover at the next link. cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0273/4347/files/2005_coleman_destiny.pdf?16695232820753828628

[@larryroedl395]

@@popupcamperpro can you tell me how long the screws are for it I bought the cover but not the screws and want to go to the hardware store and get the scresy

[@vernelomax633]

What size are the plate bolts? THANKS

[@popupcamperpro]

Here is a link to the whiffle tree pan cover TEK screws. colemanpopupparts.com/products/hex-head-tek-screws

[@vernelomax633]

@@popupcamperpro can I use silicon spray on cables instead of grease? I can't find link to awning in a bag. Please send. Is shoe goo ok for canvas seal. Thanks again!

[@popupcamperpro]

@@vernelomax633 you can use whatever you would like. Just follow the manufactures recommendations for maintenance intervals. For awnings, search that keyword at colemanpopupparts.com Thank you!

[@vernelomax633]

@@popupcamperpro my middle name is Homer.