Great video! Really helped us out. We used a ratchet strap to pull the wiffletree up (we didn't have a pole clamp). Also, ours is an old Coleman Mesa and has the same setup if anyone was wondering. Thanks!!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. Ours is a 2001 Coleman Niagara Elite but the crank system is just slightly different. But from this video you explained it well enough that I think we have it figured out. We’ve already dismantled the crank. The parts just arrived so ultimately time will tell. But out of all the videos we have watched yours has made the most clear sense.
Coleman Redwood I found my top next to impossible to raise. A mouse had made a nest in the whipped tree cover and lots of junk had gotten on the threads, gumming up the mechanism. A good cleaning after dissembling the box, cleaning and greasing the threads and re assembly, works like new.
Thank you so much for such a good video. I was packing up when my pop up decided it wasn't gonna go down. Luckily for me I leaned into it real hard and it started to go. Had no idea what to do until I saw your video. I'm gonna order some parts and get busy before I go on my next trip. Thanks again.
I ordered from Canvas Replacements as you suggested. Removed the drive hub extension and sure enough the threads were stripped exactly as you said they might be. I can't thank you enough for this help. I would have not been confident to try this otherwise. Thanks again.
i need help. i had my beer googles when i bought my 1985 coleman. i have no idea what i am doing. the left front side is not lifting as far as the rest so my husband and i tried tightening the cables at the wiffle tree. no difference. after i cranked it down i can not get it up now. all i get is a popping noise. what next and how do i replace the cabling if need be? can not find much for my coleman.
If the camper isn't all the way down can you still take out crank shaft it's got about 3ft left to come down. The gears are not lining up. We know nothing about these pop-ups...ugh
Simple fix...weld a socket, roughly the size of the threaded rod, onto the rod. Then you can simple use a rathet or cordless impact to raise/lower the top. No use to source parts since it is a flawed system to begin with...just my $.02
Great video Eric. Bought the parts and finally gave it a try. I happen to be not so lucky on the shaft pin. Neither side looked mushroomed so I went for it and got stuck on it for hours. Sledge and all. 1/2” to go and it won’t budge. Worried that I damaged the bearing area although I hers Looking for a special tool. Any suggestions?
@@ewowen Thanks for the tip. I had a punch set and a nail punch. BUT I figured out what I was doing. I noticed it got stuck at the same place again after re-pressing it in with a C Clamp. Not sure why but apparently it's not a roll pin but a tapered pin. Maybe from the previous owner. He re-did everything with improvements. So, after about an hour, got it out the other direction. Not bad once I got it started. Bummer is, I destroyed the thrust bearing in the process. Found a $22 replacement from colemanpopupparts.com/ Next; getting it all back in.
@@techarts7662 I'm in the same spot with shaft pin, but have not gone to sledge. I think I'm in good shaped still, so how can I tell which direction to hit the pin?
Hey Eric. I'm hoping you will see this. Thank you so much for this video. My husband HATES working on my 2007 E3. Like many new pup owners I didnt know what to check before buying. I only paid $3,500 and in this sellers market I feel like I got a good deal. I feel like its such a solid pup. My ratchet paw is no longer aligning with the cog. After watching your video and a video from Coleman Popupparts Pro I do believe I need a new thrust bearing. One thing that concerned me is I can see where the whiffle tree has rubbed slightly on the underside floor. A little at the back and a little at the front. I hope that doesn't mean it's bent. It doesn't LOOK bent but who knows. My roof will raise and lower fine. Just doesn't click of course and is a little tight especially the higher the roof gets. I assume this is due to bad thrust bearing. Do you think replacing the thrust bearing "only" will fix it? ALSO....we are scheduled to leave Thursday for a 3 day short distance trip. I feel like I can go ahead and do this trip and then get the repairs done asap. Do you think it's safe...or I'm I doing more damage everytime I raise the roof? Hoping the skills I inherited from my daddy will help me get this job done? 😜 Thanks for your help if you see this and thank you so much for your videos.
@Eric Owen Thanks for replying! I have not replaced the thrust bearing yet but have it and will be as soon as our temps drop below 100°!! 🥵 We did pull off one last trip. I pumped some red grease into the old thrust bearing and couldn't believe the difference just THAT made in cranking up smoother. The wiffle tree had plenty. I'm nervous we may have to use that clamp like you did to pull the wiffle tree forward. I'll do an update once I get it finished. Thank you!! Wish me luck! LOL
Well, got to the point where I’m liningthe wiffletree back up to put the new pin in. Unfortunately, I can’t see to pull the tree enough to line up the holes. Any ideas would be appreciated
Eric Owen I did, unfortunately my wiffletree is different than yours and there isn’t enough space for it to get a purchase. Also- the top is about 2/3s of the way up, so it’s under tension I believe.
Ryan Long I am in the same situation now. Mine coupler is a full half inch away from lining up with the threaded rod. My top is also two-thirds up. Afraid to try to lower the top to relieve the tension because the whiffle tree rod is not attached right now.
@@cherilopez8614 I ended up using a come along and wood clamps and cranking the living hell out of it to get it to where I needed it. It was an absolute nightmare but we did it. I got a mechanically inclined friend of mine to lend a hand and it helped a lot. Hope you are able to get yours as well. Good luck!
I have a question, I'm trying to find a manual for my used pop up camper , (the top won't open) , anyways the clutch on this video is similar to mind. I have opened up both boxes that hold clutch gear. one is by tongue (front end) it has a spiral gear clutch (not round but. long like a sewing spool) with the long pole going in the box which is the length of camper, the pole is smooth no grooves. and the pole goes into the back end box. the back end box has a round clutch with teeth gear clutch. My question, to you," Does your trailer only have one round clutch with teeth on the back of trailer and a spiral gear in front?" sincerely ,Me, Myself ,and I.
Eric! I'm slap dab I. The middle of this and need help. At 4:30 in the video, did you only remove one pin. I've got mine partially out but I see what looks like another one. Once I do get that pin out far enough...how do I remove the remaining assembly? Does it just twist out?
@@ewowen Thank you....had to call it a night....I couldn't get the pin out. Used a punch, and even went both ways thinking it might be a tapered pin. 🤦♀️
I don't know proper names, so going to use descriptions. 3:03 - From outside to inside: Smaller washer looking thing Gear wheel Cork looking pad Large washer 6:49 - From outside to inside (on reassembly) : Smaller washer looking looking thing Cork pad Gear wheel Large washer The cork pad and gear wheel were in reversed positions. I'm confused.
Hi Eric, I am stuck. I am having the same issue with the whiffle tree being too short. I have double and triple checked the schematic and the parts are in the right order. I have tried moving it as you suggested and it is not moving at all. What am I missing? I need approx 3/8 “ to reconnect to the tree... Thanks for a great video
Gary, also, note the individual post adjustments (x4) available on the at the back of the whiffle. The issue there is you may need to go back in afterward and tune the tension to get the roof level.... I wish it was going more easily for you. You got this!!
Eric Owen I was trying to use a ratchet strap as I did not have a clamp. I have since found that the tree does move I may need to loosen the four cables to get the movement I need. And I can borrow a clamp. Thx for a prompt reply and thx for posting a great video
@@garyrogers3391 happy to help! I hope it all goes well and that you're out enjoying it again soon! I hope we're all out enjoying things again soon for that matter!
@@ewowen Ugh...I sure will and thank you! It took me forever to get the old pin out. 🤦♀️ Now I can't get the new pin back in. I am using the carpenter clamp and have the holes lined up but geeze, its hardly budging. I'll get a video of my ratchet paw problem tomorrow!
Difficult overall, or doesn't raise evenly? If difficult overall, there's a long metal cover over the auger that you will need to remove. It runs front to back starting just forward on the crank assembly. You get to it lying on your back and looking up. You can see it at about 1:28. Clean and relubricate the entire length of the auger carefully. You may need to run it up and down a few times. I use a tacky red grease for the job. You may also need to lubricate the pulleys in the 4 posts. Be careful not to get the lubricant on the fabric. While doing that check to make sure the cables are all on the pulleys....
@@ewowen - Today mine did not raise completely so I could not fasten the door. It is cranked all the way up. I pulled the cover off to expose the wife tree and that is angled somewhat. It seems it is just the rear that needs to go up another inch. Any ideas?
Great video! You have so far you have been the only person showing how to replace this part, thank you!!!!!
Great video! Really helped us out. We used a ratchet strap to pull the wiffletree up (we didn't have a pole clamp). Also, ours is an old Coleman Mesa and has the same setup if anyone was wondering. Thanks!!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. Ours is a 2001 Coleman Niagara Elite but the crank system is just slightly different. But from this video you explained it well enough that I think we have it figured out. We’ve already dismantled the crank. The parts just arrived so ultimately time will tell. But out of all the videos we have watched yours has made the most clear sense.
Coleman Redwood
I found my top next to impossible to raise. A mouse had made a nest in the whipped tree cover and lots of junk had gotten on the threads, gumming up the mechanism. A good cleaning after dissembling the box, cleaning and greasing the threads and re assembly, works like new.
Thank you so much for such a good video. I was packing up when my pop up decided it wasn't gonna go down. Luckily for me I leaned into it real hard and it started to go. Had no idea what to do until I saw your video. I'm gonna order some parts and get busy before I go on my next trip. Thanks again.
I ordered from Canvas Replacements as you suggested. Removed the drive hub extension and sure enough the threads were stripped exactly as you said they might be. I can't thank you enough for this help. I would have not been confident to try this otherwise. Thanks again.
Thanks for sending folks our way, Eric! Great job with the video! ~Jessi from Canvas Replacements
Thank you for this video, it was great, I was able to find the issues that I was having with my pop-up,
Thanks again.
really appreciate you taking the time to share this information. really helpful!!!
Great video, had the same issue.
Thanks for posting. Very much made changing the bearing easier.
At 6:04, I think you had the friction disk in a wrong location. Should it be located between two sprockets?
Hi Eric, Thanks for the helpful video. Any ideas on how to get the pin out of the shaft connector if it doesn't come out as easily as yours did?
This helped me so much thanks.
Very glad to have helped.
Great video, helped me a ton. Thanks Eric!
Really glad!!
How did you get the hub extension off?
i need help. i had my beer googles when i bought my 1985 coleman. i have no idea what i am doing. the left front side is not lifting as far as the rest so my husband and i tried tightening the cables at the wiffle tree. no difference. after i cranked it down i can not get it up now. all i get is a popping noise. what next and how do i replace the cabling if need be? can not find much for my coleman.
Thanks 🙏 so much , it’s a lot help
Really glad it helped!
MY top is stuck open and will not lower. Do I have to block that with 4 posts befor remving wiffle tree assembly?
Absolutely!!
If the camper isn't all the way down can you still take out crank shaft it's got about 3ft left to come down. The gears are not lining up. We know nothing about these pop-ups...ugh
there are two options for replacement assemblies. this is the "lower" right?
Simple fix...weld a socket, roughly the size of the threaded rod, onto the rod. Then you can simple use a rathet or cordless impact to raise/lower the top. No use to source parts since it is a flawed system to begin with...just my $.02
Hey Greg, can you elaborate? A socket that grabs the nut in the drive hub extension will resolve the issue?
Great video Eric. Bought the parts and finally gave it a try. I happen to be not so lucky on the shaft pin. Neither side looked mushroomed so I went for it and got stuck on it for hours. Sledge and all. 1/2” to go and it won’t budge. Worried that I damaged the bearing area although I hers Looking for a special tool. Any suggestions?
Are you using a punch made for the job? Try a pair of vice grips on the side that has come out. Even if you break it off, you can get a new pin.
@@ewowen Thanks for the tip. I had a punch set and a nail punch. BUT I figured out what I was doing. I noticed it got stuck at the same place again after re-pressing it in with a C Clamp. Not sure why but apparently it's not a roll pin but a tapered pin. Maybe from the previous owner. He re-did everything with improvements. So, after about an hour, got it out the other direction. Not bad once I got it started. Bummer is, I destroyed the thrust bearing in the process. Found a $22 replacement from colemanpopupparts.com/ Next; getting it all back in.
@@techarts7662 I'm in the same spot with shaft pin, but have not gone to sledge. I think I'm in good shaped still, so how can I tell which direction to hit the pin?
Hey Eric. I'm hoping you will see this. Thank you so much for this video. My husband HATES working on my 2007 E3. Like many new pup owners I didnt know what to check before buying. I only paid $3,500 and in this sellers market I feel like I got a good deal. I feel like its such a solid pup. My ratchet paw is no longer aligning with the cog. After watching your video and a video from Coleman Popupparts Pro I do believe I need a new thrust bearing. One thing that concerned me is I can see where the whiffle tree has rubbed slightly on the underside floor. A little at the back and a little at the front. I hope that doesn't mean it's bent. It doesn't LOOK bent but who knows. My roof will raise and lower fine. Just doesn't click of course and is a little tight especially the higher the roof gets. I assume this is due to bad thrust bearing. Do you think replacing the thrust bearing "only" will fix it? ALSO....we are scheduled to leave Thursday for a 3 day short distance trip. I feel like I can go ahead and do this trip and then get the repairs done asap. Do you think it's safe...or I'm I doing more damage everytime I raise the roof? Hoping the skills I inherited from my daddy will help me get this job done? 😜 Thanks for your help if you see this and thank you so much for your videos.
@Eric Owen Thanks for replying! I have not replaced the thrust bearing yet but have it and will be as soon as our temps drop below 100°!! 🥵 We did pull off one last trip. I pumped some red grease into the old thrust bearing and couldn't believe the difference just THAT made in cranking up smoother. The wiffle tree had plenty. I'm nervous we may have to use that clamp like you did to pull the wiffle tree forward. I'll do an update once I get it finished. Thank you!! Wish me luck! LOL
Well, got to the point where I’m liningthe wiffletree back up to put the new pin in. Unfortunately, I can’t see to pull the tree enough to line up the holes. Any ideas would be appreciated
Get a long woodworking clamp and you can pull it
Eric Owen I did, unfortunately my wiffletree is different than yours and there isn’t enough space for it to get a purchase. Also- the top is about 2/3s of the way up, so it’s under tension I believe.
Ryan Long I am in the same situation now. Mine coupler is a full half inch away from lining up with the threaded rod. My top is also two-thirds up. Afraid to try to lower the top to relieve the tension because the whiffle tree rod is not attached right now.
@@cherilopez8614 I ended up using a come along and wood clamps and cranking the living hell out of it to get it to where I needed it. It was an absolute nightmare but we did it. I got a mechanically inclined friend of mine to lend a hand and it helped a lot. Hope you are able to get yours as well. Good luck!
I have a question, I'm trying to find a manual for my used pop up camper , (the top won't open) , anyways the clutch on this video is similar to mind. I have opened up both boxes that hold clutch gear. one is by tongue (front end) it has a spiral gear clutch (not round but. long like a sewing spool) with the long pole going in the box which is the length of camper, the pole is smooth no grooves.
and the pole goes into the back end box. the back end box has a round clutch with teeth gear clutch.
My question, to you," Does your trailer only have one round clutch with teeth on the back of trailer and a spiral gear in front?"
sincerely ,Me, Myself ,and I.
it has no cables either
Yes, only 1
Eric! I'm slap dab I. The middle of this and need help. At 4:30 in the video, did you only remove one pin. I've got mine partially out but I see what looks like another one. Once I do get that pin out far enough...how do I remove the remaining assembly? Does it just twist out?
Yes, only one pin. Sorry I didn't see this earlier. And no, don't twist it out.
@@ewowen Thank you....had to call it a night....I couldn't get the pin out. Used a punch, and even went both ways thinking it might be a tapered pin. 🤦♀️
How do I get the very first piece that was off as the video started?
You'll need to drill out the rivets if I remember correctly. Send me a quick photo to 2eric.owen@gmail.com
Looks like you put things in a different order from what you took them off.
I sure hope I didn't! The top has been up and down 30+x with no issues.
It's a great video. I'm going to watch it again before I do anything to my camper. Sometimes, it's my brain that's not in the correct order. ;-)
I don't know proper names, so going to use descriptions.
3:03 - From outside to inside:
Smaller washer looking thing
Gear wheel
Cork looking pad
Large washer
6:49 - From outside to inside (on reassembly) :
Smaller washer looking looking thing
Cork pad
Gear wheel
Large washer
The cork pad and gear wheel were in reversed positions. I'm confused.
Hi Eric, I am stuck. I am having the same issue with the whiffle tree being too short. I have double and triple checked the schematic and the parts are in the right order. I have tried moving it as you suggested and it is not moving at all. What am I missing? I need approx 3/8 “ to reconnect to the tree...
Thanks for a great video
Gary, check 7:20 or so in the video. I think that's what you'll need. If not let me know.
Gary, also, note the individual post adjustments (x4) available on the at the back of the whiffle. The issue there is you may need to go back in afterward and tune the tension to get the roof level.... I wish it was going more easily for you. You got this!!
Eric Owen I was trying to use a ratchet strap as I did not have a clamp. I have since found that the tree does move I may need to loosen the four cables to get the movement I need. And I can borrow a clamp. Thx for a prompt reply and thx for posting a great video
@@garyrogers3391 happy to help! I hope it all goes well and that you're out enjoying it again soon! I hope we're all out enjoying things again soon for that matter!
@@garyrogers3391 Did you get it done?
Eric, did you have any trouble getting your ratchet paw to line up correctly with the teeth on wheel thing? Mine slips behind the wheel. 😭
Not that I remember..... sorry! send me a video and maybe I can help you figure it out.
@@ewowen Ugh...I sure will and thank you! It took me forever to get the old pin out. 🤦♀️ Now I can't get the new pin back in. I am using the carpenter clamp and have the holes lined up but geeze, its hardly budging. I'll get a video of my ratchet paw problem tomorrow!
@@ewowen I have a video but have no idea how to send it to you. We are thinking we need to reset the clutch so that it lines up. Trying that now. 😣
So where did you find parts?
@Eric Owen did you order the Coleman Rebuild Kit - Lower Crank Assembly?
Thanks for posting. Where did you find the replacement parts?
CM K check a company called "Canvas Replacement" google them
Where did you find the parts ?
Coleman Popupparts Pro
Great fucking video man. Got right to it. I appreciate the knowledge share! Saved my ass.
Mine lowers just fine. It’s raising it that’s the problem.
Difficult overall, or doesn't raise evenly? If difficult overall, there's a long metal cover over the auger that you will need to remove. It runs front to back starting just forward on the crank assembly. You get to it lying on your back and looking up. You can see it at about 1:28. Clean and relubricate the entire length of the auger carefully. You may need to run it up and down a few times. I use a tacky red grease for the job. You may also need to lubricate the pulleys in the 4 posts. Be careful not to get the lubricant on the fabric. While doing that check to make sure the cables are all on the pulleys....
@@ewowen - Today mine did not raise completely so I could not fasten the door. It is cranked all the way up. I pulled the cover off to expose the wife tree and that is angled somewhat. It seems it is just the rear that needs to go up another inch. Any ideas?
@@donnobles5272 If it's just the rear you need to adjust the cable to just the rear....
I can't believe these trailers have osb exposed to the elements. Poor designs
Agreed, Post video I sealed mine with rubberized coating