I had to make some repairs to my old, saggy roofed 2007 Chalet and now the roof panels are too heavy for the sprinds. This is amazing. I can't wait to try it.
When I’m stressed at the end of the day, which is most days living and working in a big city, I watch ole Slim to relax. Dreaming of being out in nature away from traffic and crowds. Only a few more decades until I can retire.
As a short woman who likes to travel alone, you have made it posseble again. I was looking to sell because I simply do not have the strength to lift the top by myself after losing my hubby.
I haven't lost my husband, but he doesn't always have the leave to go camping with me. So I end up alone with the kids and now my teen boy doesn't want to go camping. So I love his method!
Am a solo traveler and for years 'tented" . Economics was the driver for tenting. Age has made it more difficult to put up a tent that is more than a "3 man" d/t shoulder issues. Have been investigating the variety of pull behind trailers . This video is very helpful. Thank you.
Hi ..Greetings from downunder. Enjoy your videos , Im in the process of buying my first ever caravan ...an AVAN. Unfortunately they seem to have quality problems here in AUS . I did house renovations for 40 yrs before I retired , so it is not a problem. Looking forward to putting a lot of your ideas into practice ...regards Chris
Just what I need, another great idea and instructional video..... just got a 2003 Expedition, that has been closed up for the past 10 years + and tough to pop up alone, thank you, thank you. tomorrows project.....very appreciative old lady........
This video I thought was good. I will become an Aliner owner in January 2020. The only thing is that the roof assist it is made won't work on the trailer. It will have dormer but I plan on using the same idea to help me lift the back part of the roof. I really like all the videos and I watch them over and over again.
I can only imagine the long hours thinking of all the details until you came up with the whole system... but it must be fun to go thru the process, again, it is about the journey, right? Brilliant idea and generous of you to share it, seel it to Aliner!!! Thank you!
We just traded in our Chalet A-Frame and this would have been an incredible help. Even after changing out the springs and the Bungee Cords our 25yr old Chalet still needed an assist like this. I wish I'd have seen this sooner!
What a great idea. Thank you. I just bought myself a 2015 Rockwood and while I did get it put together (at the dealer) I don't have it home yet, so I am somewhat worried that I will have problems. Before I head out on my epic journey across Canada this summer, I'll be practicing and if I'm having difficulty I'll make one of these lift assists. I so enjoy your videos and all that you share. Maybe I will see you on the road :-)
That's very well thought out and presented! I will compliment you by stealing it!!! By the way, I anticipated you would store the 2x4 in the bumper ... I saw a Pinterest post last week where an owner drilled a hole in the top of each end of the bumper, through both the bumoer and tge plastic plate... he then puts a large nail in each hole to keep his bumper plugs from flying out on the highway ... I'm stealing that one, too ... keep up the great work!
You are so clever! Thanks for the info, I was just about to sell my 98 Chalet that I just bought and go look for something else. So frustrating and painful trying to get the roof up. Can't wait to try this!
Hi Slim, thanks for the info on the lift system, I was about to spend some money on a gas piston kit,and maybe a high wind lift kit, which would be around $300.00. I'm 86 yrs old, and was in the heating/cooling business for years ,so the back ain,t what it used to be, and I cant wait to try this out, in fact,i'm putting all my other chore;s aside for today,to work on this. Thanks again Roy. P.S. I'll keep you posted.
I love your videos!! We just bought one. Great tips on how to improve and adjust things to your aliner/avan. Much appreciated!! Looking forward to watch all your videos. 🙏🙏
Damm Dude are you so smart, I have learned so much from you on how to fix my Aliner and yet here is another video on a subject I am struggling with. Thank you so much Mr. Wizard Potatohead .
A slim I have watch alot of ur videos for quite a while now ever since you had abner ur aliner I picked one up Saturday for $1,500 they wanted $3,000 for it I've been on the hunt for one for so long I finally got one and I'm so happy I got it for the price that I got it
Brilliantly inventive! Keep shining your light. I'm building my own A-Frame trailer and might try this if I determine the piano hinge can take the force. Thanks!
Hi Len, If I were building an A-Frame I would eliminate the whole spring/bungey cord idea and go with counterweights. My original idea was to make a bicycle rack that also acted as a counterweight. The possibilities are endless! Slim
I have been skeptical about the spring/bungey system myself. My roof pieces are heavy, though (plywood, not fiberglass) and the idea of making my piano hinges the fulcrum with lots of weight on each side of the "lever" does not thrill me either. I have a couple of novel ideas of my own, however. Like yourself, I like designing, inventing, and fabricating useful things that don't exist yet. Thanks, Slim, for your kind reply!
@@SlimPotatohead can you explain a bit more about how to use a bicycle rack that also acts as a counterweight, please? (Not Paul, but Paul's wife asking here. )
bro, that's brilliant. i don't have a camper like that, but if i did, this is definitely a bit of kit i would make even if i wasn't having any problems with the lift system. it would be good to have just in case
Fantastic! Wonderfully simplistic ingenuity, I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel.I am in my sixties and I've noticed the spring in the roof was getting harder to lift.I thought I would either need someone's help, or a power typelift . Thanks again!
I think I can do this. Looks like it will be helpful for my sister and I. At 5' 1.5" I am the taller of the two of us. we can look quite comical lifting our trailer. We just a stool and poles. I like your way better. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Slim I look forward to your videos to see what you have thought of next. You must be thinking about a liners in your sleep! Have you considered doing a video on tyres, ie what type, what pressures to run, when to replace etc. You must have worn out a few in your travels. Keep the great videos coming! cheers Kevin from Australia.
Hi Kevin, I'm now using all-season, all terrain tires (tyres). Last year I drove around on winter tires which was a mistake and they wore down fast. Guess snow isn't much of an issue down there! Thanks, Slim
Have you seen the roof lift systems "Chalet" in Oregon is putting on their A-Frame campers? They have two types, a manual assist and an electric assist w/manual back-up!
I just bought a 2014 ranger 15. Expedition size with 2 soft dormers. Im a small women and so is my younger daughter so can be hard to lift. I was excited but than I thought the dormers might not work with your super cool lift assist. I'd love your thoughts. I really enjoy your channel! I'm new to aliner and camping. Im not sure if i can add the struts. My springs are out of spring. Thank you!
This hack definitely makes me nervous. I can see that off-centre torquing creating problems, but you've already acknowledged that. We have an easier solution... We just keep a bamboo rod cut to length (about 3 feet) that we keep in a bracket just inside the door. It has rubber tips to prevent scratching. All you have to do is manually lift the roof just high enough to open the door, grab the rod (you could just leave it on the floor), step up and use it to push the roof open and into the locked position. No effort at all and we push in the middle of the roof ridgeline so as to avoid any off-centre torquing. Probably even more secure than the 'official' way to open the trailer. Easy-peasy... FWIW.
How do you hold the roof up while you push the other roof up? I like your idea a lot but trying to figure out how it works. Is the rod like a pogo stick bottom. Do both ends have rubber? Can you tell me tge length of your posts please? I have dormers so its heavy. It woukd be bad if the pole moved or fell while you're inside the trailer.
Hi Slim I am a 65yo with lower back injury 2002 Chalet. Thankyou for this option. I have recently had to pay auto electrician re lights and blinkers to register. My lights and blinders are working. COVID19 cases are increasing and I need to be able to tow or have towed. Since van has been returned my fridge is not working. I am at powered site. My fridge was working fine before autoelectric repair. I have fridge on AC high as I am in extreme temperature over 40. It was freezing before electrical repair. Any thoughts appreciated. S
This video is the funniest one of all! If you install gas springs could you make a video on the process and post it on RUclips. My latest article is in the files for the Facebook group called "Aliner".
Hay Slim good idea just wondering have you had a use for a wind guard thats suppose to keep the roof shut on windy days I've seen is extra cost through dealers. Or are you gong to show us how to make one cheers scott
Hi Scott, Just went through a bad wind storm a week ago, and yes I did try an easy alternative, which I will try to sneak it in the next video. Thanks! Slim
Took your ideal to the next level, being handycap, installed anchor bolt in order to attach 2 ton comealong and other hook to frame of trailer. It's slower but works both raising and lowering. You could also install and use boat ratchet wintch. Very little afford required.
@@SlimPotatohead Ive since replaced the come along with hand winch, strap and hook and attached permanently to front frame on storage deck. Notice had broke lift spring. Now I raise and lower with ease, just crank the handle. Going to replace with electric winch if i can find one cheap. My cost was 15 dollars total.
I really need your help! I put in 4 gas struts on mine! it had nothing. I put 80 pounds push in front and 60 in back! the gas struts seem not to be helping at all! I actually feel they are causing more hard time. it cause my dislocated shoulder to pop out the other day and I still cant raise up and down by myself!
Looks good to me, I’m short & have that bad back 😱. The lift system looks great. How long does the 2x4 need to be relative to the roof panel it lifts? Also, I probably need new bungee cords, etc. love this video & slim potato head. Thinking seriously about launching on a journey in my little a-frame, I’ll be watching more of these ...
Slim, I've been subscribed to your channel for a couple of weeks now, and really enjoying it. Your mix of frugality, graciousness, adventuring, and style is refreshing and friendly and helpful. Thank you! And I bought an OLD Aliner this week: 1995! But not a lot of road miles. And not a lot of glop. You mention that some people have added dormers to old Aliners, which I've been thinking about a lot. I'd like to add a soft dormer over the table, which is in the back in this unit. Can you connect me with any advice on that?
I noticed you build things cleanly and symmetrically. Were you a builder guy (tradesman) before you were an explorer? I'm a carpenter and I'm impressed how nicely some people build things with little experience
Make that $22, but still cheaper than the manufacturer lift options. A local plastics store cut 1/8" plastic to size ($6) cedar 2x4 ($11, lighter than the $3 hemfir) $5 for the screws. The placement of the 2 screws on the 2x4 was 1/2" different than yours. Works best as a weighted assist while pushing from the opposite side for shorter people with bad backs & shoulders with older Aliners with springs and bungees past their prime! Using a stepladder also helps. 6'-3" long to fit in bumper or side storage. The plastic material bows a bit when weighted - Looks like it may eventually fail. Also would've liked to see your removal technique of the 2x4 once the roof is up. I had to dremel the keyhole to loosen it up as removal was a little sticky. Thanks for the DIY invention!
Enjoy all your videos. I have a question for you on this one. I have a young friend and his shop teacher are going to make this for me. What is the length of the two by four?
Hi Dori, will you be storing it in your bumper? If so, measure your bumper length and decrease it by 3". That gives it clearance for the end caps. Thanks! SP
Thank you for your quick response. I should have figured that out, hence the reason the reason why the shop teacher and a 13 year old are making this for me. you should have seen us a Lowe's standing in front of the screws.
I had to make some repairs to my old, saggy roofed 2007 Chalet and now the roof panels are too heavy for the sprinds. This is amazing. I can't wait to try it.
When I’m stressed at the end of the day, which is most days living and working in a big city, I watch ole Slim to relax. Dreaming of being out in nature away from traffic and crowds. Only a few more decades until I can retire.
As a short woman who likes to travel alone, you have made it posseble again. I was looking to sell because I simply do not have the strength to lift the top by myself after losing my hubby.
Glad you can keep traveling.
I haven't lost my husband, but he doesn't always have the leave to go camping with me. So I end up alone with the kids and now my teen boy doesn't want to go camping. So I love his method!
Am a solo traveler and for years 'tented" . Economics was the driver for tenting. Age has made it more difficult to put up a tent that is more than a "3 man" d/t shoulder issues. Have been investigating the variety of pull behind trailers . This video is very helpful. Thank you.
Hi ..Greetings from downunder. Enjoy your videos , Im in the process of buying my first ever caravan ...an AVAN. Unfortunately they seem to have quality problems here in AUS . I did house renovations for 40 yrs before I retired , so it is not a problem. Looking forward to putting a lot of your ideas into practice ...regards Chris
Just what I need, another great idea and instructional video..... just got a 2003 Expedition, that has been closed up for the past 10 years + and tough to pop up alone, thank you, thank you. tomorrows project.....very appreciative old lady........
Simply brilliant, but that's what we've come to expect from your channel.
Better to be a thinker than a blinker ...another fantastic idea ...Awesome
This video I thought was good. I will become an Aliner owner in January 2020. The only thing is that the roof assist it is made won't work on the trailer. It will have dormer but I plan on using the same idea to help me lift the back part of the roof. I really like all the videos and I watch them over and over again.
Brilliant use of the most basic of machines. The lever. Two thumbs up!
I love the elegant simplicity of your solution!
I can only imagine the long hours thinking of all the details until you came up with the whole system... but it must be fun to go thru the process, again, it is about the journey, right? Brilliant idea and generous of you to share it, seel it to Aliner!!! Thank you!
We just traded in our Chalet A-Frame and this would have been an incredible help. Even after changing out the springs and the Bungee Cords our 25yr old Chalet still needed an assist like this. I wish I'd have seen this sooner!
What a great idea. Thank you. I just bought myself a 2015 Rockwood and while I did get it put together (at the dealer) I don't have it home yet, so I am somewhat worried that I will have problems. Before I head out on my epic journey across Canada this summer, I'll be practicing and if I'm having difficulty I'll make one of these lift assists. I so enjoy your videos and all that you share. Maybe I will see you on the road :-)
Thank you Slim ! It just amazes me how simple the system is for thos A frame Trailers!
That's very well thought out and presented! I will compliment you by stealing it!!! By the way, I anticipated you would store the 2x4 in the bumper ... I saw a Pinterest post last week where an owner drilled a hole in the top of each end of the bumper, through both the bumoer and tge plastic plate... he then puts a large nail in each hole to keep his bumper plugs from flying out on the highway ... I'm stealing that one, too ... keep up the great work!
Worked perfectly Slim!!!
Your instructions were spot-on!
Absolutely brilliant...
Thanks so much!
Tom Hamp
Many years ago I bought a book called; ‘Wordless Workshop’ and this type of innovation reminds me of it. Regards AJ
We are definitely adding this to our build. One hydraulic arm already blew out. Excellent idea.
You are so clever! Thanks for the info, I was just about to sell my 98 Chalet that I just bought and go look for something else. So frustrating and painful trying to get the roof up. Can't wait to try this!
Hi Slim, thanks for the info on the lift system, I was about to spend some money on a gas piston kit,and maybe a high wind lift kit, which would be around $300.00. I'm 86 yrs old, and was in the heating/cooling business for years ,so the back ain,t what it used to be, and I cant wait to try this out, in fact,i'm putting all my other chore;s aside for today,to work on this. Thanks again Roy. P.S. I'll keep you posted.
I love your videos!! We just bought one. Great tips on how to improve and adjust things to your aliner/avan. Much appreciated!! Looking forward to watch all your videos. 🙏🙏
Honestly, I do believe you are a rocket scientist! !
Very innovative, really saves your back. Thanks for showing us how you put it together! Happy and safe adventures, Mr. Slim :)
cool seeing real engineering skills applied to everyday life.
Brilliant! I once had a Forest River a-frame and wish that I had your idea back then.
Great solution. Elegant and simple and well presented. Thanks Slim.
Way cool/smart idea - it's great to see ingenuity/ inventiveness/creativity at work in a practical application.
Damm Dude are you so smart, I have learned so much from you on how to fix my Aliner and yet here is another video on a subject I am struggling with. Thank you so much Mr. Wizard Potatohead .
This is brilliant Slim! Am in Medicine Hat, AB with a new/used Aliner thanks to your inspirational videos!
And, just as you said, with an older Aliner and the addition of solar, lifting is going to need your great lift assist!
A slim I have watch alot of ur videos for quite a while now ever since you had abner ur aliner I picked one up Saturday for $1,500 they wanted $3,000 for it I've been on the hunt for one for so long I finally got one and I'm so happy I got it for the price that I got it
Congratulations! I hope you inspected the frame for metal fatigue and inside corners for rot. As long as they are sound the rest is doable! SP
@@SlimPotatohead it was very well taken care or they just upgrade to a rv to drive cross country
A simple effective fix. Why spend money if you don't have to. Good work.
Outstanding! Your videos are always good! Congrats, you are the only "poster" that I am subscribed to, so far! Am looking forward to many more!
Thankds oldschooldiy. Love your ID!
Would be a great assist when you are lifting up with your annexe attached!Obviously it would be fitted on the off side away from the rope channels
Newer Aliners have a high-wind kit option, the bar type looks pretty simple to DIY and it serves as a different type of lift assist.
Brilliantly inventive! Keep shining your light. I'm building my own A-Frame trailer and might try this if I determine the piano hinge can take the force. Thanks!
Hi Len, If I were building an A-Frame I would eliminate the whole spring/bungey cord idea and go with counterweights. My original idea was to make a bicycle rack that also acted as a counterweight. The possibilities are endless! Slim
I have been skeptical about the spring/bungey system myself. My roof pieces are heavy, though (plywood, not fiberglass) and the idea of making my piano hinges the fulcrum with lots of weight on each side of the "lever" does not thrill me either. I have a couple of novel ideas of my own, however. Like yourself, I like designing, inventing, and fabricating useful things that don't exist yet. Thanks, Slim, for your kind reply!
@@SlimPotatohead can you explain a bit more about how to use a bicycle rack that also acts as a counterweight, please? (Not Paul, but Paul's wife asking here. )
bro, that's brilliant.
i don't have a camper like that, but if i did, this is definitely a bit of kit i would make even if i wasn't having any problems with the lift system. it would be good to have just in case
Wow, very good. You even engineered the potential failure point.
You must have been a mechanical engineer. If not, you missed your calling. Fantastic idea, great choice of materials and well thought out.
Fantastic! Wonderfully simplistic ingenuity, I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel.I am in my sixties and I've noticed the spring in the roof was getting harder to lift.I thought I would either need someone's help, or a power typelift . Thanks again!
You’ve solved my roof lifting problem. Thank you so much.... a brilliant idea!
at 65 this should help ... thanks again
You are very clever and handy. Keep up the good work. Have safe travels and a happy life.😀
Thanks Liz! SP
Pretty nifty lever invention you got there Slim!
Really cute trailer and great solution. I like your attitude.
Thanks slim, with my impingement shoulder your trick may be useful for me
I think I can do this. Looks like it will be helpful for my sister and I. At 5' 1.5" I am the taller of the two of us. we can look quite comical lifting our trailer. We just a stool and poles. I like your way better. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Slim
I look forward to your videos to see what you have thought of next. You must be thinking about a liners in your sleep! Have you considered doing a video on tyres, ie what type, what pressures to run, when to replace etc. You must have worn out a few in your travels. Keep the great videos coming! cheers Kevin from Australia.
Hi Kevin, I'm now using all-season, all terrain tires (tyres). Last year I drove around on winter tires which was a mistake and they wore down fast. Guess snow isn't much of an issue down there! Thanks, Slim
Dude, you're a really clever guy. ^5 for your creative solution.
Just love your trailer hacks videos, thanks mate.
Great idea! I just got my 2006 so I’ll find out soon enough if I need any assist
Have you seen the roof lift systems "Chalet" in Oregon is putting on their A-Frame campers? They have two types, a manual assist and an electric assist w/manual back-up!
Always a pleasure sir..😂
Your videos are great!
Great work. Your videos are very thoughtful and informative.
Where are you? Ur videos have been so helpful. How can I send pics of the repairs of my 2006.
And rotator cuff issues! Thanks, I need this for my 09 Scout
Excellent assist !! Great idea , could help a lot of people out...........
I just bought a 2014 ranger 15. Expedition size with 2 soft dormers. Im a small women and so is my younger daughter so can be hard to lift. I was excited but than I thought the dormers might not work with your super cool lift assist. I'd love your thoughts. I really enjoy your channel! I'm new to aliner and camping. Im not sure if i can add the struts. My springs are out of spring. Thank you!
Love your creative spirit!
This hack definitely makes me nervous. I can see that off-centre torquing creating problems, but you've already acknowledged that.
We have an easier solution... We just keep a bamboo rod cut to length (about 3 feet) that we keep in a bracket just inside the door. It has rubber tips to prevent scratching. All you have to do is manually lift the roof just high enough to open the door, grab the rod (you could just leave it on the floor), step up and use it to push the roof open and into the locked position. No effort at all and we push in the middle of the roof ridgeline so as to avoid any off-centre torquing. Probably even more secure than the 'official' way to open the trailer.
Easy-peasy... FWIW.
Can you please make a video😁
How do you hold the roof up while you push the other roof up? I like your idea a lot but trying to figure out how it works. Is the rod like a pogo stick bottom. Do both ends have rubber? Can you tell me tge length of your posts please? I have dormers so its heavy. It woukd be bad if the pole moved or fell while you're inside the trailer.
Hi Slim I am a 65yo with lower back injury 2002 Chalet. Thankyou for this option. I have recently had to pay auto electrician re lights and blinkers to register. My lights and blinders are working. COVID19 cases are increasing and I need to be able to tow or have towed. Since van has been returned my fridge is not working. I am at powered site. My fridge was working fine before autoelectric repair. I have fridge on AC high as I am in extreme temperature over 40. It was freezing before electrical repair. Any thoughts appreciated. S
That is a genius device !! I hope you’ve patented it 👍
Thank you. As a short person it gives me ideas.
This video is the funniest one of all! If you install gas springs could you make a video on the process and post it on RUclips. My latest article is in the files for the Facebook group called "Aliner".
Hay Slim good idea just wondering have you had a use for a wind guard thats suppose to keep the roof shut on windy days I've seen is extra cost through dealers. Or are you gong to show us how to make one cheers scott
Hi Scott, Just went through a bad wind storm a week ago, and yes I did try an easy alternative, which I will try to sneak it in the next video. Thanks! Slim
Gas lifts are available on ebay for pretty cheap, too, just in case you want to go that route one day.
Well Slim. That's a Great idea. I new that bumper would come in handy for somthink. Simple design easy to use.
You're a pretty creative ol' feller.
Took your ideal to the next level, being handycap, installed anchor bolt in order to attach 2 ton comealong and other hook to frame of trailer. It's slower but works both raising and lowering. You could also install and use boat ratchet wintch. Very little afford required.
Added note I have starcraft roof is heavy and lift springs are getting weak. Works super.
Hi Barry, always good to hear there are inventive minds out there with easy, effective and economical solutions. Great idea! SP
@@SlimPotatohead Ive since replaced the come along with hand winch, strap and hook and attached permanently to front frame on storage deck. Notice had broke lift spring. Now I raise and lower with ease, just crank the handle. Going to replace with electric winch if i can find one cheap. My cost was 15 dollars total.
Do you have any tips for helping to bring the roof down? Ours is harder to bring down now that we replaced the peak seal.
Great idea. I’am learning form your experience
I really need your help! I put in 4 gas struts on mine! it had nothing. I put 80 pounds push in front and 60 in back! the gas struts seem not to be helping at all! I actually feel they are causing more hard time. it cause my dislocated shoulder to pop out the other day and I still cant raise up and down by myself!
Another great video my friend enjoyed it very interesting thank you
thanks for the lift assist tip. ! it may come in handy for me!
Looks good to me, I’m short & have that bad back 😱. The lift system looks great. How long does the 2x4 need to be relative to the roof panel it lifts? Also, I probably need new bungee cords, etc. love this video & slim potato head. Thinking seriously about launching on a journey in my little a-frame, I’ll be watching more of these ...
Slim, I've been subscribed to your channel for a couple of weeks now, and really enjoying it. Your mix of frugality, graciousness, adventuring, and style is refreshing and friendly and helpful. Thank you!
And I bought an OLD Aliner this week: 1995! But not a lot of road miles. And not a lot of glop.
You mention that some people have added dormers to old Aliners, which I've been thinking about a lot. I'd like to add a soft dormer over the table, which is in the back in this unit. Can you connect me with any advice on that?
Sorry Katherine, I can only speak from what I have done to mine. No dormer at this point. Thanks! SP
This is a great idea good work👍
I noticed you build things cleanly and symmetrically. Were you a builder guy (tradesman) before you were an explorer? I'm a carpenter and I'm impressed how nicely some people build things with little experience
Beautiful problem solving
Thanks for another great idea.
Pretty clever Slim; sounds like you need to lube something on the roof though. Maybe the wheels on the rear roof panel? Squeaky squeaky...
Hi Robert, I tried silicone spray but it doesn't last. Not liking the nylon slide and may replace with rollers. Thanks! Slim
your roof assist is a great idea thanks
Genius, simply genius!
Thanks for at the great videos. Where can we get new springs; do we have to order through a dealer or does Columbia sell them?
Sorry, I've never bought them. You could try the Aliner Owner's Club if your RV dealer can't help. Thanks, SP
i love your trailor,i wish i had one.
Will this work on longer Aliners and other brands?
wondering if putting a rope and pully at the apex on both sides would help lifting the sides from the outside?
Far too complicated. Easier just to replace the springs if it got to that point. SP
Thanks! This is a brilliant idea!!!
This is ingenious!
It's better to break the plastic then the roof... funny typo. I've watched so many of your videos the last couple days... you've had like 30 beers!
Make that $22, but still cheaper than the manufacturer lift options. A local plastics store cut 1/8" plastic to size ($6) cedar 2x4 ($11, lighter than the $3 hemfir) $5 for the screws. The placement of the 2 screws on the 2x4 was 1/2" different than yours. Works best as a weighted assist while pushing from the opposite side for shorter people with bad backs & shoulders with older Aliners with springs and bungees past their prime! Using a stepladder also helps. 6'-3" long to fit in bumper or side storage. The plastic material bows a bit when weighted - Looks like it may eventually fail. Also would've liked to see your removal technique of the 2x4 once the roof is up. I had to dremel the keyhole to loosen it up as removal was a little sticky. Thanks for the DIY invention!
Hi Fantazsa, glad to hear you successfully made my lift! Cedar is a good idea, less prone to warping. I might steal that idea. Thanks! SP
Where did you find a table saw and other shop machines?
Anywhere, but if you're short of tools you don't need anything more than a hand saw. SP
doesn't work if van has channel to feed canvas awning thru,as you will squash the channel.keep up the good work you give some great ideas.
I think the last way to lift is better for the trailer.
Just subscribed. You're my angel. I'm making mine today. I'll let you know how it works. TU
Enjoy all your videos. I have a question for you on this one. I have a young friend and his shop teacher are going to make this for me. What is the length of the two by four?
Thank you.
Hi Dori, will you be storing it in your bumper? If so, measure your bumper length and decrease it by 3". That gives it clearance for the end caps. Thanks! SP
Thank you for your quick response. I should have figured that out, hence the reason the reason why the shop teacher and a 13 year old are making this for me. you should have seen us a Lowe's standing in front of the screws.
Another fantastic idea. Thanks
Clever, Slim. I like it.
Great idea, thank you for sharing.