Great video! My only suggestion would be to take a pool noodle cut to short lengths and slit up one side. This will slide up and down to whatever position you need, and replace the furniture pads. You can put them on before placing the ladder. Keep up the good work!
I thought I was being creative strapping to my RV hauler bed and man handling (pulling) the new unit up a ladder. That was fantastic! The comments are also great. A shout out to your better half for helping also. She is also the camera operator in most of the videos. Thanks to both of you for uploading great content. We are full timers and I used to work on cars/trucks for a living. While I have a basic understanding of what to in your videos and they really are informative! There is so much misinformation out there today that when you find a channel like yours, we as the viewers just are appreciative you take the time to share your information. Thank you again for sharing.
Thank you very much for watching and for your comment. Yes we are a family business and I started putting these videos out because there was so much false information out there. I figured a person in my profession should be able to get correct information out to people. Who got many more in the pipeline and I don't plan on slowing down.
Thank you so much, I went from two people and a whole lot of straining to just under 45 min to change out an ac. Dang made life so much easier. I got my winch from harbor freight $71.99 with a wireless remote and the only thing I still need to work on is the power supply. I have 2 ac in one week..
Hi Ronnie, We are so glad to hear that our videos were able to help you! If you would like to support us please consider becoming an "RV Community Supporter" on our Patreon site: www.patreon.com/myrvworks We will pass on to Darren how you used his idea to help you in the field. He loves to hear that folks benefited from his hard work! Happy Camping, My RV Works Media Team
I do almost the same except I use a harbor freight Winch that uses a wireless remote and I ziptie some 1" pvc pipe up the sides to help it down without catching the ladder
I purchased a used 26ft RV Gulfstream last November. I have been working on it, redoing the interior, and learning about all the systems. The knowledge you present in your videos has helped me learn and saved a bundle of money. I am now a member because you have provided me information which is invaluable. Thank you!
You do know as a Marine, strapping 100 pounds to your back and climbing that ladder is the preferred method? Just kidding, Devil Dog :-) Your ingenuity is founded on the creed that Marines adapt and over come. Semper Fidelis. PS, I really enjoy your very informative channel.
Semper Fi indeed! The first year I started this business that's how I got these units up and down from the roof. In blistering 120 degree Texas summer no doubt. Good PT! Then I met a guy in the Army that taught me the laseraway to do things. LOL!
Great idea! I did something very similar, I took a few sections of 2” square tubing that I had on hand (like what trailer hitches are made of) and made 3 sections 4’ long that all pin together and then I welded a flat steel plate to the bottom that sticks out far enough that you can park the motorhome or travel trailer on the plate to keep it from falling over, on the top section I welded a round plate with a hole in the middle and several holes around the edge of the plate. Then the top portion which again is made out of 2” square tubing 3’ tall with a 3’ boom (so shaped like an L) and has a round plate welded to the base identical to the plate on the top of the mast with a rod that is in the center of the plate and inserts into the hole on the mast and allows the top section to spin 360 degrees, the winch is mounted to the top portion and is powered like yours. I lay it on the ground and assemble it the stand it up and have a helper move the rv until the rear tires are parked on the plate! Works perfect! There’s pins that keep it all together but you get the point and it can spin so the ac or whatever can be set straight down on the roof or you can shorten it to lift heavy stuff in and out of trucks and such
My design did go through quite a few mental versions. One was similar to what you're explaining. In the end I wanted everything to fit in a suitcase when I was done with it. And that's why I came up with the Little Giant and the ATV winch.
I kinda liked your idea using the ladder and a winch. I have a set up similar to this, but I built a 24' square carriage for it that rides up and down the ladder. The winch pulls up the carriage on a 16' ladder with a remote key fob. I built it for lifting roof trusses and shingles, but you can use it for just about anything, including an elevator.
I used an extension ladder from the back of my truck to the top of the 5th wheel trailer. I pulled it up with a rope. I was just playing with the idea, and planed on having a buddy the next day help. Once I got it up half way, it was do or die, it was not going to slide back down without toppling over. I’m a small guy 150lb, losing my footing, sliding closer to the edge as I pull it up. Happy to say I got it up on the roof before the new ac and myself went off the edge. Great video!
Hello, All seasons RV Mobile service from West Virginia, has referred me to your channel. Awesome Awesome work! I’m impressed by this! I’m a mobile truck trailer and AC tech in Sacramento, CA. New to RVs but always learning 👍🙏
Super creative! For my single-use two air conditioner needs though, I will likely rent a material lifter from Home Despot for $55 and call it a day. They raise to 12' but will be in the back of my pickup for the extra height I need (13'7"). Keep up the awesome work!!!
Brilliant idea. As I watched this I'm thinking...what about using a plastic toboggan as a sled for resting things on to avoid the ladder rung hang up? Or build a little PVC sled that can be assembled on site? Just an idea. Great job man!
you need to come an demonstrate this labor day weekend,removing membrane, LOL,WAS GOING TO USE FRONT END LOADER WITH STINGER,JUST MIGHT RIG THAT UP THANKS
Tech from FL. I'm building one now with a platform on rollers to carry the ac. Using a hand winch with brake but I may have to go electric. H.F. has one with a remote. Hmm.
You need to make a 3 sided sled with some FRP on the bottom to slide over your rungs with rings on both sides to run your straps through, hook on top and your ready to go! Kudos on this idea, it must be the fresh air from Canada to help you think of all the little inventions you’ve come up with ,aye 😂👍
I would build a extension with a handle to where the item sits between latter and rv u hold laser out once item is abover the rv bring patter back over and it will bring item over and your up there
Hay man I just actually discovered a ladder crane which I thought was ur video and I was doing more research on it. But I like ur setup but look into a ladder crane u can make which makes it even easier. Ull find videos on it but u use the other side of the ladder it's genius so when you put the ladder back down it puts the unit down on roof as well. Check it out to see what iam talking about all u need to do is make an arm and u could still use ur winch iam sure
I wouldn't be under that 100lb dead weight. Better just to hoist it up with the wench (that hooks on to the top rung of ladder) while standing on the roof. PVC pipes along the ladder rails is a good idea, as someone suggested. I would also secure with a backup rope/progress capture pulley. Parts needed: Ladder, wench (with ladder hooks), straps, PVC pipes, zip ties, rope/progress capture pulley.
A couple co-workers of mine tell me to haul the A/C up on my shoulder. I use our lift in the shop but I know I'll be doing a mobile job soon enough so this is a good idea. Thanks.
If you are going to follow it up you may as well just a-frame the ladder and leave it in the box then push it up rung by rung - tilt it onto the roof with a blanket at the top. Heck you could still winch it up that way and not lose 20 minutes strapping all over the place. And if you really need a high a-frame add a plywood plank to slide it over to the roof.
I think the ladder and winch is a great idea. i don't understand why an 8 gauge wire from the tow vehicle will charge a fifth wheel battery faster than the 16 ga in the plug
Hi Stephen, Your question has been selected for an upcoming video where it will be read and discussed by Darren - Certified RV Tech and online personality for the 'My RV Works' videos. If you have not already subscribed to the 'My RV Works' RUclips channel, please do so and keep a watch for the ‘RV Tech Talk’ video releases. This series is a selection of comments and questions that will be covered and released weekly. Here is our RUclips link: ruclips.net/user/myrvworksinc Happy Camping, My RV Works Media Team
Very creative! I guess as a business you can't just ask 2-3 young men to help you pull it up from the ground with ropes? would be far safer. I really enjoy your video recordings, old DIYer but new to RVs, thanks much!
Your crane is really neat, but all that time setting it up kinda makes it pointless, I normally just pull the AC up by hand. ITS A PAIN, but very quick.
To be under the load you must be a designated part of the load movement. Have a hard hat on and gloves with steel toe boots are optional by management requirements to be OSHA approved. Tag lines were needed. Not sure if the crane is approved for selling though. Legalities are steep when manufacturing a crane.
I love your mind But I have a better design Look up kin the carpenter You designs a ladder lift with an extension ladder That allows you to stack shingles on it It will carry more Wait Allow you just set it on the shelf And transported up What without having to hold it Without having to hold it Check it out I'm heating and air tech And I use it with a lot bigger Units
Ok, being totally honest, this is a nice little engineering project. But I'm hoisting an AC up to the roof for the first time in 5 years. Maybe I'll do it again in 5 more, who knows. When you broke out the power winch, I just sorta laughed and thought, well hell, I might as well just go get my forklift out of the garage. Or, I'll go ask my neighbor if I can borrow his crane. Lol you have a nice little kit, but that's a lot of setup and a lot of stuff for something that's going to take 10 minutes with 2 guys, maybe an hour with one guy on a wooden sled. Total overkill IMO for the casual RV owner. Nice toy though. That winch would end up on my bumper. :)
If that's the link to an 18 volt drill I have no use for it. As I've stated many times in my videos I use 12 volt tools when working on RVs. The benefit there is that the 12-volt battery pack can be used as a power source to test many components within an RV.
Great video! My only suggestion would be to take a pool noodle cut to short lengths and slit up one side. This will slide up and down to whatever position you need, and replace the furniture pads. You can put them on before placing the ladder. Keep up the good work!
I thought I was being creative strapping to my RV hauler bed and man handling (pulling) the new unit up a ladder. That was fantastic! The comments are also great. A shout out to your better half for helping also. She is also the camera operator in most of the videos. Thanks to both of you for uploading great content.
We are full timers and I used to work on cars/trucks for a living. While I have a basic understanding of what to in your videos and they really are informative! There is so much misinformation out there today that when you find a channel like yours, we as the viewers just are appreciative you take the time to share your information. Thank you again for sharing.
Thank you very much for watching and for your comment. Yes we are a family business and I started putting these videos out because there was so much false information out there. I figured a person in my profession should be able to get correct information out to people. Who got many more in the pipeline and I don't plan on slowing down.
Thank you so much, I went from two people and a whole lot of straining to just under 45 min to change out an ac. Dang made life so much easier. I got my winch from harbor freight $71.99 with a wireless remote and the only thing I still need to work on is the power supply. I have 2 ac in one week..
Hi Ronnie,
We are so glad to hear that our videos were able to help you! If you would like to support us please consider becoming an "RV Community Supporter" on our Patreon site: www.patreon.com/myrvworks
We will pass on to Darren how you used his idea to help you in the field. He loves to hear that folks benefited from his hard work!
Happy Camping,
My RV Works Media Team
I do almost the same except I use a harbor freight Winch that uses a wireless remote and I ziptie some 1" pvc pipe up the sides to help it down without catching the ladder
Good idea with the PVC tubes.
I purchased a used 26ft RV Gulfstream last November. I have been working on it, redoing the interior, and learning about all the systems. The knowledge you present in your videos has helped me learn and saved a bundle of money. I am now a member because you have provided me information which is invaluable. Thank you!
I use the cover off the old AC as a sled on the bottom of the new one to protect the gasket
Good idea
Brilliant idea, I knew if I uploaded my design it would only get better once people started making comments. Thanks for sharing your idea.
You do know as a Marine, strapping 100 pounds to your back and climbing that ladder is the preferred method? Just kidding, Devil Dog :-) Your ingenuity is founded on the creed that Marines adapt and over come. Semper Fidelis. PS, I really enjoy your very informative channel.
Semper Fi indeed! The first year I started this business that's how I got these units up and down from the roof. In blistering 120 degree Texas summer no doubt. Good PT! Then I met a guy in the Army that taught me the laseraway to do things. LOL!
@Maddux Eugene Spammer. Post’s the same nonsense on other videos, including another video that Darren put out.
Great idea! I did something very similar, I took a few sections of 2” square tubing that I had on hand (like what trailer hitches are made of) and made 3 sections 4’ long that all pin together and then I welded a flat steel plate to the bottom that sticks out far enough that you can park the motorhome or travel trailer on the plate to keep it from falling over, on the top section I welded a round plate with a hole in the middle and several holes around the edge of the plate. Then the top portion which again is made out of 2” square tubing 3’ tall with a 3’ boom (so shaped like an L) and has a round plate welded to the base identical to the plate on the top of the mast with a rod that is in the center of the plate and inserts into the hole on the mast and allows the top section to spin 360 degrees, the winch is mounted to the top portion and is powered like yours. I lay it on the ground and assemble it the stand it up and have a helper move the rv until the rear tires are parked on the plate! Works perfect! There’s pins that keep it all together but you get the point and it can spin so the ac or whatever can be set straight down on the roof or you can shorten it to lift heavy stuff in and out of trucks and such
My design did go through quite a few mental versions. One was similar to what you're explaining. In the end I wanted everything to fit in a suitcase when I was done with it. And that's why I came up with the Little Giant and the ATV winch.
My RV Works, Inc. Completely understand you wanting yours to be as portable as possible for your line of work, looks like it works great 👍
NEED PICTURES
I kinda liked your idea using the ladder and a winch.
I have a set up similar to this, but I built a 24' square carriage for it that rides up and down the ladder.
The winch pulls up the carriage on a 16' ladder with a remote key fob.
I built it for lifting roof trusses and shingles, but you can use it for just about anything, including an elevator.
I used an extension ladder from the back of my truck to the top of the 5th wheel trailer. I pulled it up with a rope. I was just playing with the idea, and planed on having a buddy the next day help. Once I got it up half way, it was do or die, it was not going to slide back down without toppling over. I’m a small guy 150lb, losing my footing, sliding closer to the edge as I pull it up. Happy to say I got it up on the roof before the new ac and myself went off the edge. Great video!
Hello, All seasons RV Mobile service from West Virginia, has referred me to your channel.
Awesome Awesome work!
I’m impressed by this! I’m a mobile truck trailer and AC tech in Sacramento, CA.
New to RVs but always learning 👍🙏
“Necessity is the mother of invention”. Good job
I was about to type the same thing, then I read your comment. Great minds think alike.
Super creative! For my single-use two air conditioner needs though, I will likely rent a material lifter from Home Despot for $55 and call it a day. They raise to 12' but will be in the back of my pickup for the extra height I need (13'7"). Keep up the awesome work!!!
I use a rope block and tackle -- works up or down using ladder as a slide.
Brilliant idea. As I watched this I'm thinking...what about using a plastic toboggan as a sled for resting things on to avoid the ladder rung hang up? Or build a little PVC sled that can be assembled on site? Just an idea. Great job man!
Awesome Idea.. Im totally impressed..
Love this idea, Thanks for sharing
You are a champion, thank you
you need to come an demonstrate this labor day weekend,removing membrane, LOL,WAS GOING TO USE FRONT END LOADER WITH STINGER,JUST MIGHT RIG THAT UP THANKS
I'm impressed!!
Well done all the way around.
Tech from FL. I'm building one now with a platform on rollers to carry the ac. Using a hand winch with brake but I may have to go electric. H.F. has one with a remote. Hmm.
Brilliant!!!
Awesome!
Great job!!!!
Good job.
What a great idea
Well done!
Should show a close view of how you strapped the hoist to the ladder
You need to make a 3 sided sled with some FRP on the bottom to slide over your rungs with rings on both sides to run your straps through, hook on top and your ready to go! Kudos on this idea, it must be the fresh air from Canada to help you think of all the little inventions you’ve come up with ,aye 😂👍
Oh yes, love the Canadian fresh air. Of course that and some Crown & Coke to get the idea juices flowing LOL.
I would build a extension with a handle to where the item sits between latter and rv u hold laser out once item is abover the rv bring patter back over and it will bring item over and your up there
You should patent that! Great setup!! Safe Travels
I do have a patent and am working on others. Don't know if I'll actually submit this one for one though LOL
Hay man I just actually discovered a ladder crane which I thought was ur video and I was doing more research on it. But I like ur setup but look into a ladder crane u can make which makes it even easier. Ull find videos on it but u use the other side of the ladder it's genius so when you put the ladder back down it puts the unit down on roof as well. Check it out to see what iam talking about all u need to do is make an arm and u could still use ur winch iam sure
Do you have to wait before turning the unit since you tilted it up on end to go up the ladder?
Got my support
She really is a sweetheart.
Nice job god blesd
My genie lift does s pretty good job also.
Genius! 🏆
Awesome….
I wouldn't be under that 100lb dead weight. Better just to hoist it up with the wench (that hooks on to the top rung of ladder) while standing on the roof. PVC pipes along the ladder rails is a good idea, as someone suggested. I would also secure with a backup rope/progress capture pulley. Parts needed: Ladder, wench (with ladder hooks), straps, PVC pipes, zip ties, rope/progress capture pulley.
i like it
A couple co-workers of mine tell me to haul the A/C up on my shoulder. I use our lift in the shop but I know I'll be doing a mobile job soon enough so this is a good idea. Thanks.
If you are going to follow it up you may as well just a-frame the ladder and leave it in the box then push it up rung by rung - tilt it onto the roof with a blanket at the top.
Heck you could still winch it up that way and not lose 20 minutes strapping all over the place. And if you really need a high a-frame add a plywood plank to slide it over to the roof.
Nice! A Ladder Jack, Would keep the pulley away from the rungs.
You are a real McGyver!
Watched this dude an at Orlando RV park throw the AC over his shoulder and ZIP! up the ladder, I kid you not
I think the ladder and winch is a great idea. i don't understand why an 8 gauge wire from the tow vehicle will charge a fifth wheel battery faster than the 16 ga in the plug
Hi Stephen,
Your question has been selected for an upcoming video where it will be read and discussed by Darren - Certified RV Tech and online personality for the 'My RV Works' videos.
If you have not already subscribed to the 'My RV Works' RUclips channel, please do so and keep a watch for the ‘RV Tech Talk’ video releases. This series is a selection of comments and questions that will be covered and released weekly.
Here is our RUclips link: ruclips.net/user/myrvworksinc
Happy Camping,
My RV Works Media Team
Some sketchy stuff but it worked & you understood the risks. Thumbs up
How fricken long does it take you to swap an a/c?
Johnny Walker and a hot tub LOL!
Have winch will travel.
I do a similar thing only i have a wireless remote , $15 on ebay ,,,, makes life so much easyer
Maybe I'll find one of my Christmas stocking eh'. A remote would be a lot better.
Very creative! I guess as a business you can't just ask 2-3 young men to help you pull it up from the ground with ropes? would be far safer. I really enjoy your video recordings, old DIYer but new to RVs, thanks much!
Wire tie thin boards on top of steps on each side you won't get caught them
Why not flip the ladder around so it doesn't get caught?
Very smart! But I would have just tossed the old unit off 😂
Your crane is really neat, but all that time setting it up kinda makes it pointless, I normally just pull the AC up by hand. ITS A PAIN, but very quick.
I agree but i feel like if its an extra ladder that stays setup with the winch strictly for the ac change outs it would be way more practical
It's alot easier to lay out an extension ladder at maximum angle and push it up.
To be under the load you must be a designated part of the load movement. Have a hard hat on and gloves with steel toe boots are optional by management requirements to be OSHA approved. Tag lines were needed. Not sure if the crane is approved for selling though. Legalities are steep when manufacturing a crane.
I love your mind But I have a better design Look up kin the carpenter You designs a ladder lift with an extension ladder That allows you to stack shingles on it It will carry more Wait Allow you just set it on the shelf And transported up What without having to hold it Without having to hold it Check it out I'm heating and air tech And I use it with a lot bigger Units
When your RV siding reflects the exact same pic as your windows, you have to much time on your hands.
Lol
Ok, being totally honest, this is a nice little engineering project. But I'm hoisting an AC up to the roof for the first time in 5 years. Maybe I'll do it again in 5 more, who knows. When you broke out the power winch, I just sorta laughed and thought, well hell, I might as well just go get my forklift out of the garage. Or, I'll go ask my neighbor if I can borrow his crane. Lol you have a nice little kit, but that's a lot of setup and a lot of stuff for something that's going to take 10 minutes with 2 guys, maybe an hour with one guy on a wooden sled. Total overkill IMO for the casual RV owner. Nice toy though. That winch would end up on my bumper. :)
He’s a full time rv mechanic not some full timer doing his own repairs. This is what makes sense for mechanics.
That ladder rung was in NO WAY capable of much weight at all !
Technician/ engineer lol. Havagudun .
Check out this amazing tool you must have in your tool kit: ruclips.net/video/DFIgMeRXHu4/видео.html
If that's the link to an 18 volt drill I have no use for it. As I've stated many times in my videos I use 12 volt tools when working on RVs. The benefit there is that the 12-volt battery pack can be used as a power source to test many components within an RV.
Great video. Thanks!