glamisorbust
Arizona
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Joined: 10/14/2009
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I have a 2001 forest river sierra sport 5th wheel 33' toyhauler. I've had this hauler for a little over 3 years. I have been lifting this door up and down with what seems to be weak springs the entire time i've owned it. I finally decided to do something about it and replace the springs, thinking they are worn out after 10 years. Well, I found a company down in tempe, AZ called holmes springs, they make the springs for these. So I replaced both springs with brand new ones, identical to what came off in the first place. It made ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE, the door felt just as heavy as it did with the worn out springs. So I ordered the next size up diameter and wire size. Took the trailer down there, put the springs on in the parking lot, and it isn't much better. I am waiting to hear back from their engineer on what to do at this point. I'm thinking this door was WAY under-sprung from the factory, or had the wrong springs installed in the first place. I took the trailer to my brother's for some help. We have an industrial scale that we weighed the door on. So with the old, worn out springs the door weight is 74lbs. With NO springs, the door weighs 168lbs, and with the newer, thicker springs, it is 57lbs. Still kills me to lift the door even at 57lbs. Any suggestions? Has this happened to anyone else? I feel like i'm chasing my tail at this point.
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bullmastifflover
Gilbert, AZ
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Joined: 01/28/2010
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Curious to see how this works out for you since I have a similar trailer. I would call Tom Koniar at World Wide RV. He is the manager in the parts department: (480) 832-5600. I just went up there yesterday for a new escape hatch. Always had good experiences with them and maybe he can help you.
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Y-Guy
Tri-Cities, WA
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Is there a location where you could add a third spring instead of just replacing the two you have? Probably need to beef up the door if you did that, but might give a bit more lift. Some of the older haulers used a spring/pulley type of system, but rigging that up could be more of a challenge then it's worth.
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glamisorbust
Arizona
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I had considered just welding two more attaching points on the door, and two on the hauler, just adding two more springs. Maybe it's overkill, but I have the engineer looking at the photos right now to see what they can come up with. They specialize in garage doors and springs, they should be able to handle this. The new haulers don't use this design anymore due to kids fingers being pinched in the springs, and springs breaking and hurting people nearby. Most of them have the spring right on the hinge. I guess if I had $40k to cough up for a new hauler i'd go that way. What I have is paid off and doing the job so I will just fix what I have to make it work.
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1slomofo
Corona
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Joined: 09/19/2007
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My first toy hauler I would actually have trouble keeping the door DOWN... it would lift up if even a slight breeze got under it.
NOW, new toyhauler ( attitude) same model as first trailer, just newer... the door is at LEAST a 80lb lift.. Its torture.
I understand your greif.
-2010 Mosebilt 2-seater Long Travel Sand Car
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glamisorbust
Arizona
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I talked to the spring company again this morning. I'm taking the toyhauler down this afternoon to put on another, larger set of springs. They say if this doesn't work, they are going to custom build a spring to lift this heavy door. I'm not into throwing my back out lifting this door 6-8 times per trip.
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4*phun*2
Canada
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Joined: 09/24/2008
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Is there a way that you could tight the spring another turn to increase the lift?
Glenn & Karen
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kemo 1
ontario canada
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Joined: 12/11/2005
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I think that my door has 5 springs on it. Do you ever lub the hinges and the springs. Many people have never oiled the springs but you should. When the spring is winding it needs the oil so that it won't bind against itself.
Ken
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glamisorbust
Arizona
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These are one piece garage door springs, not the type on the hinge of the door. I took the trailer back down to the spring shop today, they had the springs waiting for me. These springs are about 4" shorter(28" long), and nearly 3" in diameter. I'm pleased to say that after installing the new springs, I can now lift this 168# door with ONE FINGER!!! I'm glad I took the time to do this, it will make camping much more enjoyable not killing myself lifting this door anymore!
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Y-Guy
Tri-Cities, WA
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Pics!
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