lift system not working

[ssgator]

I own a 22ft 1996 fun chaser. I noticed while putting it up 5 or 6 week ago it was moving a little slow so I hooked it up to charge the battery. Today I tried again and it moved slow, went up about half way then stopped and came down on its own. Now the slide underneath moves about an inch, the cables get tight but thats as far as it goes. My oil reservoir is at the proper level and the manual lowering knob is turned to the right position. Does anyone know what the problem might be? Thanks

 

[JackandJanet]

Hello, ssgator. I'd say your battery has given up the ghost. If it is no longer accepting a charge, you will not be able to raise the top. In a resting state, about 24 hours after you have charged it, the battery voltage should read about 12.7V. If it is lower than that, it is dead or dying.

- Jack

 

[ssgator]

Thanks Jack for the response. The motor runs good and the voltage is good. I wonder if it's in the lift cylinder. Just wondered if anyone else ever had this problem. possibly a seal worn out.

 

[Richard-HILO]

I know it's been a while since you posted, but if you haven't gotten your answer, yes I have had this same problem and yes it was a bad seal in the lift cylinder. It's not a fun job, but if you are up to the challenge, you can pull the cylinder off and take it to a local hydraulic service shop for repair. Hope this helps. ror007@aol.com

 

[ssgator]

lift cylinder

Thanks Richard. I got the lift cylinder out and took it to a hydraulics shop for repair. Mine was the one that had the cylinder ram screwed to plate so it all had to come out together. Like you say, not a fun job. Looks like they could have made it so the guide rod could have been slid outof the way without fighting it. Trying to get a tire off is another engineering masterpiece. No clearance.

 

[ssgator]

cylinder

I did get my cylinder repaired and back in. Works great now.

 

[Treeclimber]

Glad to hear your up and running again. Been through it several times on different units.
Tree