Quick (One hopes) question

[Fulltime2518]

Hello all, long time reader a d first time poster here! As my seen name implies, I live full time in a 97 2518. I'm a whitewater guide and it's great for my lifestyle. Unfortunately, however, my trusty home needs some TLC. I have just returned from a stint in AK to find that the trailer has experienced damage leading to leaks in the outer shell, and that most of the interior framing is now mulch. I have read and extensively studied Maria's repair blog and the old one from Happytrails. I have attempted to call 'Ed' at the factory, but they've since closed and moved. I plan to replace all the framing with aluminum square tube in a friend's garage.

My question right now is, how exactly does one remove the entire outer shell? I've tried turning the Allen nuts that pin the lift arms into the shell, with no discernible effect. I've tried the search function but am am a bit pinched for time today while I have help around.

Your help is appreciated!

Mike

[BrucePerens]

First, be very careful what you do because of the presence of the torsion bars. As you lift the shells off, the lift bars might whip in one direction or the other, and can hurt or kill someone. For this reason, having eight of your friends lift the shell off is not advised.

It's my impression that you remove the pins (the hex things) and lift the shell off of the bar. But I haven't tried it. The pins turn freely so you have to hold one side to remove them.

[Fulltime2518]

Bruce,

Thank you for your response. I went back outside to continue inspecting the shell and had a 'eureka' moment upon remembering the interior acorn nuts. Duh!

With the help of (4) friends I was able to get the shell disconnected and moved in. I had read previous warnings about the lift arms, and we all stayed clear but they did not have a great deal more travel or tension past 90*.