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06-27-2023, 09:49 AM
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#1
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Westminster, Colorado
Posts: 10
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Torsion Bar Bracket is broke-need to replace
I have a 1996 Trailmanor, 2518 model, and am looking for help in replacing a bracket that has bent and broke at a weld point, and then advice on how to work the torsion bars when replacing the bracket.
First - I'm not even sure what to call this piece but will do my best to describe it.
It is a bracket connected to the underside wall with 2 holes that two torsion bars go through connecting to the middle front and back lift arms. It is the one on the driver side. The lower shell latch hook is also connected (weld point) to the end of the bracket. It has 4 bolts that attach the bracket to the underside of the wall. (Due to the age of the trailer, I am assuming these 4 bolts go into a 2x4). Structurally the trailer is in great shape. No wood rot etc..
The weld point has broke and then the metal has weakened and torn where the holes are for the torsion bars. I was able to keep using the bracket by bending the lower half of the bracket in place well enough to hold the torsion bars in place. But with the continual bending and stress put on the remaining metal by lowering and raising the shells, the piece has weakened to where it will no longer hold the torsion bars in place. It just bends and is ready to break off.
Looking for any help on what this bracket might be called and then finding one. Once I have the piece, how to work the torsion bars. I'll need to disconnect the torsion bars from the lift arms, and then thread the torsion bars through the holes of the new bracket.
Attaching two pictures of the broken bracket. Thanks ahead of time for any help. I'm amazed at the wealth of knowledge shared on this forum.
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06-27-2023, 10:54 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The mountains of Scottsdale, AZ, and the beaches of Maine
Posts: 10,179
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Check this thread. It may be what you are talking about?
https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...ght=bolts+nuts
I'm not recognizing what appears to be a white PVC pipe in your photos.
Bill
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06-27-2023, 12:19 PM
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#3
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,891
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Bill- TM used to put a piece of PCV tubing on the lift arm to route the wiring. Now they use wire loom with nice clips and ties.
__________________
2007/21 TM 3326 (Pride of the Fleet)
2000 2720SL (Rebuild Project)
2002 2619 (Parts TM)
SMARTER THAN GOOGLE!
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06-27-2023, 12:25 PM
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#4
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,891
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Owen Trail- I have that bracket if you need it. I also have the procedure to get the shells off the torsion bars. If this picture doesn’t scare you off, we can continue.
__________________
2007/21 TM 3326 (Pride of the Fleet)
2000 2720SL (Rebuild Project)
2002 2619 (Parts TM)
SMARTER THAN GOOGLE!
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06-27-2023, 01:16 PM
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#5
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Westminster, Colorado
Posts: 10
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Shane826. Thanks for the message. Yes I would like to move forward even though I'm a little on the scared side now. Glad you have the bracket. Let me know what to do to move forward.
Owen
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06-27-2023, 05:28 PM
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#6
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Westminster, Colorado
Posts: 10
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I think I have a work around to fix the broken bracket issue. Tell me what you think.
Since the torsion bars are still in the correct slot and not under pressure since the shells are raised, I thought I could do the following.
Place a jack with a support under the torsion bars to keep them in place. Attach a plate to the back of the bracket that has been pre-cut so that there are two slots cut to the right width and length to accommodate each torsion bar. slip this plate up from the bottom so that each of the torsion bars align with the pre-cut slots and attach the plate to the back of the structurally sound pieces of the existing bracket. I will have to get creative to find a spot to attach the plate where all the welds broke, but think i have found a good spot. Ill let you all know how it turns out. Any suggestions sure would be welcome. And thank you Shane for your input.
I really was scared of detaching the lift bars and supporting the two shells so that I could work with the torsion bars. Plus- My drive way has quite the grade and I live in a cul-de-sac with no room to set up the TM on level footing.
OwenTrail
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07-04-2023, 01:54 PM
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#7
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Westminster, Colorado
Posts: 10
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I was able to get a piece of 1/8" steel and make a plate cut to fit the two torsion bars. It worked great when lowering the shells. Will be able to test out on a trip soon, but for now it looks as if everything is a-okay.
Am able to have a big sigh of relief now that I am not worried about a major repair with taking the torsion bars off. I hate to think about replacing the old 96 TM. She has become a good friend.
OwenTrail
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07-04-2023, 02:00 PM
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#8
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,891
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Great job!
__________________
2007/21 TM 3326 (Pride of the Fleet)
2000 2720SL (Rebuild Project)
2002 2619 (Parts TM)
SMARTER THAN GOOGLE!
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