Remove Torsion Bars and dismantle both upper shells?
Hello ALL, I have a 1999 3023 model and much of the wood in the skeletal structure is rotten and despite hours of trying to fix and add bracing, the 2-part door never stays aligned and the top shells hyper extend and require ratchet straps to keep from doing that.
I am SO frustrated using this and see no way to fix all the alignment and such issues....THUS, I want to DISMANTLE the top two shells and just build on top of the 23' bottom "tub" and get rid of the two upper-half shells.
I know this mean loosening and removing the torsion bars. I want to SAFELY remove them and then dismantle the upper two shells. I would also take out the windows and AC unit and all that upper stuff for reuse.
Here’s how to lift the outer edges of the shells, then the torsion bars pretty much slide right out…
https://youtu.be/d3ACV4Tkuwk?si=purMkiXCSXpebLNn
You can also disconnect the lift arms from the upper shells, lift, then slide a 2x4 across the bottom box and rest the shell on that. Only do the outer or inner arms at a time with this method. (First pic)
But before you commit to totally destroying the camper, have you considered fixing the pockets that are blown out and causing the shells to over extend? TM has pocket repair straps. You lift the shell off the lift arm, remove the rubber bumper up inside the pocket, put a bunch of adhesive on the strap, insert it into the pocket, and screw it to the bottom edge. Add a new rubber bump shim, reattach lift arms. I did all 8 on my 2000 2720.