Upcoming torsion bar replacement

Larryjb · 03-25-2019, 10:55 AM

Yes, I know, they have a lifetime warrantee. This applies to the original owner. Like most companies, TM expects people to replace their vehicles (TM) at least every 10 years. This leaves the 2nd owner (me) with the torsion bar replacement. I'm not blaming TM. That's just what companies do.

Metal springs fatigue over time, so torsion bars (which are springs of a sort) will also suffer from this. My front shell no longer opens easily and the torsion bar adjustment is adjusted to the maximum. I have not seen anyone report back on a torsion bar replacement, so I guess it will be mostly be up to me to do this. I will be ordering two new torsion bars soon, and will report back on how it goes.

However, I am hoping a few of you have some suggestions, or maybe have changed torsion bars yourself. I live in Canada and there are no TM dealers around who would know how to do this. Even if I go to WA, OR, or CA, they would have to order in the torsion bars, and I'd have to wait while they replace them leaving my family without any lodging. So, it is indeed, up to me. Good thing I've done a few crazy things in the past, like replace the heads of my truck, transmission solenoids of my front drive (worst job ever on a FWD... I will never own a FWD again as they are horrible to work on), and probably need to have my own head checked out.

So far, I think I have just one question. I believe the actual replacement will go just fine. My question will be about adjustment. Most torsion bar adjustment threads have to do with minor adjustments to deal with metal fatigue of the torsion spring, or a new added weight on the roof. There will be no "starting" point if you are replacing torsion bars. If you have replaced your own torsion bars, where did you start with your adjustment?

Larryjb · 03-25-2019, 11:40 AM

Sonja got back to me very quickly this morning with quotes for two torsion bars. For a 2720 w/o roof air, but w/ awning:
13/16x82 inches left handed front roof bar
3/4x82 right handed front roof bar

**Bill** · 03-25-2019, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

I have not seen anyone report back on a torsion bar replacement, so I guess it will be mostly be up to me to do this.

Larry -

If you do a comprehensive report with pictures, I would really like to put it in the Trail Manor Technical Library over your signature. It would be immensely valuable to present or future owners who are thinking about doing the same thing.

BTW, are you getting the same strength bars as the old ones, or thinking of upgrading by one strength grade?

Bill

Larryjb · 03-25-2019, 03:20 PM

Bill,

I won't be upgrading the size of the torsion bars. I'm not planning to add anything to the roof, and the next size up could make it difficult to close.

I will be sure to document the process with tons of pictures.

BrucePerens · 03-27-2019, 12:45 AM

What did Sonja say they cost? If you can, please break out the shipping cost, and the cost of each bar.

Larryjb · 03-27-2019, 04:45 PM

The 13/16 x 82 is $175, the 3/4 x 82 is $150.

**rickst29** · 04-02-2019, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

The 13/16 x 82 is $175, the 3/4 x 82 is $150.

Sounds good so far - but 82" product length requires truck freight, right?

Slightly OT: My overweight 2619 also has a pretty severe lifting problem with the front shell (factory A/C, plus about 35lbs of Solar panels). Bars for the "stern" of the shell are still OK, but the "bow" pair require a ton of effort. In comparison to upgrading the bars, it might be cheaper and easier to replace the two "glass" panels with flex. But I'll SWAG that the bars up front are pretty much worn out after more than a dozen years, and 35 lbs won't be enough "weight loss" to make a huge difference.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 04-02-2019, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickst29

Sounds good so far - but 82" product length requires truck freight, right?

I have no idea what the factory is doing these days, but I know several years and a few ownership changes ago, they were been willing to ship large bulk items like torsion bars, axles, etc. along with new units going to dealers. Obviously not door-to-door, and requires waiting for the next shipment of TMs, but could potentially represent a significant cost savings.

Dave

Larryjb · 04-05-2019, 06:06 PM

Shipping was not outrageous. 82 inches is about 7 feet, so it would be trucked, but could probably be trucked on any regular delivery truck. I had mine sent to a parcel receiver in Blaine WA. I believe it took less than a week to deliver because it just arrived there. I'll probably pick it up next week when I go to fill up on gas.

**rickst29** · 04-06-2019, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

Shipping was not outrageous. 82 inches is about 7 feet, so it would be trucked, but could probably be trucked on any regular delivery truck. I had mine sent to a parcel receiver in Blaine WA.

That's great to hear - I'll look forward to your installation photos.comments, and follow suit.