How to Change a Lift Cable on a Starcraft Camper

Starcraft tent campers use a cable and pulley system to lift the roof. The cables will fray and snap after excessive use. Dry pulleys also cause the cables to wear and eventually break. You should lubricate the pulleys on a regular basis to protect and extend the life of the cable. Replacing a broken cable is simple, but you must work in a tight space to complete the job. Use a basic manual as you feed the cable through the pulleys to determine the proper placement.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 x 4 boards
  • Screwdriver
  • Replacement cable
  • Wire cutters
  • Silicon lubricant
  • Wire crimps
  • Pliers
  • Assistants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Crank the Starcraft's winch handle to attempt raising the roof. Pay attention to the section of roof that does not raise properly. The Starcraft lift uses a separate cable on each corner. Only one cable is likely to require replacement.

    • 2

      Use several assistants to lift and hold the roof. Wedge 2-by-4 boards between the frame and roof to hold the open position.

    • 3

      Enter the trailer and walk to the corner with the broken cable. Use a screwdriver to pry the corner wall board loose and expose the lift track. Cut any wedged pieces of cable out of the track with wire cutters. Add a drop of silicon lubricant to the pulley located near the top of the frame.

    • 4

      Exit the trailer and crawl under it. Locate the pulley on the bottom corner of the trailer frame. Remove any wedged cable with the cutters and follow the cable to the bottom-center pulley. Remove any wedged cable with the cutters and add lubricant to the bottom center and bottom corner pulleys.

    • 5

      Follow the old cable to the front-center section of the frame where all four cables meet. Cut the broken cable off the eye bolt. Wrap the new cable around the eye bolt to create a loop. Wrap a cable crimp around the loop and pinch the crimp with pliers to hold the cable on the eye bolt.

    • 6

      Feed the new cable back through the pulleys on the bottom of the frame and feed it through the bottom corner. Wedge it in the bottom corner with a stick, or have someone enter the trailer and hold the cable to prevent it from falling back out.

    • 7

      Enter the trailer and feed the new cable around the interior pulley. Finish at the eye bolt located on the bottom of the interior corner. Wrap the cable around the eye bolt and pull until the cable is snug. Create a loop with the cable and pinch a crimp on the loop with pliers.

    • 8

      Replace the interior panel that covers the lift track. Crank the winch handle to raise the roof and test the new cable.