How to Repair a Jayco Cable

Jayco pop up campers use a system of cables and pulleys to operate lift rods. The rods lift and hold the roof corners while camping. The Jayco cable and pulley lift system does not require lubrication but old cables are prone to fraying and breaking. Replacing the entire cable is often the best option but a temporary splice will hold the cable together. Repairing the cable with a splice is also possible as a solution to broken cables while camping.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-4 lumber
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Cable cutters
  • 1/8-inch cable
  • Cable crimps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Crank the trailer handle to determine the broken cable location. One corner of the roof will not raise if the cable is broken at the corner. If the crank does not have tension and none of the corners raise, the cable is likely broken near the crank handle.

    • 2

      Use a 2-by-4 piece of lumber to hold the loose roof section. Wedge the board between the roof and the camper base to allow entry in the trailer.

    • 3

      Locate the interior corner panel on the lower wall. Remove the panel by prying it loose with a flathead screwdriver. The panel block will pop out of place with low pressure. Some models do have screws holding the panel in place and you must first remove the screws.

    • 4

      Locate the break in the cable. Put on gloves and grab the broken section of cable. Hold the two broken sections together and measure the length of the damaged piece. Cut the damaged section with cable cutters.

    • 5

      Cut a new section of 1/8-inch steel cable to replace the damaged section. Measure the new section 2 inches longer than the old section to account for overlap. Hold the new section in place with 1 inch overlapping against each piece of the old cable.

    • 6

      Slide a cable crimp over each overlapped section and pinch the crimps with pliers to connect the new sections of cable. Replace the panel covers to hide the cable and exit the trailer. Remove the board and crank the lift.