Pop up campers are small, self-contained trailers that compress and expand for the camping cabin. A hard shell roof and semi-wall structure house the fabric corners that, when raised, become the sleeping quarters for the camper. Pop up campers use either a hand crank or motor to raise and lower the roof. If you have a hand crank pop up trailer and need to make a crank, it is an easy process, as the spindle accepts sockets.
Items you will need
Measuring tape
Ratchet with lock out and perpendicular extension handle
Socket kit
Open the pop up camper's hand crank panel, usually found on the outside of the camper to the right of the front door. Locate the spindle and use the tape measure to get the width of the end of the spindle. For example, your spindle may measure 1 inch across or 1 1/2 inches across. Spindles are typically square in shape.
Place the perpendicular extension onto the handle of the ratchet so it forms a 90 degree angled "V." Turn the ratchet's rotating mechanism to off.
Select a socket of the same diameter as the spindle end you measured. Put the socket onto the ratchet socket fixture and place the socket onto the spindle.
Turn the handle clockwise to lower the roof or counterclockwise to raise the roof.
References
Writer Bio
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
