Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 15, 2025 ...

Hose & cable reels

November 13, 2014, 09:15:48 pm

It seems that I am constantly fighting with my reels. When pulling the hose or cable out, they don't want to catch. When retracting they don't want to release so that the hose or cable will go back on the reel. Does this mean that something needs adjustment or replacing? I am about to tear them down to figure this out. Just don't know what to expect. Thanks.

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Re: Hose & cable reels

Reply #1 – November 13, 2014, 10:45:30 pm

Royce,
Do you have two red reels?
If so, each "dogs" and retracts differently,
Power (large) reel only dogs in a rachet section where the pawl can dog on one of the rachet teeth (listen for the clicks and allow the takeup spring to retract the reel a little once you hear a click or three).  It will "dog" there and hold.

For the H2O (small) reel, it will dog anywhere.  Just allow takeup spring to retract wheel a bit, very slowly, and it will dog and hold.

For the big power reel, to retract, just pull a few clicks to get beyond the rachet section and it will retract to zero without redogging.  Do it in a controlled fashion to prevent reel damage.

For the small H2O reel, pull out a small amount and then it must be allowed to retract rapidly or it will "redog" itself.  If it does, just pull out a small amount and allow it to retract rapidly to home position.

Becomes second nature, but I've seen many struggle for years until they understand the two have very different mechanisms.
Neal

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Re: Hose & cable reels

Reply #2 – November 13, 2014, 11:52:55 pm

Royce, Sorry for your glitch, but I can help. (Wink) Our coach's PO was told the power reel needed to go and he chucked it without exploring the situation. We have our water reel, working, and a mess of cable in the bay. It's not a "reel" problem, but I wish I could find a replacement. Let me know if you want to swap yours for my Goldendoodle, gold or something of value. Paul

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Re: Hose & cable reels

Reply #3 – November 14, 2014, 06:40:48 am

I've found the reel mechanisms can dry out with time and use.  At one time FT Service told me I needed to buy new reels, for many $$$.  A shot of WD40 now and again keep my reels operating as Neal described.

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Re: Hose & cable reels

Reply #4 – November 14, 2014, 09:50:48 am

The Reelcraft site has some good videos on repair of these reels. (http://www.reelcraft.com)
jor

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Re: Hose & cable reels

Reply #5 – November 14, 2014, 12:07:06 pm

Thanks Jor.

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