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Topic: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights] (Read 1096 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Updated Bay Lights

Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
replacing those lifting shocks with 12vdc linier actuator
May have to add that next years project list .... maybe a theatrical fog machine that triggers on opening or would that be too much  :D
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
Steve,

While you are in/under the engine cover have you given any thought to replacing those lifting shocks with 12vdc linier actuators? That LED lighting is a supper upgrade to the OEM lighting.

Mike
Mike,
Been thinking of doing the linier actuators...any recommendations on brands or weight capacity ?
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #2 –
Hans,

No recommendation on brand as I used what ever I could find on Amazon nothing special. Seems like the last ones were about $75 each. I think everyone I have helped has used #300 each.  I have had a couple of PMs wanting info so I should start another thread to address this mod for others in the future. Till I can get something together if you hunt actuator under member saddlesore it will get you started.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Hans&Marjet –
Mike,
Been thinking of doing the linier actuators...any recommendations on brands or weight capacity ?

Weight capacity would depend on who you want to lift with it. If it's just you and the wife, or the dogs are joining in on the ride too. :D

I've got one like the ones shown in the links that has been opening my greenhouse roof for a few years now without issue. The roof is 8'x12' 2x4 framing and it handles it fine. The ones with the built in limit switches are nice since they stop at the end of travel and you don't need extra switches to turn them off.
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #5 –
Does anyone have the amazon link to the 300lb 16 inch linear actuators  everyone is talking about?
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #7 –
Thanks!
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #8 –
I was ask through a PM as to where I mounted the switch so here is a pic.  The actuators were a matches set but not close enough for me so one switch per side. to raise/lower. They are fed through one of these fuses.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #9 –
Hi Mike, finally getting to the actuator install and noticed one switch says on and the other off on the switch itself. Should I ignore that? Also are the switches able to reverse polarity as the actuators came with no literature.

Thanks, Chuck
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #10 –
One thing to think about is if an actuator fails how are you going to get your device open. 

Entregra coaches had actuators that were bolted in place.  When one failed on the engine hatch we had to take a hacksaw through an opening in the grill to cut the actuator.  When replaced, it was held with pins and clips. All we would have to do is pull the clip and knock the pin out

2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #11 –
Chuck,

Ignore the marks as these switches are center off and on either way. Said another way the switch is on/off/on with on one way is up center is off and the other on is down. These are self centered so they have to be held down to move actuator.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #12 –
Does the Dual Lifts Require a Relay so they Both work at the same time and same Direction?
2002 U320 36' Single axle  MOST MODED IN HISTORY SO MUCH ITS ALMOST ILLIGAL
2 slides ( living room and bedroom)
undisclosed
male
female
genderless
nonbinary
transgendered

Re: Linear actuator lifts [split from Re: Updated Bay Lights]

Reply #13 –
I bought a matched set with a factory system to keep them running in sink. The factory set up was junk up and down twice and they were over an inch off and getting worse every extend/retract. I tried to build a relay driven system and still didn't get the results I wanted. I went the old school way with 2 switches (one for each side) and this works just fine.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."