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Thread: Retrofitting a winch to a hard floor camper

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Retrofitting a winch to a hard floor camper

    Hi all,

    After being tent campers; we are now the new owners of a 2005 Pioneer Prospector (rear fold)hard floor camper. It does not have a winch to help with setup/packup. It is not too hard to do with 2 people but a little difficult with one - thinking of the boss being able to set it up without me.

    I was wondering whether it is possible/advisable to retro fit a winch system to make the one person operation more easily achievable. If so, any tips/tricks from anyone who has attempted this would be appreciated .

    Thanks in advance.

    Pat

  2. #2
    DiscoMick Guest
    Our Aussieswag hard floor camper does not have a winch, but it does have gas struts on each side to assist to lift and to lower without banging.

  3. #3
    DiscoMick Guest
    A picture may help.

  4. #4
    Ean Austral Guest
    I done it to our pioneer camper , I will take some pics tomorrow when I get down to work as it lives down there.

    If you can weld or know someone who can its a pretty simple job. finding a winch with a long enough strap is the hardest part .

    PM me your mobile number if you like and I will send as many pics as you like.

    Cheers Ean

  5. #5
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    Thanks Mick and Ean,

    It does have some gas struts - maybe some new ones might make the lift a bit easier.

    Thanks for the offer Ean, sounds like you have done just what I am thinking of. PM will be sent.

    Pat

  6. #6
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    I fitted a winch to my 1997 Campomatic.
    The trailer has a steel stone deplector on the front.
    I bought some 5MM square tube from a local shop and bolted it through the stone protector.
    The winch has to be at the level of the top when folded or below. I found that I had to be careful that i had enough room to swing the handle above the storage boxes.
    Mine is about level so doesn't pull it right closed but good enough.
    I mainly bought it so that I could close the top on a slope single handed.
    Just be aware that in windy conditions the strap will vibrate in the wind and drive you mad so should be disconnected then so make sure that you use a shackle.
    I was able to buy the winch for about $40-50 on ebay, and they should have the length listed on the posting.
    The other thing you have to watch if you have say a D2, is that you can open the door fully. I had to fit a longer tongue on my towbar.
    No photos today as its raining.

    Regards Philip A

  7. #7
    DiscoMick Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by PKD4 View Post
    Thanks Mick and Ean,

    It does have some gas struts - maybe some new ones might make the lift a bit easier.

    Thanks for the offer Ean, sounds like you have done just what I am thinking of. PM will be sent.

    Pat
    Struts can be re-gassed, but it might be just as cheap to replace them.

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Attachment 144673Attachment 144674
    If you turn your head side on you will see that I have spaced the square tube away from the steel guard to give room for the winder.
    I just welded a bit of the tube to the top to be the mount.
    Regards Philip A

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