replacing mattress

[Craig Broughton]

Well I am in the final stages of the replacing stuff on our new to us 1983 Bigfoot fifth wheel, how is the best way to remove the mattress from the upper berth,fold it in half and rope it and then take it out? or will I have to pull a window and take it out that way. Any Ideas?

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Craig Broughton

Well I am in the final stages of the replacing stuff on our new to us 1983 Bigfoot fifth wheel, how is the best way to remove the mattress from the upper berth,fold it in half and rope it and then take it out? or will I have to pull a window and take it out that way. Any Ideas?

I just did that rope thing to put a fullsized mattress into the loft of my shop, through the pulldown ladder hatch, It worked fine and did not damage the mattress.

[Lizbeth]

We folded it and drug it out, roping it would have been a better idea as it fought back a bit.

[Lizbeth]

Oh and congratulations on your "new" Bigfoot 5th!

[Craig Broughton]

I had some help from my 11yr old son. we folded it in half and skooted it out the door .We are working hard and fast on this one I would like to get it all done within a couple days.... so far tile x ed the whole outside to remove approx 10 yrs of sap ,washed the inside incl cushions ,covers and curtains steam cleaned the carpet now tomorrow out comes the buffer with the 3m boat wax should have it all done by the end of the weekend.

[Donna D.]

Sounds like you're moving right along on stuff Craig? Have any pictures to share?

[Lizbeth]

Go Craig GO!

I would like to see pictures too!

[Craig Broughton]

I will take some pictures tomorrow I will have to see how to post them on here

[Craig Broughton]

Here are some pictures of the Bigfoot as we saw it on the first day

[Craig Broughton]

This work was completed with help everyday from my wife and two boys my youngest and the lightest of all got to work on the roof...Dads big helper

[Craig Broughton]

We have more work yet to do with the 3m polish and the power buffer but with the September long weekend here hopefully the weather will remain dry. I have one new vent installed but the escape hatch lid is on order. The plumbing stack vents will be replaced at some point.We had some rain the last few nights and so far my repairs have been water tight.

[Lizbeth]

Craig, you and your family have done a wonderful job! Tell the boys I said they should be proud of the work they have done (you and your wife too!)!

We are picking up our new to us 5th wheel tomorrow and I hope it cleans up as well as yours.

[Donna D.]

This is great, I love sweat equity. You've given your family a gift too and that's "involvement" in the process of ownership.

[Craig Broughton]

Originally Posted by Lizbeth

Craig, you and your family have done a wonderful job! Tell the boys I said they should be proud of the work they have done (you and your wife too!)!

We are picking up our new to us 5th wheel tomorrow and I hope it cleans up as well as yours.

good luck with the pick up of your new Bigfoot I would love to see pictures when you get it

[Craig Broughton]

Well got bored on Sunday after sons football game and had a look at the spring set up under the Bigfoot,this trailer is a single axle model specs are Dry weight 2400 lbs hitch weight 400 lbs tires are 235/75Rx15. When i bought this trailer it was empty other than a few dishes and some pots, I was sitting real low but I knew the tow truck had a 4" lift on it, so it looked like the tail was sitting low anyways. Short story I pulled both wheels and dropped the springs out to find one with a broken leaf. I went to the local PA store they had springs close but not enough weight only rated at 2000lbs i will have to wait untill Tuesday and hit Casterland they have 3500 lb springs.....Now spring over for more height?? for the newer trucks any input????

[Donna D.]

Yes, replace the springs on both sides of the axle, shackles and the bushings. See this recent topic by Cam for more info: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ngs-47192.html

[Lizbeth]

Craig, don't believe that weight. We have discussed Bigfoot weight before and those weighs are underestimated.

Look on the bottom of the list in post #1 here;
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...rld-43010.html

Our single axle is the first one at 4660 lbs. It was packed for the two of us for a four day weekend. The list does not identify single or duel axle but the dual axle models are heavier than the single.

[Craig Broughton]

WOW!!! If I replace the springs and axle maybe I should go with 6000lb rated

[Mike Magee]

If it weren't all disassembled, I would have suggested a trip to the scales to get a better idea.

[Lizbeth]

Originally Posted by Craig Broughton

WOW!!! If I replace the springs and axle maybe I should go with 6000lb rated

At least now you can make an informed decision. Real trailer weighs are always a hot topic here because in general they are underestimated. That's why it is a good idea to actually weigh the trailer. With two adults and a couple of kids and their stuff and toys weigh can sneak up real fast.

P.S. hubby though a 5400 lb axle would be about right for a single axle because the hitch weight rests on the truck or landing gears.