Lift System Parts
Forest River Lift Chain 53 3/4 Inches
SKU: PA-FOREL-44CHAIN
$15.75
Part details
This is a replacement drive chain for the vintage "Chain and Spring" lift system found on older Forest River, Rockwood, and Flagstaff pop-up campers. Unlike newer single-cable systems, this architecture uses a heavy-duty roller chain to transmit power from the crank assembly to the internal spring tubes.
The chain connects directly to the chain attachment bar, which in turn pulls the lift springs to raise the corner posts. Over time, these chains can stretch, rust, or break, leading to a "slipping" sensation when cranking or a roof that won't lift evenly. Replacing a damaged chain with this precision-length version is essential for restoring the mechanical timing and lifting power of your camper.
CRITICAL: Verify Your Chain Length
- Measurement is Essential: Forest River used several different chain lengths for different camper sizes and configurations in this system.
- Compatibility: This specific chain is 53 3/4 inches long.
- Before ordering, please measure your original chain from end to end (including the master links) to ensure this matches your system's requirements.
Key Features:
- Direct Replacement: Designed specifically for the discontinued Rockwood/Flagstaff chain-drive lift system.
- High-Strength Roller Chain: Built to handle the high tension required to pull the spring assemblies and raise the roof.
- Corrosion Resistant: Finished to withstand the environment inside the lift system housing.
- Sold Individually: Each unit replaces one drive chain.
Maintenance Tip: When replacing a drive chain, always inspect your master links and the teeth on your drive sprockets for wear. It is also the ideal time to lubricate the chain and sprockets with a high-quality dry silicone spray to ensure smooth operation and prevent future binding.
Installation: Chain / Master Link — Tensioning & Recovery
Safety: Numbers in parentheses refer to the parts legend on the Forest River guide. Support the roof before servicing.
- To tighten a slipping chain: remove the Idler Sprocket Assembly cover (2), its feet screws, and the Spring Tube Clamp screws (12); tighten the Adjustment Screws (21) until the chain is tight; cycle the roof and re-check.
- If the chain is off a sprocket: support the roof on poles, loosen the Adjustment Screws, move the idler fully toward the off-door side, re-seat the chain on all sprockets, then re-tension.
- Replace master links in pairs and orient the clip away from chain travel.
- If a chain or spring jams in the square tube: do not cut the tube — its smooth bore prevents kinks. Disconnect at the Chain Attachment (20), extract, clear burrs, and refit by pulling the chain through under tension with a fish wire.
Full guide with diagrams, maintenance tips, and troubleshooting: Forest River Chain & Spring Guide.
Listed fitments (1)
Check your model, lift system and cable position against these listings and the part details.