Winch and Extension Needed for Operating Pop-up on 1998 Starcraft Starlounger

Updated 08/13/2024 | Published 10/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch w/ Automatic Brake - TUFFPLATE Finish - 1,200 lbs

(342)

$118.91

Replacement Removable Handle Kit for Dutton-Lainson DLB-Series Brake Winches - 9-3/8" Long

(6)

$47.59

Dutton-Lainson Drill Drive Socket Adapter for DLB Series Winches

(57)

$23.67

DLB Series Brake Winch Ratcheting Replacement Handle by Dutton-Lainson

(3)

$56.77

Pro Series Standard Brake Winch - Cable Only - 1,000 lbs

(36)

$94.07

Question:

My popup camper had its old winch in the back of the camper with a large extension bar connected to the winch that you could connect the handle to lift the top from the back side of the camper. All four cables connected to the one winch. I know that this winch is not available anymore. I have rerun the cables so now one cable can pull up the top. I tried to use an electric winch but I think I would prefer to have a hand crank. I have decided to move the winch location to the front of the camper under the propane tanks. My problem is that I believe I will need some kind of extension to the crank handle so that I can do the manual crank. Is there something available that can be used to extend the crank length? If so what is the lengths available? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Michael J

Expert Reply:

Great question!

I believe that you're wanting to extend that handle out horizontally so that you aren't having to 1 - get on your hands and knees while operating the winch, and 2 - having to keep removing and installing the handle because it will make contact with your trailer frame during operation. For the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch # DL14934 there aren't any extensions but you could use either the Drill Drive Socket Adapter # DL6456 and Handle Kit # DL6454 or the Ratcheting Replacement Handle # DL70347 to help make operating the winch a little easier.

An alternative solution would be to use the Pro Series Winch # PSKR10000301 which will accept a 7/8" socket, so you can use a standard socket and extension for this winch.

expert reply by: Jon G

8/12/2024

I have this same problem. The winch is located underneath the middle and rear of the camper, so not only would you have to get on your hands and knees, but you would have to belly crawl under the camper to reach the winch in order to operate. I don't understand the recommendation that DL14934 is a viable replacement for the Shelby 5438 on a Starcraft popup if there is no extension bar or no way to attach the existing extension bar. In order for a proper replacement, the new winch should accommodate an approximate 3' extension bar otherwise it is not viable.

Jon G.

8/13/2024

@Jj Since a lot of these winches, like your Shelby 5438, have been discontinued we've tried to come up with the best alternative options that we can. The thinking behind the # DL14934 recommendation is that you can figure out a way to craft your own extension and use either the Socket Adapter # DL6456 and Kit # DL6454 or the Ratcheting Handle # DL70347 to operate the winch.

8/13/2024

@JonG How does the socket adapter connect to the DL14934? Is the handle removable and once removed the socket adapter fits? Based on the photos, it doesn't look like it connects together. The photos shown on the socket adapter dl6456 page shows the square socket fits into a square slot that is attached to the hand winch. The hand winch pictured is painted a burnt orange color and has a square slot in the side for the socket driver. I don't see the square slot on the DL14934.

Jon G.

8/13/2024

@Jj Good call. The adapter works with the square part that comes with this handle kit # DL6454. I've updated my comment and the answer page to reflect this.