James Cook Forum

Hello,

Apologies for posting in English!

I just purchased a James Cook, 2007 with 60,000 KM. I have exported from Germany to England, and so far, so good!

One question that I need help with is this:

How is the lower bed supposed to release? Once the seat bank is made into a bed (easy enough), however I cannot get the bed to unlock without opening the drawer and moving the handle by the gas ram. This procedure is described in the manual as almost the emergency process. Is there another way to unlock the bed? The manual is only in German and I do not have a translation of it (I have asked Westfalia but they only have the German one).

I hope that someone else has seen this and understands my question.

Thanks,

Phil

Good morning Phil,

the easiest way to fold the lower bed back to become a seat is to apply pressure on the area above the headrest near the release handle. This will take the pressure from the gas ram-lock and the release handle can be easily used to release the lock.
All is shown here around minute 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQzV171P4hY

Good luck!
Stefan

Ah perfect! I had seen that video a while ago but not realised what he was doing. I will try that again and see if it works

OK, I tried that but it doesn't work. I assume that this should be rather easy? Is there a cable that may have come loose?

I have taken a good look at this today. The problem is that the gas ram is not long enough to allow the bed to move far enough forward. So, the retaining bar that falls down to lock the bed is under massive pressure, and it is not possible to unlock using the handle. I have removed the gas ram and given to an engineer to see if the rod can be extended slightly. Hopefully this will be done next week, and it will work as expected!

These vans are amazing, but I think that after ten years a lot of potential 'fun' is available keeping them working properly. I think repairing it is a new hobby!!

Hallo Fleep. I see that you need the English version of the use and maintenance booklet. Here it is attached

WOW! Thank you!!!

I asked Westfalia for this but they only had a German version