kwikee level best control unit

[campoverde]

we live in spain and I am trying to track down a good source for replacement control unit for the level best 2000 system installed on our sightseer. The current control unit is dated april2008 does anyone know if there is any warranty on these units(fitted by previous owner) as kwikee has been taken Cheers

[Clay L]

Before you buy a new control board you might want to try resetting it by removing the board and unplugging the connector for 30 seconds or so.

If that doesn't work you can get a control board at Winnebago & Itasca Motorhomes, Iowa RV Dealer - North Iowa GM Dealer - Lichtsinn Motors
They are a Winnebago dealer a few blocks from the factory in Forrest City and I have had good service from them.

[campoverde]

thanks but was the first thing I tried. Swapping varoius cables over proved hydraulics and solenoids worked Then buzzed out cabels in problem areas all ok only thing left is the control unit. Taking it aport this unit was fitted in april 2008 so this looks as if its the second one thats failed(Rv is 2005 sightseer) So are these units fragile?
I have emailed your recommended supplier thanks for the contact.

[Clay L]

I had one fail while still under warranty (2004) and then it failed last year. That's too often in my opinion.
They are also way too expensive - I think I paid over $300 dollars for mine. Usually I remember prices but I guess I blocked that one out.

[campoverde]

thats whats worrying me spending load of money on delicate electronics that won't last very long. I've tracked down a circuit for a non electronic unit that I think I will check out properly . Still thinking what to do. Has anyone ever found out what the failure is caused by eg from an external spike or just a common component ?

[Clay L]

I don't know what failed on mine.
The controller IC had a Kwikee part number on it and I couldn't check it. The FETs and other parks I could check, checked okay. Like most boards today it's pretty hard to troubleshoot them unless you have a schematic and part numbers.
Although I had bad luck with two controller boards I don't read or hear about many of them failing - that's the good news.

It would be pretty easy to design a circuit using mostly diodes. FETS and maybe a few logic gates. The logic would help with the safety lockouts and maybe the two at a time ram activation. The switches could be done with mechanical momentary push-buttons - not as sexy but sure more reliable.

The problems implementing the design would probably be locating the right connector to mate with the existing one and identifying which wires connect to which solenoids. On my installation the solenoid and pump are a little hard to get to.