Atwood Levelegs, Newmar Ventana 2006

handlebar · 11-29-2010, 07:16 PM

This comment involves the rear driver side leveleg on my 2006 Newmar Ventana.

I had a failure of what I will call the transfer shaft between the upper gear housing, and the lower gear housing. All the gears are fine, but the connecting shaft which is about 4" long with 2 holes in it for gear drive pins is totally shattered into about 6 or 7 pieces. It appears to be the shaft that takes all the load when the leg is raised and torqued in the full up position. I have not been able to contact Atwood yet to see if I can get a replacement part. If I can't, I have a very capable machinist whom can make me the part. I can't see replacing a $1000 leg for one part. I hope Atwood is a green company and will sell me a replacement instead of me having to throw away about 70 lbs. of material which is still good. This appears to be an under designed shaft for the loading it takes. Anybody experience this problem?

**"007"** · 12-05-2010, 08:34 PM

Welcome handlebar to irv2.
People have had problems with the Atwood jacks. To answer your question I'm moving your post to the Newmar forum.
It will be here for a couple of days before fully moving completely to forum.
You will get quicker answers there.
#1 Atwood problems

#2 problems

#3 other Coach Mfg

Dav5942 · 12-06-2010, 05:23 AM

Sorry I just left a good rear levelleg at HWH in Iowa and one good front one. After EIGHT failures we changed them out to hydraulic.

bigstonebay · 12-13-2010, 09:02 AM

Let us know what happens from Atwood. I have the same coach, with the same levelers and this info may be useful in the future, although I hope I don't need it.

Wingman02 · 12-14-2010, 08:06 PM

We have a 06 with the Atwoods as well. No problems for us ... yet!! Good luck with the phone call.

handlebar · 01-12-2011, 03:29 PM

I have heard several people whom have had bad experiences with Atwood. I am not one of them. I called Atwood, told them the problem, and asked if they would sell me the shaft. They told me they don't do that, then I asked them what we could do, and they finally said that they would send me a new shaft free of charge. I received the shaft at my next stop, installed it in the gearbox, and the leg is now back in working order. I don't know how anybody could give better service than that. I was so impressed, that I sent their Customer Service Dept. a letter acknowledging what a great experience I had with their representatives. I still think that particular shaft is not a large enough diameter to support its job, but that is another issue I will address.