Community Forums

Kiddikop · 06-02-2018, 08:57 AM

Couple of months ago, I could not get the driver side front jack to retract. Finally took advice from the manual, turned the t handles on the solonoids, got a shovel under the jack, and got it back up. Went up easily once I got the shovel under it. Took it into the RV Shop. They replaced the springs, saying they were old and outdated. They also wiped down the jack and cleaned it up. Didn't get a chance to use it until about a week ago...guess what....same jack, stuck again in the down position. Finally got it back up again, using same procedure, this time in the pouring rain. Mechanic quickly diagnosed the problem over the phone as needing an entirely new jack....$1000! Yikes. I took it back in yesterday and asked them to do a more thorough evaluation. Are there any areas I can point them to look for?
And by the way, I mentioned I was somewhat perturbed about the swiftness to jump to such an expensive solution before thoroughly researching the problem. The shop owner told me he used to work for Lazydays, and they definitely had a Replace as opposed to Repair policy. He is working on adjusting the attitude of his mechanics, several of whom came from there as well. He will be handling the jack issue personally, but if he says I need an entire new jack, should I get a 2nd opinion?
Thanks guys!

PJStough · 06-02-2018, 09:05 AM

If the jack comes up when you open the solenoid manually, I would say the problem is not the jack, but the solenoid or the electronics that run it.

As far a replacing the jack, if he is so sure the jack is the problem, I would have him guarantee it, that is, if he replaces the jack, and you still have the same problem, you get the jack and the labor for gree.

Kiddikop · 06-02-2018, 09:44 AM

Yes, that was my thinking as well. It seems not to be bent or warped in any way since it moves so smoothly. I think there are diagnostic lights and procedures on the HWH website and I wanted to learn how to diagnose these issues myself but I don't know where the HWH panel is.

PJStough · 06-02-2018, 09:49 AM

Have you tried prying up the jack without opening the valve on the solenoid manually, and having the jacks set to retract? One observation I have made with the HWH jacks is that the seal where the ram goes into the jack gets dried out and causes excessive drag, so from time to time I spray WD-40 liberally on the seals to soften them up. When doing this on a regular basis, my jack retraction times are about two minutes.

CJ7365 · 06-02-2018, 09:55 AM

You can get the solenoid rebuilt, I think it was $100, a lot cheaper than a new one.

Call HWH and talk with them.

Craig1960 · 06-02-2018, 10:25 AM

If you're prying up with a shovel then it's most likely the jack, especially if you opened the valve manually. Myself and many others here have had the same problem and you can send the jack intp HWH to be rebuilt for alot less than the $1,000 you were quoted. Or what I plan on doing this winter, take them to a local hyd. shop and have them do it. You just have to get seals matched up since HWH won't sell a seal kit.

What I'm doing for now is using pads underneath so that when I pull them out I can put my small aluminum floor jack under them to push them up. It actually works better then I thought and isn't much of a pain to do.

azpete · 06-02-2018, 10:51 AM

just the cylinder has to be replaced, not the entire jack. the model of the jack which is on the side of the cylinder can give you the right replacement number. it starts with AP
if you cant find it on that jack, the one on the other side is the same. both jacks, either front or rear will be the same.
check the internet for a fair price for the part.
if you send that cylinder to hwh, they can repair it.
send a email to service@hwh.com give them address, phone number, vin number
and a description of your problem.

they will send you a RGA number for tracking your part. it takes around 3 weeks to get it back. hwh does give a one year warranty on any part they repair or sell.
the only price they will quote is for a re manufactured cylinder. they dont know whats wrong with yours. they only charge for the parts used.
paul maddox
i do not sell parts or solicit service work on this forum.

DrDaveMA · 06-02-2018, 03:52 PM

If AZPete says it you can take it to the bank. BTW - if you are going to Gillette Paul, AKA AZPete will be there he works for HWH and knows the Alpine system better than anyone else. He also treats his customers with respect.

Dave

Kiddikop · 06-03-2018, 09:24 AM

This is so helpful. I'm now waiting for my mechanic to get back to me, and if the jack is the issue instead of some connection, I plan on showing him this info.
And if I end up saving almost $1000, maybe I can afford the trip to Gillette!
Thanks again!