HWH System

[mrrods]

trying to find information on my engine door cylinders 1999 36 sds

[RVPioneer]

If you're referring to the gas shocks that hold up the rear access door, they are not part of the HWH system. Most decent sized RV stores should be able to find a match or order something for you. There may still be a tag on one that will identify the part number.

[Mr_D]

HWH makes jacks, air suspension and room slide systems.

[Old Scout]

Interesting historical point--98 and maybe 99 Alpines too used hydraulic rams controlled by temp sensor and manual override on dash, to open/close rear engine door while driving. Didn't know if they were made by HWH but makes sense. Hopefully, a 98/99 owner will chime in.....

[gmcgene]

mrrods,

My 1998 36' FDSS Alpine has hydraulicly operated engine door controlled by the HWH 610 Series. One hyd cylinder on each side interconnected by 2 overhead hydraulic hoses and 2 additional hoses connecting the passenger side cylinder to the solenoids on the HWH pump unit located just aft of the entry door.

I have a copy of the HWH manual- you may be able to find one on line. If not, I can make you a copy if your system is the same.

Hoses and fittings can be made locally by any Parker Outlet, most NAPA stores, and many heavy truck repair facilities.
Make sure that the replacement hoses are the same lengths as the old ones.
AZPete aka Paul Maddox 602-549-3638-- The go-to guy for HWH info. I spoke to him last week- He has one cylinder for the engine door in stock if you need one right away.
Stuart's Service 800-826-6267 or 574-262-0225 or HWH Replacement Parts - Stuart's Services

AZPete says you can reduce the hose ID to 1/4" to make them easier to deal with.
He also says the cylinders are rebuildable New O-rings are available at Ace Hardware- again, make sure that replacements are same size as original.

If you're not yet prepared to replace the lines between the cylinders and pump and if only the rear fittings are leaking some HWH repair facilities (if they have the proper tool) can swage a new fitting onto the old hose,(assuming the hose will be long enough after cutting and installing new fitting.

If you prop the engine door up, disconnect each end of the cylinders and drop them down it is much easier to work with the hoses and fittings.

I have replaced leaking hoses between the cylinders and now have a leaking fitting on one of the hoses between the cylinder and the pump.

Hope that helps. More than I ever wanted to know about a dirty messy job.

Old Scout- my 1998 Alpine does not have any heat or other sensors controlling the engine door. Just a switch on the HWH control box.

Gene

[Old Scout]

Gene--thought the idea of a temp sensor sounded pretty sophisticated. Probably also a safety issue if a sensor were to auto trigger the door to close/open with someone in proximity...

[RVPioneer]

I learn something here all the time. I'm glad WRV punted the hydraulic engine door idea after two years. With the well documented history of hydraulic problems many of us have experienced, I'd explore the possibility of capping off the portion of the system that controls the rear door and install two gas shocks. Two slides and four jacks are enough problem children as it is.