HWH Jack Problems

[RDNesbitt]

I have a problem with my right rear jack not staying down. Took RV to the dealer where I bought it and they told me it was a solenoid and would order one. This was covered by my insurance and it was approved. The problem is I'm in Myrtle Beach and will leave for Florida on the 24th of Oct. And the dealer told me he can't get one for 6 to 8 weeks. They will send it to me. How hard is it to replace the solenoid yourself. It looks like maybe a simple job if I can figure out the one to change.

[dveasey]

I just replaced one of mine. A channel-lock pliers does the trick. A small amount [3-4 tablespoons] of fluid comes out. I used an air-dispenser spray can [similar to computer use] first to "cleanup" any debris from around the neck before removal. I also Slipped a rag underneath all solenoids to catch any fluid drips before I started.

Solenoid id: I had 2 smaller & 2 larger ones [w/ T-handle bleeder screws]. Smaller for the front jacks & larger are the rears. Just follow the hydraulic line from one of the larger solenoids to see where it goes. [HWH rep said to not trust MH mfgr. installation; rather verify hose route to properly ID which valve controls which jack.]

Instruction sheet will be included from factory. Just carefully thread it in as it will have 3 sets of washers/o-ring on the threaded end.

[EngineerMike]

1) If you send the offending solenoid into HWH for rebuild, the quote for return is 2 weeks, and its about $50 less than a new one in 6-8 weeks. Problem is the open hole in the manifold for a coupla weeks and how to manage that.
2) Solenoid valves only have two sets of o-ring seals. Old style hexagonal have a "square ring" plus std o-ring on the outside, plus a smaller square-ring plus o-ring on the inner end. T-handle valves have square-plu-O outside, but have square-plus-O-plus-square smaller o-rings on the inner end. Can't say about the newest jack solenoid versions which have a plastic hex on end cap but no t-handle, but assume they are like the t-handle versions as HWH says they are interchangeable.
3) I solved problem #1 above by having some brass plugs machined to match the threads & seal shoulder on the HWH solenoid valves (same thread/seal pattern for slide-out valves as for jack valves). That way if I'm on the road & want to take off for a new locale, I just send in the offending valve, pop in a plug for jack or slide valve and live w/the inconvenience of the disabled device for 2 weeks, then remove the plug & pop in the rebuilt valve when it comes. If its a slide and I'm staying put a while, the slide stays out anyway. But the plugs give me options:

Photo is a little blurry but you can see the square-plus-O double seal setup.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDNesbitt Took RV to the dealer where I bought it and they told me it was a solenoid and would order one. This was covered by my insurance and it was approved. The problem is I'm in Myrtle Beach and will leave for Florida on the 24th of Oct.

RDNesbitt, I live here to, who's the dealer?

[RDNesbitt]

DriVer, It's Camper Country, RT 17, across from Pirateland.

[paz]

When I burned out a solenoid, HWH overnighted it directly to me. They charge you for the overnight shipping, but you have it the next day. Just make sure you know the model number of your system and whether it's a front or rear solenoid (they're different sizes).

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDNesbitt DriVer, It's Camper Country, RT 17, across from Pirateland.

RDNesbitt, I knew who the dealer was ... I don't believe it should take that long to get parts.

If you call Lichtsinn Motors they have a lot of these parts in stock. Perhaps they can expedited the parts to you.

Failing that call HWH directly as suggested by paz.

[RDNesbitt]

I e-mailed HWH about my problem and this was their reply, Yes unfortunately it is taking that long to get those parts. The fact of the matter is we are running on a skeleton crew, we had several orders for repair parts and some of the OEM's have picked up again and we have fallen behind, we are slowly gaining ground but it is a slow process. We will ship these parts just as soon as we can but unfortunately I can not make any guaranty's on how soon they will ship.

Thank you
Joe Portelli
This is all paid for thought my insurance and they will fix it for me when they get the solenoid and will send it to me in florida and have it fixed there.

[dveasey]

I was given the very same back-load reason also. took 6 weeks to the day before my new one arrived. Perhaps they need to hire more personnel [assuming the machinery is not already maxxed-out].