HWH Jacks wont retract

[WeBeCamping2]

We have a 2003 Damon Challenger and only one jack will retract on its on the rest I have to push up has anyone had this problem and if so what should I look for to fix this?

[FleetMan]

The HWH jacks retract using spring pressure only. If you can force them up manually without much resistance, weak springs are the most likely problem. Before replacing the springs, I would open the manual release nut/handle on one or two of the jack solenoids to see if that allows them to retract without you helping them. Be sure which type jack solenoids you have, there are three different types and each type has very specific instructions for opening the relief valve. If the jacks retract quickly after you relieve pressure at the solenoid, you may have solenoid problems.

[GaryKD]

Hi WeBeCamping2,
Try extending the jacks fully. Spray the jack cylinders with WD40 or equivalent. Make sure you get the entire cylinder wet with the lubricant. Retract the jacks. If they do not retract quicker than before, repeat the process up to three times. If they are the same as before, then FleetMan is correct and new springs are the next step.

I spray my jack cylinders several times a year. If they are not fully retracted by the time I complete my final walk around, they get sprayed.

[Max Hubrich]

WBC2--

I vote for new springs.

I've had two rigs and the springs were the problem on both RV's. Call HWH -- 800-321-3494 or 563-724-3396.

The new springs are a different and stronger design. They cost about $23 a wheel set (plus shipping, of course). There are many threads on easy ways to install the new ones, ask if you decide to go this route.

Good luck,

[Dogman635UT]

I had a problem when I lost power from my MH batteries. I found by holding down one of the buttons on the control box for the HWH for about ten secounds it reset. Now I have a 2006 winne. Yours may not have a reset, but I would start on the top left press and hold as stated for ten secounds. see if the lights flash and the jacks go down and come back up so be on level gound first. Let me know if it works.

[mercerc44]

Mine were very slow so I talked with HWH. Did two things, 1. Put heavier duty springs on each jack ($25 a pair at the time). They beefed up the springs after our model year (04). 2. HWH tech. said to spray, but to wipe off after. Did the trick for me. They work great now.

[WeBeCamping2]

How hard is it to replace the springs? Iam not sure if this is the problem because they are very hard to push up.

[FleetMan]

Get your HWH manual out and try to retract them manually. It may be a power problem to the jack solenoids or it could be the solenoids themselves. If all four jacks are hard to retract, I doubt all the solenoids went bad at the same time. That would lead me to consider a power problem. When I had a bad jack solenoid, I had to "crack" the hydraulic line from the jack to the solenoid to retract it. With no restriction, the jack retracted very quickly - used plenty of rags to minimize the fluid mess.

[Max Hubrich]

WeBeCamping2--

Here is my thread on changing springs---

Please read CaptChet's idea on my thread to use some clothes pins, taken apart and used as spacers. They usually are made of Maple (a very hard wood).

Good luck,

[E Z Livin]

I am interesed on how the spring changing helps as I also have the same problem.
Two things, I agree with the cleaning and spay of you cylinders but I was advised to use Silicon as WD 40 attracts dirt.

Second thing, be sure your fluid is not low. Mine will not retract very good if the fluid is low.

[nbounder]

I have the same advise as EZ . . . .use a liberal coating of silicone spray. (I got this from the mfr, not like a rumor). They said to spray the rods EVERY time just prior to retraction. Works well!!
An aside - I recently changed the fluid, again per mfr instructions. It's zactly the same as changing the oil, but with no filter, and you need to use a 5/16 hex key to open the drain plug. The most significant result was feeling better about the hydraulics - so far, no noticeable change in operation - still works fine.