Community Forums

Turnerp · 10-07-2020, 06:52 AM

We have a 2018 Winnebago Vista. When we retract the leveling jacks the rear jacks are very slow to retract. Then after they are completely up and we attempt to drive away, we get the audio alarm and flashing lights than indicate that the jacks are still down. A visual check finds that they are indeed completely retracted. The alarm will go off after driving 5 minutes or so. But the alarm will activate again after hitting a bump (like where the highway pavement joins to a bridge). We have learned to live with it but we would like to find a fix. Does anyone have an idea? Thanks.

Kahoona · 10-07-2020, 08:03 AM

If they have springs and they are original, replace them. Check with the manufacturer to see if a newer, stronger spring has replaced them.

If they have zerks (grease nipples) on the jacks near the bottom then grease them, generally with lithium grease.

Either way extend them as fully as is safe and spray with whatever the manufacturer recommends, usually WD40, wipe them down and then retract them. Repeat monthly or under dirty conditions.

Please let us know if these things work and if not then we can go on. We will need brand, model and whether they are electric, hydraulic, spring or hydraulic return ect.

ThomB · 10-07-2020, 08:08 AM

The only time when my alarm went off when driving was when the hydraulic (ATF) was low. You may want to check the level in the reservoir.

I will usually retract, turn the system off and back on to see if I still have a jacks down light. My rear jacks retract slower than the fronts for sure.

be-happy · 10-07-2020, 08:38 AM

I would first off use a dry spray on the exposed part of the jack. This will help in the rising process. I would all so as said check the fluid level with jacks up. If low it will make the alarm go off.

Ray,IN · 10-07-2020, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by be-happy

I would first off use a dry spray on the exposed part of the jack. This will help in the rising process. I would all so as said check the fluid level with jacks up. If low it will make the alarm go off.

Do not use anything but ATF or WD40 to clean the SST jack pistons/shafts then wipe it off, per HWH FAQ page.

corvetteSS · 10-08-2020, 05:12 PM

I had exactly the same problem.
Added Oil to the hydraulic oil tank.
Fixed ever since. No more alarms on bumps!

cataska · 10-08-2020, 08:55 PM

I've had good results with an ATF wipe down.

Turnerp · 02-09-2021, 08:03 AM

Thank you for your replies. The fix was simple. Even though the fluid level appeared to be adequate, I added more fluid and no more alarms. I only needed about 1/4 of a quart. An old guy once told me to look at the easiest fix first. He was right.

Thank you for your kind help.

Ray,IN · 02-10-2021, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turnerp

Thank you for your replies. The fix was simple. Even though the fluid level appeared to be adequate, I added more fluid and no more alarms. I only needed about 1/4 of a quart. An old guy once told me to look at the easiest fix first. He was right.

Thank you for your kind help.

Yep, it's called the KISS principle.

azpete · 02-13-2021, 08:03 AM

power gear/lippert uses fluid level to show when a jack is extended. low fluid will cause an alarm. lippert uses a float at the top of the tank to signal a jack is not retracted.
hwh uses a magnet located on top of the jack rod that magnetically contacts with a jack down sensor on top of the jack cylinder.
hwh does not depend on fluid level for any signal.