Community Forums

bobmoore1954 · 07-03-2018, 09:38 AM

When I retract my levelers, I always have to let the engine run for a few minutes for the voltage to stabilize. During the first first few minutes, it varies between 13.8 volts and about 12.8 volts.

When it dips, the levelers stop retracting and give me a ‘low voltage’ alert.

Is this normal behavior or something I need to have corrected while I’m still in warranty?

Skip426 · 07-03-2018, 09:53 AM

You should look at your levelers owners manual and see when the low volts message should be coming on . Could be the controller isn't seeing the same volts you are due to a bad connection .

JMHO. Any voltage over 12, should be ok for retraction.

EDIT: This corroded fuse was the problem with my HWH system , it was still passing volts but not enough amps to let the system operate.

NealC · 07-03-2018, 09:57 AM

Doesn't sound normal to me. Confirm you are retracting extending SLIDES on shore or gen power and not batt power?

I've never watched the V when running the levelers but also have never had a problem with the jacks. The jacks are hydraulic so I don't understand the V drop.

Stuart W · 07-03-2018, 10:36 AM

I always turn the key to accessories and operate the jacks while still on shore power or generator, I believe the jacks are 12v but want to keep batteries on charge while operating

Radioman · 07-04-2018, 04:54 AM

Our routine has always been to park, turn off the engine, plug in, extend levelers on accessory, then put the slides out. Never had a problem.

bobmoore1954 · 07-04-2018, 05:57 AM

Maybe I've been doing this all wrong. I have been lowering (and raising) the levelers with the engine running (without the generator running or plugged into shore power).

What's the correct procedure?

Stuart W · 07-04-2018, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmoore1954

Maybe I've been doing this all wrong. I have been lowering (and raising) the levelers with the engine running (without the generator running or plugged into shore power).

What's the correct procedure?

I didn’t think the jacks will operate with the engine on?

bobsharon · 07-04-2018, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmoore1954

Maybe I've been doing this all wrong. I have been lowering (and raising) the levelers with the engine running (without the generator running or plugged into shore power).

What's the correct procedure?

Jacks will not operate without engine operating...at least not in my Ventana.

My new issue is autoretract does not raise all jacks completely on first (sometimes 3rd) try.

NealC · 07-04-2018, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobsharon

Jacks will not operate without engine operating...at least not in my Ventana.

My new issue is autoretract does not raise all jacks completely on first (sometimes 3rd) try.

The key should be in the accessory position, not engine running. Then press power on your equalizer control panel and operate your jacks.

Spray silicone or your choice of lubricant on the jacks and hit all retract. They should go all the way up. You may have to cycle 1 or 2 times after lubricating them.

I say again, key in the ACCESSORY position for operating the jacks. Not ignition on.

tnedator · 07-04-2018, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

The key should be in the accessory position, not engine running. Then press power on your equalizer control panel and operate your jacks.

Spray silicone or your choice of lubricant on the jacks and hit all retract. They should go all the way up. You may have to cycle 1 or 2 times after lubricating them.

I say again, key in the ACCESSORY position for operating the jacks. Not ignition on.

Looks like they changed that for the '19s. I was just reading through the Ventana manual earlier this evening (trying to pass the six weeks until I get mine) and it says this:

Quote:

To extend the jacks the ignition key must be in the engine run or on position and the park brake must be applied. To retract the ignition key must be in the engine run or on position. If you attempt Auto-Level or All Retract you will hear a “deni” tone if the key or park brake is in the improper position.

NealC · 07-05-2018, 06:14 AM

Strange! But glad you found the guidance for yours. Wonder if it’s still equalizer?

tnedator · 07-05-2018, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

Strange! But glad you found the guidance for yours. Wonder if it’s still equalizer?

It is. I think I read in a summary of changes that they made a change in the "lockout" for slides and awnings to allow for the engine to be running and more voltage for moving the slides. The changed from the ignition to the park brake as the lockout. While the leveler wasn't mentioned in that blurb, it looks like they changed it to work off the park brake as well.

NealC · 07-05-2018, 07:01 PM

I'd be careful as with key ON, not engine started, that's one massive amp draw, but probably different batteries, chassis vs. house.

elees · 07-19-2018, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

I'd be careful as with key ON, not engine started, that's one massive amp draw, but probably different batteries, chassis vs. house.

I ALWAYS have engine running when operating the levelers.

I always seem to get low battery! on lightbar when initially starting the engine. Not sure what that is about, but the dealer told me that was normal. Anyone else have this issue?
I have a Ventana LE DP