Community Forums

Spacecadet17 · 05-16-2022, 07:41 AM

My 2017 Ventana LE has recently started giving a jacks warning beep while I’m driving. I’ve checked when stopped with engine running and determined this to be a false alarm.
When the beep sounds I activate the “all retract” button and hear the sound of jacks coming up, then I turn off the jack system again.
I have had a couple of instances OC the past 5 years where a front jack didn’t come all the way up, but this was rare. Again, I was parked at my storage location to unload with engine running when the alarm went off again and I got out and saw that all jacks were fully up.
This is getting more and more frequent
Is this a concern or just a nuisance? How do I correct this?
Thanks

swduns · 05-16-2022, 07:58 AM

I had this happen on my first Rv, 1995 holiday rambler with HWH jack system. A couple of learnings:

- always let jacks store routine completely finish its routine until it shuts itself off. Don’t shut off ignition key after jacks “stored” light comes on but before the HWH panel shuts it self off.

- I ordered and replaced all the jack springs on my first two RVs. The springs do all the work of retracting your jacks. The hydraulic pressure pushes the jack out, the springs pull the jacks closed. Springs do get stretched & aren’t as strong. Imagine if you keep your jacks deployed then your springs stay stretched for most of their life. I ordered HWH replacement springs from a HWH dealer and had a local shop put them on. But I believe you can do it yourself if your strong.

After that one instance I’ve never had the alarm come on again

dizcom · 05-16-2022, 07:58 AM

You might be low on fluid, or you might have a jack weeping down just enough to trigger the alarm. Last season we had one jack that would weep down just enough to trigger the alarm. Since the rig was underway when this would happen, the system would go into it's automatic retraction mode. Took us awhile to figure out which jack it was because like you, when we would stop it would be back up. Some trips it would go off a lot, and other trips it wouldn't go off at all. Eventually it got worse which helped us find the problem jack and it was replaced under warranty. Depending on your system, the alarm might be triggered by a sensor on the jack or it might be triggered by a sensor on your tank. Easy enough to check the fluid level to see if that's the problem first. If it turns out not to be a jack or the fluid level, it's probably the sensor. Good luck.

Chargerman · 05-16-2022, 08:05 AM

A friend just felt with the same problem. First he was told it was a bad pressure switch. Nope. Ended up having to replace the controller. Unfortunately, Newmar places the control box in an area where it can encounter water and the enclosure is not watertight. He siliconed the cover after replacing the board.

wolfe10 · 05-16-2022, 08:08 AM

We need to know what jack system you have-- they trigger the alarm by completely different methods!

Spacecadet17 · 05-16-2022, 01:33 PM

I contacted Just Answer and got good advice that if my system is hydraulic it is probably a low fluid sensor issue.
My system is Equalizer Systems, which is hydraulic and after retrieving and reading their manual it states that it might be necessary to add fluid to the reservoir.
Prior to my next outing next month I will be checking the fluid level and adding Dextron ATF if needed
Thanks for all responses

Spacecadet17 · 05-16-2022, 01:39 PM

Related question:
The Equalizer Systems manual advises lubing the jack shafts regularly with a silicone based lubricant. However, my RV guru buddy tells me not to use silicone because it dries out the rubber seals. He uses WD-40. Any thoughts?

bonzocfi · 05-16-2022, 01:45 PM

Ask the manufacturer.

dizcom · 05-16-2022, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacecadet17

Related question:
The Equalizer Systems manual advises lubing the jack shafts regularly with a silicone based lubricant. However, my RV guru buddy tells me not to use silicone because it dries out the rubber seals. He uses WD-40. Any thoughts?

Your RV guru buddy has that backwards. Silicone lubricant is used to lubricate and preserve rubber. My manual also says to use silicone lubricant on my jack legs. Maybe he's using WD-40 silicone lubricant and doesn't realize it? Regular WD-40 won't hurt the rubber, but it isn't a lubricant.

Spacecadet17 · 05-16-2022, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizcom

Your RV guru buddy has that backwards. Silicone lubricant is used to lubricate and preserve rubber. My manual also says to use silicone lubricant on my jack legs. Maybe he's using WD-40 silicone lubricant and doesn't realize it? Regular WD-40 won't hurt the rubber, but it isn't a lubricant.

Thanks. I have the WD-40 silicone and will start using that. Appreciate your quick answer