Community Forums

Stuart W · 02-19-2018, 09:04 PM

I’m hooked up on a concrete slab that was not level to start, front wheels 1/4 inch off the ground and we are level. Over the past 3 days maybe once a day we have felt a thump, my wife thought someone hit us the first time it happened. Has anyone had something like this happen? My guess is the jacks have made slight shifts, level has not changed. Thanks Stuart

vsheetz · 02-19-2018, 09:54 PM

Sounds like maybe a jack is retracting a bit. Typically a line leak (usually at a connection joint) or solenoid leaking a bit. Mark the chromed cylinders with a marker and see if the mark location changes over time.

LK23 · 02-19-2018, 11:06 PM

We experienced the thump as well. It typically happened when parked on concrete pads and after sitting for a week, maybe two. It felt like it was coming from the rear jacks. I checked the level, even measuring the rear clearance from ground to body—nothing changed. After a year of full-time living in our 2017 Dutch Star 4369, it no longer occurs. I suspect it may have been air in the hydraulic lines that is now cleared.

Stuart W · 02-19-2018, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LK23

We experienced the thump as well. It typically happened when parked on concrete pads and after sitting for a week, maybe two. It felt like it was coming from the rear jacks. I checked the level, even measuring the rear clearance from ground to body—nothing changed. After a year of full-time living in our 2017 Dutch Star 4369, it no longer occurs. I suspect it may have been air in the hydraulic lines that is now cleared.

Thank you, I also think it’s from the rear. Air makes sense

nutcker · 02-19-2018, 11:56 PM

Mine does the same thing on concrete pads. After a couple days it stops, I think it is the levelers shifting and finding where they want to be. Maybe your RV is walking downhill.

Finance · 02-20-2018, 05:31 AM

Jacks leaking down ever so slightly.

NealC · 02-20-2018, 10:07 AM

I noticed you having to use a step stool at your stairs and wondered why. Is your auto level taking your wheels of the ground? It should NOT. Or are you manually leveling as auto-level could not get you level?

Wheels should never be off the ground.

Dutch Star Don · 02-20-2018, 10:11 AM

I only have the above happen, on occasion, when the front jacks are fully extended. I think when they're fully extended they want to creep a little.

Side Note: Occasionally, I get the excessive slope on really unlevel ground. When I do, I lower the lowest end of the coach manually a few inches and then the opposite end a few inches. I push "Auto Level" again and often can get the coach to level without excessive slope. Sometimes the lowest end of the coach over lifts before the higher end can reach level. The jack system is not smart enough to retract some after it has over extended.

Stuart W · 02-20-2018, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

I noticed you having to use a step stool at your stairs and wondered why. Is your auto level taking your wheels of the ground? It should NOT. Or are you manually leveling as auto-level could not get you level?

Wheels should never be off the ground.

The camp site was very unlevel , and that was the auto level. The rears just touched down. Wouldn’t be my first choice, this park has many sites this unlevel, won’t be going back. Just purchased the step, it sure came in handy. I should add all slide margins were even.

Stuart W · 02-20-2018, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

I only have the above happen, on occasion, when the front jacks are fully extended. I think when they're fully extended they want to creep a little.

Side Note: Occasionally, I get the excessive slope on really unlevel ground. When I do, I lower the lowest end of the coach manually a few inches and then the opposite end a few inches. I push "Auto Level" again and often can get the coach to level without excessive slope. Sometimes the lowest end of the coach over lifts before the higher end can reach level. The jack system is not smart enough to retract some after it has over extended.

Thanks Don, I believe they were close to fully extended.

Stuart W · 02-21-2018, 02:33 PM

I followed up with Newmar Customer support today, they are aware of this concern, and even have duplicated it on units there. Could be low fluid (need to have FWS in and All jacks up to check fluid level)if fluid is needed use Dexron 3 ATF, other then that they are not sure why it happens and are not concerned about it.
As for wheels off the ground, they said for safety reasons they prefer that tires are touching the ground, but went on to say that using jack pads help minimize the safety risk in the event of a hydraulic failure, As the jacks are less extended.