Leveling Jacks with Hydraulic Steps

[righellis]

Question:

We are at a site where the passenger side of the site is slightly higher. I started to level using the jacks and when the air dump occurred the steps were getting close the ground fast, so I stopped.

When air leveling if the extended hydraulic steps touch the ground Auto Level will stop. Then I manually level. Is the same true using the hydraulic leveling jacks? Can't find anything that says either way.

[Ray,IN]

I've never heard of hydraulic entry steps, Once the air spring dump valve is electrically opened it cannot be stopped midway, the electrical signal to close the dump valve comes from using the store button, how did you accomplish that?
I'm trying to understand your post.

[tom chelbana]

Only LA, Essex and Newmar KA have these steps. We just came from HWH in Moscow IO. to have our 18 LA steps repaired. There are a couple post in the last week that have gone over what one needs to know on the 3 step. Never let the step rest on the ground and then lower jacks. The step isn't built to take that kind of weight. A couple of things we have learned on our LA. Try to step in the middle of the bottom step because over time that rail will crack because all the weight is on that corner. Have had problems at fuel stops that have rounded curbs and the step comes out and contacts the rounded curb which doesn't stop the step and it gets twisted. On our coach there is a black button by the passengers seat that when step is coming out and you want it to stop you much the button. Are's doesn't stop the step. Numerous owners have had problems with them. we just had 2K at HWH repairing them. Be careful when ever are going out and when raising and lower the coach.
Newmar Man

[righellis]

Originally Posted by tom chelbana

Only LA, Essex and Newmar KA have these steps. We just came from HWH in Moscow IO. to have our 18 LA steps repaired. There are a couple post in the last week that have gone over what one needs to know on the 3 step. Never let the step rest on the ground and then lower jacks. The step isn't built to take that kind of weight. A couple of things we have learned on our LA. Try to step in the middle of the bottom step because over time that rail will crack because all the weight is on that corner. Have had problems at fuel stops that have rounded curbs and the step comes out and contacts the rounded curb which doesn't stop the step and it gets twisted. On our coach there is a black button by the passengers seat that when step is coming out and you want it to stop you much the button. Are's doesn't stop the step. Numerous owners have had problems with them. we just had 2K at HWH repairing them. Be careful when ever are going out and when raising and lower the coach.
Newmar Man

What you say is correct and luckily I already have been told all of it. When we fuel, we don't open the door if the steps look like they are going to hit the pump island. Looks like you are confirming that the steps sensors do not feed back to the jacks. Which means the sensors only tell the steps to stop when they are extending and hit something.

Only disagreement is the black button is a sensor override if the steps stop for no reason. Press the button and the steps will extend. We had an issue just the other day when the steps would not extend for no apparent reason. Did this about three times in 30 minutes while we were at a dealership having something else done. The night before the steps had been lightly pressed into the asphalt. I raised the coach and thought no more of it. The next day steps would not extend as mentioned above. Fourth time they operated just fine and have been ok since then. Fingers crossed.

I called Newmar today to order spare sensors. The curb sensor is $75, the shin sensor is $350. Just wanted them on hand in case. Did not buy them. If they fail, I will let my extended warranty pay for them.

BOTTOMLINE, it appears that the user has to really be aware of obstacles to keep the steps from failing.

I will look for those other threads but if you can link them it would be appreaciated.

[Rev. Roy]

Were you trying to level with the steps extended? I always level with the steps stored to avoid accidentally damaging them. Our steps have the automatic stop when they hit an object and I'm sure yours will too, but that doesn't work if they are already out when your coach lowers. I have on my checklist for setting up and tearing down to make sure steps are in prior to raising and lowering the jacks. It's just a good practice.

[righellis]

Originally Posted by Rev. Roy

Were you trying to level with the steps extended? I always level with the steps stored to avoid accidentally damaging them. Our steps have the automatic stop when they hit an object and I'm sure yours will too, but that doesn't work if they are already out when your coach lowers. I have on my checklist for setting up and tearing down to make sure steps are in prior to raising and lowering the jacks. It's just a good practice.

You're right, I need to make sure the steps are retracted before leveling.