Community Forums

1Teacher43 · 06-26-2022, 06:00 PM

We have purchased a 2001 Nation Dolphin 5532, every thing is working great, except the hydraulic levelers. WE have no problem getting then to go down. Sometimes they will retract and sometimes not. we can let it set for a few hours then they might retract. We have even tried the manual mode, by putting it in drive, but nothing happens. Any help is appreciated!!

Thank you,

MrMark52 · 06-26-2022, 06:46 PM

It sounds like they might be low on fluid.

It would help if you would tell us what brand of leveler system you have, and depending on the brand, if it’s a single pump system or a pump for each corner.

1Teacher43 · 06-26-2022, 09:25 PM

I think it is a HWH, but it does not have a toggle switch.

1Teacher43 · 06-26-2022, 09:53 PM

It is actually a power gear. Power Gear® - Manual Leveling Control Kit with circle pattern

mike9999 · 06-27-2022, 10:43 AM

We have had a 2001 Dolphin 5352 with powergear since 2009.

When you say they won't retract do you mean they don' t move at all or they move very slow and then don't retract all the way? I've never had the problem that they don't move all all but sometimes(especially in the cold) it they will retract very slowly and I may have to activate them several times to get them fully retracted.

The powergear levelers only use the pump to extend the cylinders. Retraction is a strictly the weight of the coach and the springs that push the fluid back in the tank.

Things I would check.

-Clean the shiny part of extended cylinders with silicon spray to reduce drag.
-Make sure all the springs are properly attached. (be careful they are powerfull springs)
-Check all the hoses if you can get under the coach and make sure there are no leaks or kinks.
-Low fluid level should NOT affect retraction but on a 21 year old coach it might be worth changing the fluid as dirty fluid might cause a problem. I would look at this after all other options considered as I think you have to pull the hoses to properly drain the system and that will be messy and time consuming.
-It could be an intermittent problem with the controls or wiring. I had a problem where everything quit once and found the wiring plug near the pump wasn't making good contact. Cleaned it and it worked.
-When it doesn't work have you tried turning the leveler control off and back on. I've had several times when it wouldn't retract all the way. Just turn off/on and it would work then.

These are just some things I would try.
Good luck

1Teacher43 · 06-27-2022, 09:04 PM

Would a bad battery cause issues?

ccxnola · 07-05-2022, 03:52 PM

Battery would not have anything to do with jack retraction. Previous suggestions re cleaning cylinder, replace dirty fluid, etc. are good. After that the remaining culprit could be weak springs. If you can wait for them to slowly retract or speed it up with a board and fulcrum then I am guessing that it is the springs - but it’s rare to happen on more than one at a time. The hydraulic pump is used only to extend the jacks - retraction is by release of the hydraulic pressure then using the weight of the coach and the retraction springs.

jphillips06 · 07-05-2022, 04:56 PM

I had the same problems with mine. I sent the controller to Dinosaur Electronics in Lincoln Or. Joe is very knowledgeable about power gear controls.

Kasey · 07-05-2022, 10:14 PM

I’ve had my 04 Dolphin for 10 years! The other day I was replacing my shocks and in the process just happened to find a grease fitting on the side of my Jack!! WTH? Never knew it was there but it sure made a difference with retraction!

Whaler2 · 07-06-2022, 08:45 AM

Some do have grease zerks but do not over do with grease. Clean rams with silicone spray. Clean connections with contact cleaner. Make sure nothing is pinching hoses cutting off oil return which is not under high pressure. Check tank vent to ensure air can bleed off as tank fills with oil from jacks. Use a heavy duty tarp strap attached to spring and frame if you have weak springs Be careful doing this. If one jack won't return to stowed position use a 2x4 to pry it up in a emergency or all else fails.

Gunshot · 07-06-2022, 09:17 AM

I had a problem with one Jack staying down. Previous owner used a board to assist in retraction. I found a grease fitting on the backside of the Jack, cleaned the cylinder and sprayed with silicone and now works good as new.