Community Forums

Bob55 · 05-28-2015, 08:20 PM

Today we needed to move our new (to us) 2002 Southwind from in front of the house to secure storage for the time being. The coach seemed a little low in the passenger front, and when the level jacks were lifted up for travel the jack pad under the RF jack was full of hydraulic fluid. Certainly not a good sign, I'm sure!

Is this an indication of potential problems with all four of the jacks, or just something that occasionally happens individually? Thankfully we did purchase a warranty so the repair/replacement cost should be covered.

Doggy Daddy · 05-30-2015, 01:04 PM

Do not accept a rebuild! They are not as reliable as a brand new replacement. I learned the hard way.

98FPA · 05-30-2015, 04:51 PM

Bob55, yeah that's certainly what you do not want but unfortunately hydraulic seals leak eventually. When I bought our MH a couple of years ago I had the same problem but both of my rear cylinders started leaking. My jacks are made by Power Gear but yours may be different. I was able to get mine cylinders off (didn't have any warranty) and took them to our local hydraulic shop. They put new seals in both and they said that the cylinder rods and pistons looked good. It cost me around a $120.00 each. Basically if there isn't anything wrong with the cylinder, being rebuilt is going to be okay. Most hydraulic cylinders are hardly ever replaced unless the rod is bent or something else more serious. Since you purchased the warranty you may come out okay.

A couple of months after my cylinders were re-sealed my hydraulic hoses started leaking, a bigger and more costly expense. I would not worry about your hoses unless they look weather checked; I'd think you should be good for a quite a few more years.

Keep us posted on your out come.

Bob55 · 06-18-2015, 08:18 PM

Dealership called today, both front jacks are leaking and rears are good. There are no rebuild kits or rebuilt units available, but new replacement jacks are still available from Fleetwood!

Due to the replacement cost, the warranty folks couldn't authorize the repair over the phone, but will have a rep on site for confirmation no later than Monday.

More to follow after that visit.....

Bob55 · 06-28-2015, 08:53 PM

Talked with the warranty folks on Friday, they wanted confirmation from me that the jacks leaking were not a preexisting condition (sounds like health insurance but that's another topic). Talked with two very personable reps, explained our short history with the coach to the second rep that was an adjuster, and his final comment was: "I can easily approve the repairs under warranty, it was a sudden failure, no problem." No issues, I didn't feel like I was on a witness stand, just them doing due diligence since we've only owned the coach for two months. I can't really fault them for that.

Bob55 · 07-14-2015, 09:32 PM

Latest update, good news!

Dealership called today, new jacks received from Fleetwood, installed, tested, and the coach is ready for pickup.....

Aftermarket warranty paid for all but the shipping, it's going to cost me $107 and change total, I think it was a good trade off for two new front leveling jacks installed! We pick the coach up Thursday......

SarahW · 07-15-2015, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob55

Latest update, good news!

Dealership called today, new jacks received from Fleetwood, installed, tested, and the coach is ready for pickup.....

Aftermarket warranty paid for all but the shipping, it's going to cost me $107 and change total, I think it was a good trade off for two new front leveling jacks installed! We pick the coach up Thursday......

Great news! Glad it worked out well for you.

F4Gary · 07-15-2015, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob55

Latest update, good news!

Dealership called today, new jacks received from Fleetwood, installed, tested, and the coach is ready for pickup.....

Aftermarket warranty paid for all but the shipping, it's going to cost me $107 and change total, I think it was a good trade off for two new front leveling jacks installed! We pick the coach up Thursday......

Which aftermarket warranty?

Bob55 · 07-15-2015, 08:45 PM

I believe it's Warrantech Automotive, out of Bedford, Tx. At least that's the website I have saved, but will pull the paperwork out of the coach tomorrow when we get it home and confirm.

Bob55 · 07-16-2015, 06:18 PM

Okay, paperwork says it's "RV Complete" motorized coverage, with the administrator and obligor/provider being Warrantech Automotive out of Bedford, TX. $100 deductible and the "technology package".....

Good? Bad? Others experiences?