Community Forums

Geo19Irv · 08-25-2021, 06:44 PM

2003 w22, when I park it it is level, the next day the drivers side has dropped.
Is it a shock absorber hanging up and then slowly going down or something else ? Shocks, springs, everything looks ok.

Skip426 · 08-26-2021, 01:33 PM

Ok , yours is a strange one .

Shock absorbers ; most have a gas charge over the oil, that prevents the oil foaming on rough roads . But they don't pump up or support much weight , the springs support the chassis weight .
If the gas leaks out , the oil isn't far behind and oil around the shaft indicates the need for replacement .

That being said , have you ever taken note of how far you have to drive before the coach sits level ?
Are you only noticing this situation when parking in one particular spot ?
Have you done any , ground to frame measurements , when first parked , and compared them to measurements taken when the coach sits off level ?

Geo19Irv · 08-26-2021, 03:49 PM

When I leave a campground the unit is level. When I stop it is still level. However after a little time the drivers side goes down and I need to operate the HWH levers to straighten it out. It is not out of level a lot, looking at the front it is down about 5 degrees and I only need to apply a little pressure on the drivers side cylinders to have a bubble level return to level. It is straight and level when going down the road and when making short stops.
When I got to the last campground I check with my 36" carpenters level as I always do and the RV was sitting level without the need for blocks or leveler cylinders but the next morning it looked out of level and when I check it was down that little bit. So I lifted the drivers side just a little to level it out. (see attachment)
If it was a spring or shock it would always be down on the drivers side. I have inspected all of the suspension and shocks and nothing is leaking or bent or broken. I was hoping that someone else had experienced this and had an explanation. Thank you.

Skip426 · 08-26-2021, 05:18 PM

Ok , so it's a problem after the HWH levelers have been deployed and sat overnight .
So LF jack has a slight leak down ? Correct ?

Or am I still not understanding the issue ?

Geo19Irv · 08-27-2021, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Ok , so it's a problem after the HWH levelers have been deployed and sat overnight .
So LF jack has a slight leak down ? Correct ?

Or am I still not understanding the issue ?

-------------------------------------------
NO, it goes down BEFORE I use the levers, the HWH levers will lift it and they hold and do not leak. I have had the levers extended for as long as two weeks and they do not move. It would seem to be in the suspension, perhaps the wind shifts the weight to the side. Why it is level after a long ride and then tilt after several hours when stopped I do not have a clue, it is a total mystery.

Skip426 · 08-27-2021, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geo19Irv

-------------------------------------------
Why it is level after a long ride and then tilt after several hours when stopped I do not have a clue, it is a total mystery.

That's a mystery to me too .

Just to eliminate the shock absorber , maybe remove the LF shock , go for a very short drive , then park the RV , and see what happens.

edgray · 08-27-2021, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geo19Irv

-------------------------------------------
NO, it goes down BEFORE I use the levers, the HWH levers will lift it and they hold and do not leak. I have had the levers extended for as long as two weeks and they do not move. It would seem to be in the suspension, perhaps the wind shifts the weight to the side. Why it is level after a long ride and then tilt after several hours when stopped I do not have a clue, it is a total mystery.

I agree this is a strange situation. I doubt the shock is capable of keeping the coach from "sagging" when parked.
I'm wondering if this MAY be caused by a "weak" leaf spring that loses some of it's strength after it has a chance to cool down after losing some travel-induced heat. I realize that the springs don't get really hot while in use, even on bumpy roads, but heat loss is about the only thing I can think off.
Please let us know if you ever solve your mystery

RetiredBob · 08-27-2021, 01:47 PM

Just a wild guess, but is it possible that, without the levelers down, the slideout on that side is causing the chassis to lean?

dieselclacker · 08-28-2021, 09:55 AM

Low tire air pressure on left front?

Geo19Irv · 08-28-2021, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredBob

Just a wild guess, but is it possible that, without the levelers down, the slideout on that side is causing the chassis to lean?

------------------------------------------
I will check that out, sounds like it could be it.

Geo19Irv · 09-05-2021, 01:59 PM

Retired Bob you had the answer. When I park in a level paved lot the RV is level so I think I do not need to lower the levers and I can run out the slides, However, the weight of the slides on the drivers side cause the RV to tilt on that side. I will need to lower the levelers before I put the slides out.
SO thank you Bob you had the answer.