Help with leveling...any idea what's going on?

[4tfamily]

Lately, after we get our coach all level, within a minute the back driver's side indicates off-level on the panel. It doesn't seem to happen when we're on pavers or if we start out level. It's very obviously not level, too, because you can feel that end of the coach is down.

I've tried extending the two opposite side slides first, but it really seems like it's happening before I even put out the slides.

Could the jack be slipping? I've been pulling in the slides and re-leveling, to no avail, but I wonder if I can re-level with the slides out.

They are self-leveling hydraulic jacks on a 2008 Fleetwood Excursion 40X

Thank you!

[gruelens]

Have two people .... one to operate jack controls, the other to observe the hydraulic ram to see if it is retracting on its own.

[RV Wizard]

If the jack solenoid valve is not seating the flow of fluid, the pressure of the fluid from the weight of the coach will bleed back into the reservoir and the coach looses the level position. Make sure all solenoid valves are manually closed. If you still have an issue then you will need to have the corresponding valve replaced.

[4tfamily]

This coach was originally equipped with electric jacks which were at some point (before we purchased) replaced with hydraulic. I only have the literature for the electric jacks and we're not exactly mechanically inclined. Is it obvious where the solenoid valve is?

Also, Wizard, I see you're in Chattanooga. We are in Nashville at the moment, and will be heading to Chattanooga within the week. Do you have a shop? Are you mobile? If we need help, are you available?

Another question: It is obviously more off level with the jacks down at this point. Would it be better to leave them up, or is that an absolute no-no with slides? The panel showed it was a little low in the back before I leveled.

Thank you.

[wyorancher]

Do you know what brand of hydraulic jacks? You may be able to get the manual on the internet.

My hydraulic jacks were just leaking fluid and would not stay level. Once all the leaks were gone they work OK. The manual for my LSI jacks was removed from my MH before purchase. I went to LSI web site and was able to down load the complete manual.

[mikeh2obury]

manufacturers recommend leveling before extending slides. Try that next time and see if it works better.


93 Southwind
2001 Saturn SC2 toad

[4tfamily]

Originally Posted by mikeh2obury

manufacturers recommend leveling before extending slides. Try that next time and see if it works better.


93 Southwind
2001 Saturn SC2 toad

Yes. We've been leveling before extending slides, but it goes off-level even before we can get the slides out. At this particular CG, we were more level without the jacks. I was wondering if we should pull them up until we can figure it out. The last time we were on a pavered site, which was level before jacks, it stayed level.

[dennis45]

Are you sure all four jacks are down? I have the Left rear that takes longer than the Left Front and if I don't make sure it is down before levelling, it will go off level just as you describe. Mine are HWH Hydraulic but are not Auto Level.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by 4tfamily

Yes. We've been leveling before extending slides, but it goes off-level even before we can get the slides out.

4tfamily
Some (most?) hydraulic leveling systems have "manual retract valves", (on my RVA jack system they are on the hydraulic reservoir).

If a speck of dirt gets into one of the valves, (or if a valve is loose), the corresponding jack will leak down, (aka: will not hold the coach level).

Often the cure is either:
1.) Manually open and close the valves to clean them.
OR
2.) Tighten the valves.

Mel
'96 Safari

[Belgian]

You mention you are ok when on pavers...do you get out of level on dirt? If so maybe the ground is compacting under your MH and putting you out of level.

["007"]

You have not said what jack system you have other than hydraulic.
Here is a link to HWH Systems select you MFG and corresponding system.
Make sure you have a full reservoir tank with all jacks retracted.
As said if a solenoid T valve is not closed fully the fluid from that jack will flow back to tank.
If your RV pad is not level do not use AUTO level lower jacks manually using your jack pad.
Its best to level one side at a time with front and rear jacks same chassis rail raised to level using the yellow indicator light. These instructions for HWH Systems.
Once the light moves to other side than lower the front and rear jacks until the yellow light goes off.

[wyorancher]

Originally Posted by mikeh2obury

manufacturers recommend leveling before extending slides. Try that next time and see if it works better.

93 Southwind
2001 Saturn SC2 toad

Maybe for your MH but not all MHs. Depends on the manufacture. RVers need to check their own manual for proper procedure. My manual specifically indicates that the slide mechanism can be damaged if operated after jacks are deployed.

[Dutch Star Don]

"4tfamily".......The pump for your jacks is about the size of a football and has multiple hydraulic hoses running to it. It is probably located to one side or the other of your generator. Generally, on top of the pump/tank, there should be four, again generally, "T" handle valves. These valves are there to release the fluid in the jacks in case there is a pump failure. Sometimes these valves become loose and allow fluid to flow back into the pump and the jack retracts.

You can check these valves by firmly turning them clockwise, but don't force them. They have needle valves on the end that can be ruined.

If this doesn't resolve your problem, you may want to have it professionally checked since you say you're not handy.

[RV Wizard]

Originally Posted by 4tfamily

This coach was originally equipped with electric jacks which were at some point (before we purchased) replaced with hydraulic. I only have the literature for the electric jacks and we're not exactly mechanically inclined. Is it obvious where the solenoid valve is?

Also, Wizard, I see you're in Chattanooga. We are in Nashville at the moment, and will be heading to Chattanooga within the week. Do you have a shop? Are you mobile? If we need help, are you available?

Another question: It is obviously more off level with the jacks down at this point. Would it be better to leave them up, or is that an absolute no-no with slides? The panel showed it was a little low in the back before I leveled.

Thank you.

I sent you a private message.