Community Forums

1ragah1 · 01-24-2013, 01:20 PM

A couple of days ago, I was leveling my 2007 Holiday Rambler Endeavor PDQ40. I have a 3 jack HWH automatic leveling system with a touch control panel located on left driver arm rest. I can level either manually or automatically. Per instructions for manually extending the jacks (I have done it many times), I lowered the front jack first until it made contact w the ground. I then extended both rear jacks until they were on the ground. I then leveled the coach side to side with the rear jacks. I then started raising the front jack to level front to back when I heard a slight pop from the left rear jack with an immediate collapse of that jack. I went out and looked to see what had happened. The jack was up about an inch from the wooden pad under the jack (we were on sand) and their was a small amount of fluid collected in the jack foot. I then went into the coach to retract all jacks knowing I had some type of a problem (blown seal?). As I started retracting, the front jack began "hopping " down and I could tell it was "grinding." More fluid began coming from the front jack. I had a local rv repairman come out who informed me I had cut grooves into the front jack clinder and it needed to be replaced. He sort of said get me a new jack and I can put it back together for you. I have a call in to HWH to see if they have the parts, how much costs per part, and what would the delivery time be to Palm Springs area of CA. I have not heard back from them. Has anyone had a blown jack situation like this before and can provide some insight into the realities of my situation, recommendations for course of action, etc.? Thanks.

Somewhat Desperate in the Sand

chuckftboy · 01-24-2013, 06:40 PM

I replaced a HWH jack on a Newmar I owned. If I remenber corectly it was a little less than $400.00 with shipping. Problem was, It took 5 weeks to get it.

Peterd503 · 01-25-2013, 04:47 AM

I had problems with my jacks and went to hydraulic/machine shop. They rebuilt all 4(including machining new plungers) for less than the manufacturer wanted for one rebuilt one.

michelb · 01-25-2013, 06:32 AM

One of my HWH jacks will go down and raise the coach but it will slowly creep back up (it probably takes about 2-3 hours for it to retract fully). Any idea what I need to fix on it? I was thinking of going hydraulic / machine shop as well to see if they could fix it at a better price.

jettyjock · 01-25-2013, 06:36 AM

Michelb it sounds like the solinoid valve is leaking back.

mikelm48 · 01-25-2013, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michelb

One of my HWH jacks will go down and raise the coach but it will slowly creep back up (it probably takes about 2-3 hours for it to retract fully). Any idea what I need to fix on it? I was thinking of going hydraulic / machine shop as well to see if they could fix it at a better price.

Have you cleaned the jack leg? I have used both auto trans fluid and WD40, makes a big difference. Also, check your springs. The jacks are retracted by the springs.

ga traveler · 01-25-2013, 08:23 AM

If there is no fluid on the jack or hyd. hose, Your solenoid is leaking fluid back into the reservoir. Remember rule #1. For the jack to retract, the fluid must go somewhere. If a jack problem, the fluid will be all over the jack. If a hose problem, Fluid will be all over the hose. If a solenoid problem, no fluid will be seen because it is leaking back into the reservoir. (HWH school day 1)

jrchep · 01-25-2013, 07:24 PM

Change the solenoid for that jack. If you want try switching with another to test. They are mounted on the control box. HWH has an online manual you can download and it tells you which one operates what jack.

michelb · 01-28-2013, 05:12 AM

Thanks for all the information. I suspect that you are correct on the leak. There's nothing on the jack / leg or at the hydraulic pump / valves but when we left on the last day, I noticed that there was a fluid leak from something at that back and it does look like hydraulic fluid. The problem is that I can't tell where it's from - on our mh (03 Phaeton), the whole underside is 'closed in' so you don't see any of the hoses / cables / etc - I'll have to figure out how to remove that so that I can see where the leak is from.

Maybe it's just a leaking fitting somewhere and an easy fix !!!

jailbird201 · 07-23-2013, 03:13 PM

I have 2000 Coachmen Mirada with HWH straight acting jacks. Right rear will go down but will not retract. Any solutions would be greatly appreciated. Have tried CRC lube on jack.

right

GaryKD · 07-23-2013, 03:38 PM

Hi jailbird201,
Take a look at the jack springs. Is the spring coil straight all the way to where the end hook starts or does it tape around the last 5 turns? If the spring is straight, consider replacing the springs.

The next step is to replace the jack. Prior to around 2008 the lower seal on HWH jacks can collapse onto the piston, over time. There is no fix except to rebuild or replace the jack.

"007" · 07-23-2013, 03:40 PM

Welcome to irv2.
If you open the T valve for that jack, HWH spec should tell you which one, the springs may pull up jack.
Try lifting with a 2x4 under jack pad if its hard to lift and slips and stops the seals on piston maybe binding and jack will need replacement.
If you cannot lift than a 8 ton jack lifting chassis and dropping jack pad on blocks and stacking as you go will get jack up to drive coach.
I am now changing one on passenger front jack, now costs $400 got jack in three days..

bluegrasser · 07-24-2013, 12:38 AM

1ragah1: I would attempt to determine the cause of the fluid leak first. If the leak is at the bottom of the jacks its probably the seals in the jacks, and the jacks will need to be replaced/repaired. If the top of the jack is wet, then I would check the hose fittings, and snug them up if they are loose. You should also check the fluid level in the reservoir. If there is not enough fluid the jack piston will stop extending and possibly bounce around. Check the fluid level with the jacks retracted. The cap on the reservoir has a dip-stick built into it so you can determine the level. Since you definitely have a leak, its likely you are low on fluid. Add HWH fluid or substitute Dexron II or III if you can't locate HWH fluid.