Community Forums

pdq_bc · 10-20-2011, 08:38 AM

need to check a theory...

We have an itasca suncruiser 35P and when purchased, we had installed a washer/dryer combo unit. As you know, the washing machine can have significant action/vibration during the various cycles.

Most recently, the rear driver's side jack is leaking. This is the second time for some fluid to leak; first was perhaps in June and just a bit of fluid – and at that time, cleaned in off the jack and no further leaking. Most recenty, there has been more fluid – and again cleaned it off the day before yesterday and then yesterday there some more fluid (not a lot).

note; this same jack was replaced last year (under warranty) due to leaking

so i am wondering....
- with the action/vibration of the washing machine – can this affect the jack / causing the leaking?
- can the action/vibration of the washing machine damage the jack?

as always, thank you for the help – it is appreciated
regards, pdq

njs42 · 10-20-2011, 08:50 AM

Not impossible I suppose but it seems very unlikely---if the W/D were having an effect would it not effect all or at least other jacks as well? Our W/D vibrates at a 6.9 on the richter and my jacks are just fine and have been for ten years.

If the jack is leaking say through a seal---I suppose the vibration could encourage the leaking but not be a cause. This is opinion, of course your wondering got me to thinking---not always a precurser to anything profound--but thats my two cents for you to ponder.

I think you are due another warranty jack replacement.

GaryKD · 10-20-2011, 07:35 PM

Hi pdq_bc,
I do not feel your washing machine has anything to do with your leaking jack. Like njs42 mentioned, it is not impossible, but unlikely. I've been using the combo unit for years with no jack problems.

pdq_bc · 10-20-2011, 07:41 PM

glad i asked...
for i was wondering and then though that folks here could assist
THANKS
pdq

Shore2Shore · 10-21-2011, 02:19 PM

As the others have said its not totally impossible for the wd action to cause issues with the jacks, just highly unlikely. More to do with just age of the units in general and quality of seals etc.

The original fridgidaire laundry center wd in our '87 rig still works and that thing definitely shakes rattles and rolls!!! The rig follows but as yet no issues with the jacks at all, that's with no cycling of the levelling jacks for a long while.

ottffss · 10-21-2011, 02:43 PM

I'll go out on a limb here. Washing machine spin-cycle "action" directly causing a jack leak or other jack anomaly (other than contributing to a loose wire)? Basically impossible. I know, never say never but consider....

One way to look at this is simply by driving down the highway (which is hours and hours of cumulative intense vibration time) induces far more vibration (and acts directly on the frame where the jacks are mounted) than the washing machine spin cycle for a couple minutes here and there acting through the floor and thus indirectly on the frame.

EDALLSAILS · 10-21-2011, 04:13 PM

Vibrations drive me nutZ! When we installed our combo washer/dryer I was ready to take it out after my wife did a few loads. I measured, aligned, leveled all to no acceptable results. Finally I went to an Industrial distribtor and purchased some 1/2 inch black rubber gasket materia scraps will dol. I cut 4 pieces into 1 inch circles and put one piece under each foot of the machine. Vibrations are still there but they don't vibration thru the entire RV anymore. You can see the machine vibratioons but the vibrations don't pass thru to the RV. By the way if you speak real nice the rubber distributor just may give you a couple peices of scrap material. Be sure to get something like Neoprene rubber. Don't get red rubber as it won't last. good luck, ed

ottffss · 10-21-2011, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDALLSAILS

.... Industrial distribtor and purchased some 1/2 inch black rubber gasket materia scraps will dol. I cut 4 pieces into 1 inch circles and put one piece under each foot of the machine. .....

What an excellent idea. Thanks...

pdq_bc · 10-21-2011, 07:22 PM

thanks everyone!

as for using "1/2 inch black rubber gasket materia scraps" - someone suggested using a bike tire tube - which they found was the best solution
(just sharing their suggestion)

regards, pdq

Gary RVRoamer · 10-26-2011, 06:16 PM

A bike tire tube probably isn't thick enough to reduce the vibration of a 200# washer/dryer. You would need that 1/2" thick material to cushion it much.