Community Forums

Ranchero64 · 03-18-2025, 04:40 AM

We've been looking at motorhomes for over a year now and have 1 in our sights now. A 2005 Tiffin phaeton 40qdh. It has a jacks down warning light issue on the HWH leveling system right now and we're being told whatever part it is is no longer in production. This will be our 1st RV/MH so everything is foreign especially the leveling system.

bentjm · 03-18-2025, 07:57 AM

Being told by who?

The basic HWH system has not really changed much since 2005.

d23haynes57 · 03-18-2025, 08:11 AM

Why are you looking so old for a first RV? What, skills, tools, resources do you have for maintenance and upgrades? What is your financial level for risk? You're looking for a bargain. After you get it home if the engine fails how will you respond to a $40K plus repair. Do you normally drive and support a 20-year-old car/truck?
Do you know how you plan to use and what equipment levels you will need or want.
Go make some RV friends and join them while at campgrounds for lunch, dinner. Ask lots of questions. Get familiar with various models. Is there a particular reason you are looking at the Tiffin? Considering other brands, model, options? There are a lot of choices for those years.

SafariBen · 03-18-2025, 12:51 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xElhTNS_xn8

And watch his other RV videos.

MemByTheMile · 03-18-2025, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranchero64

We've been looking at motorhomes for over a year now and have 1 in our sights now. A 2005 Tiffin phaeton 40qdh. It has a jacks down warning light issue on the HWH leveling system right now and we're being told whatever part it is is no longer in production. This will be our 1st RV/MH so everything is foreign especially the leveling system.

I would call HWH to confirm what could be done to rectify this. Having this alarm to confirm the jacks are fully retracted is a very good safety feature in my opinion. I would not want to lose this functionality.

We have visited the HWH facility once to have them look over an issue we were having with one of the HWH systems. They were very good to work with and they ended up not charging us anything as they said, "we didn't fix anything, so we won't charge you, everything is working within system tolerances."

I would recommend that you call HWH about this issue to get their perspective on this.

Ranchero64 · 03-19-2025, 04:02 AM

Thanks for the rapid responses. So my background and skills is in mechanics and I was an amusement ride inspector for 10 yrs. That being said I'm the 1st to say I don't know everything so that's the reason why I'm here asking for other experiences, ideas and opinions. Our hearts aren't set on a Tiffin. We happened upon it and it's in awesome shape both mechanically and cosmetically. We're actually waiting on HWH to return our call.

Jzack · 03-19-2025, 04:22 AM

It could just be low on fluid if the HWH system uses a sensor in the fluid tank to trigger the warning light. If so, you might want to inspect for leaks.

Ranchero64 · 03-19-2025, 05:40 AM

Thanks

Props2 · 03-19-2025, 06:01 AM

It could be something as simple as the jack not being fully seated in the up position. A 1 inch drop from the full up on the cylinder will throw that alarm. Did anyone try to force up on the jack foot? For the age of the rig, it could be worn return springs. Even if its the sensor, I cant believe they cant find the replacement. HWH uses a lot of common parts.