Leveling jack trouble

JamieC · 08-30-2021, 04:57 PM

Hi, I’m new to owning an RV. I just recently bought a low mileage 04 Adventurer 35U. I had it out a couple of times at this point and the only trouble I’ve had is with one jack returning to traveling position. It happens to be the front driver side jack. It came up once without issue, but twice it has stuck in the down position. The only way to raise it when it sticks is to select the button that raises the jacks and the use something to help assist the jack upward. Like a pry-bar…. Any suggestions? Are these supposed to be greased or anything?

dkoldman · 08-30-2021, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieC

Hi, I’m new to owning an RV. I just recently bought a low mileage 04 Adventurer 35U. I had it out a couple of times at this point and the only trouble I’ve had is with one jack returning to traveling position. It happens to be the front driver side jack. It came up once without issue, but twice it has stuck in the down position. The only way to raise it when it sticks is to select the button that raises the jacks and the use something to help assist the jack upward. Like a pry-bar…. Any suggestions? Are these supposed to be greased or anything?

When my RV was new and during the PDI; the mechanic sprayed some lubricant on the shafts of mine while they were down. I think he had a Spray Silicone, but he told me not to worry about unless I was in a really dusty type situation.

I would check the hydraulics to ensure no leaks and plenty of fluid, but my moneys says you have already checked that.

May be a good time to learn how the manual override works as a contingency?

Good luck,

Wyatt · 08-30-2021, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkoldman

When my RV was new and during the PDI; the mechanic sprayed some lubricant on the shafts of mine while they were down. I think he had a Spray Silicone, but he told me not to worry about unless I was in a really dusty type situation.

My Lippert manuals says to spray with silicone, which I do religiously, probably far more than I need, but especially when staying the salty coast…

emiddleb · 08-30-2021, 09:12 PM

You have an HWH jack system which uses the hydraulic pump to push the jacks down, but springs on the jacks to raise them. As some have said, a light coating/wipe of silicon spray will help.

If the problem persists, you may have to replace the springs on the jack. HWH systems of your vintage did have a problem with weak springs that were fixed in later years by a stronger spring design. I had to have mine replaced years back for the same issue.

dkoldman · 08-30-2021, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyatt

“ When my RV was new and during the PDI; the mechanic sprayed some lubricant on the shafts of mine while they were down. I think he had a Spray Silicon, but he told me not to worry about unless I was in a really dusty type situation.”

My Lippert manuals says to spray with silicone, which I do religiously, probably far more than I need, but especially when staying the salty coast…

I think I will spray mine once a year, maybe when I change oil as part of maintenance.

be happy · 08-31-2021, 03:58 AM

On my 07 Meridian I have a rear jack that likes to lag behind the other three. About every other time I will spray with a silicone base spray, that takes care of the problem.

I am sure the springs are getting weaker as the years go by, but have not read anywhere if replacing them is a diy project or not. So the spray will be the key for now.

Good Luck safe travels

JamieC · 08-31-2021, 05:41 AM

Thanks everyone for the responses. I will try the silicone lubricant suggestion.

**creativepart** · 08-31-2021, 06:41 AM

The jacks each have grease zerks at the top seal. I make sure mine are greased at each chassis lube. I have never sprayed the piston on mine, perhaps I should at some point.

**creativepart** · 08-31-2021, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by be happy

I am sure the springs are getting weaker as the years go by, but have not read anywhere if replacing them is a diy project or not.

Actually this process is documented on the internet. With the jacks extended you place wooden clothes pins on the rungs of the spring. Then retract the jack leaving the clothes pins to keep the spring expanded.

Here’s a post on IRV2, this guy used wooded blocks, but I’ve seen others with clothes pins.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f104/rep...-a-480616.html

cef2lion · 08-31-2021, 09:25 AM

Read up on how to manually open your solenoids at the HWH manifold. The older solenoids you use the end of the HWH reservoir dip stick to open them up. Its keyed. The newer solenoids have a flip lever. With the pressure released you can then assist the jack up. I had two jacks that were very stubborn getting up even with the valve open. I had to pry under them to work them up.

If your jacks are having a retract issue do not leave the system on for long periods of time. You will burn up the solenoids. I did that. The solenoids burned out and there fuses on the main board blew.

I replaced all my springs with the newer style. I used two tire irons and eased the foot off the bottom of the jack. Installed the new springs and worked the foot back on with the tire irons. Got very good at it and had all the springs changed in less then an hour.

I bought 4 new solenoids. Ended up replacing both passenger side jacks. The system now works as expected.