HWH Jack issue

[DonB]

During our recent cross-country trip we had problems with our jack motor or pump that at this point is not precisely diagnosed, and I'm hoping someone has experienced similar issues.

When the motor is first started, either in automatic mode, or by manually extending a jack, it runs slow and appears to be laboring. It also osciallates somewhat in speed. It is drawing 60-70 amps at that point.

Generally, after it has run awhile, it will "kick-in" to high speed, drawing about 80 amps and will run fine to completion. Not uncommonly, but not always, it will do that after it has stopped and restarted, either manually, or because the low jack has completed and it is running the remainder down. Sometimes the speed never increases, and in those cases the run-time will usually expire before the jacks are all extended, and another run will be required.

Coincidentally, this behavior started the day after we passed through Moscow, IA

While over Randy's pit in Florida we ran the jacks several times while he checked for loose ground or hot wire, and nothing was detected. He tried calling HWH support, but did not get a callback.

Fluid levels are fine; I had checked, and Randy re-checked.

Towards the end of our trip the problem got worse. The new symptom was that the relays would kick, but the motor would not start. Repeated clicking of a manual lever would eventually result in the motor starting. It did this for three consecutive uses, then for the last two including when we arrived home it did operate on first switching. When the relays kicked and the motor failed to start, power draw was under 20 amps, around what would be expected for solenoids and valves - the motor was not apparently drawing any current.

What are your thoughts?

[Paul]

Don,

Wouldn't take this to the bank, but it sounds like bad brushes or bad motor.

[giderich]

Hi Don: I'd try speaking with a tech at HWH...nice folks. Last
summer on our trip home from Glacier NP & Ernie's Park County
Fairgrounds, HWH installed a new fitting in my RR leveling jack and
covered it under warrenty! I even explained that the leak was due to
operator error (me). The job took about 45 minutes and when I went
to pay for the fitting and labor, the office manager said, no, your
balance is 'zero' you are good to go! Good people and they know how
to deal with customers. Possible worn brushes,dirty commutator, worn bushings.
Maybe a starter/alternator shop can help?

Originally Posted by DonB

During our recent cross-country trip we had problems with our jack motor or pump that at this point is not precisely diagnosed, and I'm hoping someone has experienced similar issues.

When the motor is first started, either in automatic mode, or by manually extending a jack, it runs slow and appears to be laboring. It also osciallates somewhat in speed. It is drawing 60-70 amps at that point.

Generally, after it has run awhile, it will "kick-in" to high speed, drawing about 80 amps and will run fine to completion. Not uncommonly, but not always, it will do that after it has stopped and restarted, either manually, or because the low jack has completed and it is running the remainder down. Sometimes the speed never increases, and in those cases the run-time will usually expire before the jacks are all extended, and another run will be required.

Coincidentally, this behavior started the day after we passed through Moscow, IA

While over Randy's pit in Florida we ran the jacks several times while he checked for loose ground or hot wire, and nothing was detected. He tried calling HWH support, but did not get a callback.

Fluid levels are fine; I had checked, and Randy re-checked.

Towards the end of our trip the problem got worse. The new symptom was that the relays would kick, but the motor would not start. Repeated clicking of a manual lever would eventually result in the motor starting. It did this for three consecutive uses, then for the last two including when we arrived home it did operate on first switching. When the relays kicked and the motor failed to start, power draw was under 20 amps, around what would be expected for solenoids and valves - the motor was not apparently drawing any current.

What are your thoughts?

[BCRoamer]

There's just no way to tell you how great the folks at HWH are. 5 years ago, when our coach was 8 or 9 years old, we stopped in Moscow, IA with and issue. They completely rebuilt all 4 jacks, extra ground straps, the whole 10 yards. I tried to give the two guys $20 bucks to buy and beer, they turned me down, said they'd get fired if the "boss" found out. On top of that HWH bought lunch at the little cafe next door.

Get them on the phone they tech's are great and will walk you through any problem.

[Rob Robinson]

Originally Posted by BCRoamer

There's just no way to tell you how great the folks at HWH are. 5 years ago, when our coach was 8 or 9 years old, we stopped in Moscow, IA with and issue. They completely rebuilt all 4 jacks, extra ground straps, the whole 10 yards. I tried to give the two guys $20 bucks to buy and beer, they turned me down, said they'd get fired if the "boss" found out. On top of that HWH bought lunch at the little cafe next door.

Get them on the phone they tech's are great and will walk you through any problem.

Lance I couldn't agree with you more. HWH and The Fantastic Vent Company (Fantastic Fan) should get together. Their customer service in the RV world is second to none. We need more like them.

[NH Bill]

"Towards the end of our trip the problem got worse. The new symptom was that the relays would kick, but the motor would not start. Repeated clicking of a manual lever would eventually result in the motor starting. It did this for three consecutive uses, then for the last two including when we arrived home it did operate on first switching."

Hi Don,
While reading the above it reminded me of an intermittent problem I had this past spring with our jack system. It worked fine one day and next day nothing. I thought it was the pump that finally failed. I let it alone and then it worked again for a while. Then one day the same nothing. What I did notice when I engaged the levers, was I could hear a solenoid clicking mid coach.

Now, I understand you checked the ground with Randy. I did the same thing (but not with Randy) and assumed this was not the issue. Finally, out of frustration I decided to go after a possible bad connection again. This time, I went down under the step and used brake cleaner to get off any grime on all the components associated with and near the hydraulic system and then contact cleaner on all connections associated and wrench (9/16 I think) to loosen the parts and applied more contact cleaner and retightened all of it. Since then and about 2,000 miles all is fine. I realize your coach is newer, and your symptoms are more complex but FWIW I thought I would pass this on.

Bill

[DonB]

I did spend some time with an HWH tech today after quite awhile on hold. His first inclination is that it is, indeed, a voltage problem either ground or hot, or the pump solenoid itself. Next most likely would be the motor.

I'll do some more troubleshooting of the power side when/if we get some dry days here to work on it.

If it's the motor, hopefully it will turn out to be repairable. Otherwise it is necessary to replace the whole pump with a newer unit since motors for the old one are not available. He was somewhat surprised when he looked them up and the pump is $770 new or $529 for a rebuilt!

[White Hat Guy]

Few weeks back, my HWH jacks malfunctioned. Received an error message "Excess Slope" and the system would shut down. Contacted HWH and the tech suggested a bad pressure switch. I ordered one replaced it but still get the "Excess Slope" message and a shut down.

Full fluid level, no fluid leaks, no bad fuses visible, nothing broken that I can see and the system works fine on manual.

Any suggestions?

[gcyeaw]

Tommy,
I would think the level-sensing device is indicating the coach is too far out of level for the system to level it. I don't know the workings of your system, but it makes sense it needs a device to determine when it is level. So I would look for the device and check the connections. Perhaps the pressure switch is one of the inputs?

[yesmar]

I had HWH replace my front jack this past August and they charged me about $517.40, of which $70.00 was Labor. They charged me exactly the same for the jack as they did in 2007, however they did not give me any credit for the old one like they did last time.


Everyone was very nice and helpful.