Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: George Kuhn on October 25, 2010, 02:01:25 am

Title: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: George Kuhn on October 25, 2010, 02:01:25 am
The last two times I have driven my coach (two days ago and about two weeks ago) it won't adjust to travel height initially.  One or two of the yellow lights will be on indicating an out of level condition.  The air tanks are fully pressurized however.  By raising the coach manually I can drive a short distance before the alarm will sound again with the same problem.  After I manually raise the coach 5-10 times the problem stops and the coach operates normally.  Also, It is not the same yellow lights that are on each time - there doesn't seem to be a pattern.  So where do I start?  I have seen similar posts referring to solenoids mounted in the front and rear on the chassis and a level adjustment box inside.  It doesn't seem like an air leak as the tanks fill normally.  I have also listened although with the motor running I can't distinguish what I am hearing.
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: Dave Katsuki on October 25, 2010, 02:59:43 am
Since you still have the level lights on, it sounds to me like the HWH system may not be getting the signal that you're in drive mode (when it should turn off all the level lights, and just have the green "Travel"  light on.  None of the level lights should be on with ignition on unless the trans is in neutral.  Does either the Travel light or the yellow warning light (and beeping) come on when you turn the ignition on?

I would start by gently unplugging and replugging the connector from the rear of the level control panel.  On mine, and I suspect yours too, it's at the end of a flat grey cable about 3/8" wide that you can see when you lift the console cover.  Good to spray some contact cleaner on those contacts before replugging, too.  If that doesn't do it, maybe time to do the same thing with the control box in the bay.  On ours, it's an aluminum box in the center bay (we have a 36' U270, but I'm not sure where it would be in yours if a longer coach. 

If none of this helps, it's time to follow the HWH diagnostic steps in the repair manual.
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: George Kuhn on October 25, 2010, 04:24:43 pm
Thanks Dave, will get working on this
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 25, 2010, 04:48:00 pm
George,
Following up on Dave's suggestion, the HWH aluminum box is located as in the picture below:
 
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: George Kuhn on October 26, 2010, 03:27:18 pm
Thanks Peter. Have a call in to HWH tech support and downloaded the repair manual. Now just need to find time to get busy.
Title: HWH Leveling Manuals
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on October 27, 2010, 03:17:52 am
While researching for a minor HWH problem I found that their site has manuals for all the FT systems.  I may be the last one  on earth to know this. :-X

http://www.hwhcorp.com/foretravel3.html (http://www.hwhcorp.com/foretravel3.html)
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: kinger65 on October 28, 2010, 11:33:38 pm
I purchased a consignment 2000 40' U320 at the factory last week and had a problem the second day out.  It wouldn't fully level initially, and then when I finally got that done, I couldn't get the slide to fully move out.  I called the Foretravel hot line and learned that even if the system is as little as 1 to 1-1/2 cups low on fluid it can keep the system from functioning properly.  We added about 12 ounces, and the system has worked great since then.  1-1/2 cups doesn't sound like much - but I'm now a believer!
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on October 29, 2010, 08:51:39 am
Welcome abroad Kinger.... I know you will find this group helpful.  I believe that you know George B in GA, he was telling me about your slide and it would be a real coincidence if there were two of you.
Gary B
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 29, 2010, 09:49:05 am
I purchased a consignment 2000 40' U320 at the factory last week and had a problem the second day out.  It wouldn't fully level initially, and then when I finally got that done, I couldn't get the slide to fully move out.  I called the Foretravel hot line and learned that even if the system is as little as 1 to 1-1/2 cups low on fluid it can keep the system from functioning properly.  We added about 12 ounces, and the system has worked great since then.  1-1/2 cups doesn't sound like much - but I'm now a believer!
Makes me wonder about the 1,000,000 point insection & fluid check performed, eh?
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: George Stoltz on October 29, 2010, 09:56:31 am
Welcome to the Forum, Kinger.

Where did you add the fluid?  Inquiring minds like to know this stuff.
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: kinger65 on October 31, 2010, 05:37:35 am
The fill spot is in the bay with the hydraulic pump, up high, part of the hydraulic system, and this filler plug had to be removed with a wrench.  Its difficult but doable to service from a 1 quart container, but I've adapted a trick I used year's ago when I was racing sports cars, and added a trigger activated pump type oil can with a flexible spout filled with fluid for the hydraulic system to my ever growing "box" of fluids.
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: kinger65 on October 31, 2010, 05:40:21 am
Gary B - that would be me . George and I flew Huns together in the 1960s and have been friends oh these many years.  He's been a Foretravel owner ( on his second one) for years and was instrumental in my finally "seeing the light".
Title: Re: HWH Level System Alarm
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on October 31, 2010, 07:59:21 am
Dan, Always glad to have a new FT owner on board, look forward to laying an eyeball on you in the future, easy going group here  always willing to help out with problems great and small. A good sense of humor will fix a lot of things.
Gary B