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Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Bob Fryer on September 15, 2018, 11:46:55 am

Title: Hard Working Hydraulics Model AP-4190 - Scrape or Resell Part
Post by: Bob Fryer on September 15, 2018, 11:46:55 am
Hi all,

I'm in the process of scheduling a BigFoot Leveling System installation for my 1986 Grand Villa. 

The current system, model AP-4190, is in need of a major overhaul on both hydraulics and power; currently it want operate.  From my closeup inspection it's ovious that many different mechanics have made many efforts to fix problems over the years, some good some not so good.

My questions...
1. Would it be better to resell the parts or send them to the junkyard? 
2. Bigfoot leveling systems have a good reputation, has anyone had a BigFoot system installed?  Any feedback?

Thanks Bob
Model: 3600 ORED
Truck Maker: Oshkosh
Truck Model: V-917-2
Engine: 3208-T-250
Title: Re: Hard Working Hydraulics Model AP-4190 - Scrape or Resell Part
Post by: folivier on September 15, 2018, 11:54:09 am
Looking at your pictures I would suspect the wiring first.  Is the pump getting power?  That should help you determine if the pump, etc.  is worth spending any money on.
Title: Re: Hard Working Hydraulics Model AP-4190 - Scrape or Resell Part
Post by: John44 on September 15, 2018, 12:07:15 pm
See you are in Loveland,any way you could get the coach to HWH in Iowa and have them evaluate it.Not sure on your coach but
are the air bags and leveling 2 different systems?
Title: Re: Hard Working Hydraulics Model AP-4190 - Scrape or Resell Part
Post by: Johnstons on September 15, 2018, 12:26:01 pm
We had a 36' Ored almost like yours except with a 300 3208.  That leveling system is great if it is operational.    I doubt any replacement would be an improvement.  I'd second the suggestion to take it to HWH and see what it needs.  They love making the systems they designed work well.  Their rates are reasonable and if it hasn't changed they don't charge for the time they spend diagnosing the issue.  They've got a nice big lot with some hookup and when the weather was terrible they left us parked inside the shop that night. 
Title: Re: Hard Working Hydraulics Model AP-4190 - Scrape or Resell Part
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 15, 2018, 12:33:04 pm
I never knew what "HWH" stood for, but I don't think it is "Hard Working Hydraulics".  See question #2 on this page:

https://www.hwhcorp.com/ml20673aafaq.html
Title: Re: Hard Working Hydraulics Model AP-4190 - Scrape or Resell Part
Post by: Protech Racing on September 15, 2018, 01:16:05 pm
I had to face mill my pump rotors to get enough pressure. Check the pump output before you commit to fixing the current unit   
 Of the pump works  well it seems as tho it can be fixed fairly easy. 
Yours looks closer to the ground when stowed then mine does. Is your bus on the 235/80 tires?
Title: Re: Hard Working Hydraulics Model AP-4190 - Scrape or Resell Part
Post by: Bob Fryer on September 15, 2018, 05:03:31 pm
Great feedback!

A little more info... the 1986 computer board is damaged, the ribbon (aka wiring harness) to the computer chip is cracked and has some burning.  The manual controls only worked for the front jacks.  Has what seems to be a leak near the pump.

The leveling system is totally independent of the air bag suspension.

Thanks for the feedback... still looking for someone who's ever had a BigFoot System.

Bob
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