Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Zach on January 08, 2024, 06:38:32 pm

Title: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: Zach on January 08, 2024, 06:38:32 pm
HWH 600 series.

The coach will go into travel mode just fine and will deflate bags appropriately. I cannot get the right rear bag to inflate though.

What I have checked so far using the manual. All fuses in the box are good. There is power at the plug right rear raise pin in the box. There is power within the plug that goes to the 6 pack (I checked across the two wires, power/ground, in the harness).

I do not know how to check the solenoid, nor do I know if it may be stuck closed. Would a replacement be in my near future? A rebuild? Is this a common issue or am I just lucky?
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: Zach on January 08, 2024, 07:09:13 pm
Upon Elliott's advice, I switched the plugs in the rear. It does appear to be a bad solenoid, so I'll be needing a new one.
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on January 08, 2024, 08:45:01 pm
Upon Elliott's advice, I switched the plugs in the rear. It does appear to be a bad solenoid, so I'll be needing a new one.
If you need a new valve, your least expensive option is to buy a HWH 6-pack rebuild kit from Tom McCloud.  Each kit has the parts necessary to rebuild 6 solenoid valves.
Contact Tom directly via email (tom@newellgurus.com).  Tell him what you need and he will advise you of his current inventory and price.
When you get the kit rebuild the malfunctioning valve to like-new specs:

Brand New Replica HWH Plungers (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=27598.msg226560#msg226560)

Or, you can buy a complete new solenoid valve assembly.  Check prices at FOT, MOT, NWRV and HWH.
Any one of the first 3 sources will probably be quicker and less expensive than buying direct from HWH.

Replacement HWH Air Solenoid RAP1940 - Northwest RV Supply (https://www.nwrvsupply.com/product/replacement-hwh-air-solenoid-rap1940-in-stock-today/)

HWH® Corporation (https://server51.hwhcorp.com/?page_id=135)
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: red tractor on January 08, 2024, 09:35:42 pm
You probably only need to replace the coil on the solenoid. If you unplug the solenoid and then use jumper wires to put 12 volts to the solenoid and see if it clicks. If it doesn't then the coil is bad. The solenoid doesn't have to be replaced to replace the coil. Several years ago someone on the forum had a part number for a coil that would work. Also you can probably get a coil from HWH.
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on January 08, 2024, 10:33:20 pm
Several years ago someone on the forum had a part number for a coil that would work.
That would be Chris (Reply #21 linked below):

HWH system not going to travel mode (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=41565.msg446922#msg446922)
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: bbeane on January 08, 2024, 10:49:21 pm
You may also try northwest rv supply, they stock a lot of HWH parts. Likely much quicker than trying to Purchase from HWH. I also have a generic coil on one of my valves, 12V 1/2" ID I think. Search Amazon for 12 volt solenoid valve coil 1/2" stem .
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: Elliott on January 09, 2024, 09:37:44 am
FWIW, ordering parts from HWH isn't completely miserable if you know the part number. The gals in the front office can handle it and they're typically very responsive.

I just sent in some hydraulic actuators for my kickdown levelers for a rebuild and purchased a new one and it was a pretty reasonable experience, unlike trying to get remote tech support/trouble shooting.

Love that folks are finding alternatives though... $160/solenoid or $1600 for a new manifold with 6 solenoids is what I paid a couple years ago. Ow.
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: Zach on January 09, 2024, 10:50:35 am
You may also try northwest rv supply, they stock a lot of HWH parts. Likely much quicker than trying to Purchase from HWH. I also have a generic coil on one of my valves, 12V 1/2" ID I think. Search Amazon for 12 volt solenoid valve coil 1/2" stem .

This is what I ended up doing. Delivery should occur on Thursday.

I heard no clicks from the solenoid when the wife was pushing the raise button. I'll likely take the coil out today and try jumping it with the battery to see if anything happens.
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: Zach on January 10, 2024, 05:52:36 pm
Quick update. I replaced the coil on the Raise solenoid and all is working again. Easy and cheap fix, $12 for the coil rather than $160 for a new solenoid.

The part
Amazon.com: Notonparts 6302012 New 12V 1/2 inch Hole Solenoid Valve Coil... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098J7QBHX)

The metal casing that serves as the washer does not fit over this coil as it is too tall. I improvised.
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: Lon and Cheryl on January 10, 2024, 07:57:50 pm
Just ordered one for a spare,thanks!

I would be curious as to how you modified the metal casing to fit.
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: Zach on January 11, 2024, 10:40:04 am
Just ordered one for a spare,thanks!

I would be curious as to how you modified the metal casing to fit.

I didn't modify the casing. Just ended up placing washers. I do have some thin sheet metal. I could just make a new one. 🤔
Title: Re: Right rear bags won't inflate in Level Mode.
Post by: red tractor on January 12, 2024, 08:05:14 pm
There is no need for a metal cover. The new HWH coils don't have a metal cover.