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Topic: How to tilt my coach? (Read 781 times) previous topic - next topic

How to tilt my coach?

I want to tilt my coach to one side so I may check for water and sediment IN THE FUEL TANK and more easily siphon out any if found.  I've read somewhere here that this is accomplished by using the manual controls on the HWH air-bag leveling system.  I seem to remember that this involves pulling a fuse somewhere to prevent the air bags from going back to level.

Would I be able to tilt the coach by using the HWH to raise one side a few inches, then stick a spacer block in place to keep it tilted?  At present there is about 7.5" between the rails.  I'd like to cut 4 spacer blocks about 10" long, raise one side enough to slip the blocks in place, then let the coach settle onto the blocks.  That should give me a tilt of about 2.5" and force any sediment to one side.  When all is done I should be able to raise that side and remove the blocks easily, and be back to normal.

Will this work without causing any adverse effects such as twisting the chassis, popping a windshield, etc.?

Edited to add the information that it is the fuel tank I'll be checking.  I would need to have it tilted for maybe a few hours.


Glen
Glen Kenney
Colmesneil, Tx
Former owner of
1997 40' U320
Build # 5099

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #1 –
If your just flushing water go on the side of a road and pull off to get the tilt flush and go.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #2 –
On our 99 U270 I crank the engine on, hit the level system button once, and push the up button on the side I want higher. The parking brake has to be set and the level system on. This held for the fifteen minutes it took to flush the black tank and empty the grey.
Hope this helped.
Len
Len and Deb Speiser
1999 U270 36'
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus!--Ken Kesey
If you're lucky enough to live in a bus, you're lucky enough!

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #3 –
To answer your question about twisting the chassis, no worries there.  The HWH system is purposely designed to prevent that situation.  The air bags only operate in pairs (of corners), so you cannot twist the frame by manually raising or lowering front, rear or either side.

Adding to what Len said, I think most of the HWH systems will indefinitely hold whatever stance you desire.  With engine running, transmission in neutral, parking brake on, turn on HWH, raise the desired side, while still holding the "UP" arrow shut down the engine, then turn HWH off.  (If you need even more tilt, first lower one side, then raise the other side.)  The coach should sit with one side up as long as you want.  Unless you are going to crawl under the coach, no need to use the safety stands.  When you are done, just turn ignition key to "ON" (HWH panel off) and the coach will return to normal ride height.

At least that's how our coach works.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #4 –
Glen,  You can manually control leveling or tilting anytime.  No fuses to pull.  We do this all the time to fine-tune our coach level after or before automatic HWH operation.

On our coach, with engine running or ignition off, on HWH panel, press OFF, press Level-Air ONCE, press any of the 4 arrows one at a time to raise or lower a side or coach side, then press OFF to hold that level as long as you want.  If it does not hold, there are air leaks.

To tilt to one side, just lower one side and or raise the other side.  This will not stress coach if the ground is relatively level.



Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #5 –
If you need the entry step lower you can turn off the motor.  Turn on the hwh panel.  dump the air completely then push the auto level.

That way the compressor fills the air bags and you are leveling from the down height
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #6 –
Sorry it too me so long to respond.  I'm now back to the coach where I can accomplish the task.  I guess I was confused about having to pull the fuse.  The difference is that this time the coach is parked, in neutral, with the brake set.  I guess under those conditions it is not necessary to pull the fuse.

Now I am in the coach trying to get the HWH operating, and the AIR OPERATION indicator light is not working.  The only light on the board is the TRAVEL light, which is green.  Brakes are set, transmission in neutral, air pressure at 110 psig, but the keypad is not responding to any inputs.  I'd start looking for a fuse but the TRAVEL light is on, so the keypad has power.

This will be fun, they said.  :)

Glen
Glen Kenney
Colmesneil, Tx
Former owner of
1997 40' U320
Build # 5099

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #7 –
Do you have your Foretravel binders there?I have a yellow laminated troubleshooting guide that is pretty good.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: John44 –
Do you have your Foretravel binders there?I have a yellow laminated troubleshooting guide that is pretty good.

Yes, that was my first stop.  Then I went to the detailed instruction manual, but they both assume that the HWH panel, lights, and buttons are operating correctly.  I guess I'll look for plug-ins or other electrical connections.

Glen
Glen Kenney
Colmesneil, Tx
Former owner of
1997 40' U320
Build # 5099

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #9 –
Glen,
    I have a spare panel in my coach, you are welcome to use.....It is not new, but does work, replaced for cosmetic reasons...Coach is at FOT, you are welcome to it if it will help.  Good news is coach is at FOT....It is an easy change out.

John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: J. E. Smith Sr. –
Glen,
    I have a spare panel in my coach, you are welcome to use.....It is not new, but does work, replaced for cosmetic reasons...Coach is at FOT, you are welcome to it if it will help.  Good news is coach is at FOT....It is an easy change out.

John

John, that is an amazingly generous offer!  I just now e-mailed HWH telling them the issue, and I fully expect them to tell me that the keypad has gone bad.  I am only about 80 miles from FOT and would love to take you up on that offer.  How can I get hold of you and I'll make a quick motorcycle ride to FOT?

Thanks a bunch,
Glen
Glen Kenney
Colmesneil, Tx
Former owner of
1997 40' U320
Build # 5099

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #11 –
You cancontact me at seven 13-nine07-four311....and let me know, I will contact Braxton and he will get the part.

John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #12 –
Glen, turn the key off, press the level button one time,the red light should come on,press the down arrow on the side you want to lower, you should hear the air exhaust, press the up arrow and you should hear the compressor come on.
Hope this helps
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #13 –
Have you checked the plug on the back of the HWH push button control pad?
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #14 –
The multi pin plug on the back side of my HWH panel works loose every couple of years.
Also, check the battery on/off switch in the stairwell.
Wyatt
96 U320 40 WTFE, build 4943
84 Toyota Supra towd
2015 Jeep Wrangler towd
Victoria, BC, Canada

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #15 –
Quote from: P. Wyatt Sabourin –
The multi pin plug on the back side of my HWH panel works loose every couple of years.
Also, check the battery on/off switch in the stairwell.

The salesman switch?  When I get back to the coach this evening ready to install the new keypad that John so graciously donated I have a horrible feeling that I am about to find another self-inflicted wound.  :-[

Glen
Glen Kenney
Colmesneil, Tx
Former owner of
1997 40' U320
Build # 5099

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #16 –
All this time it was the "salesman switch", the 12 volt disconnect by the entry steps.  This switch was turned off and I didn't think to check it.  I went to the coach this afternoon, flipped the switch to on, and the HWH pad was once again operating.  Another self-inflicted wound with egg on my face, but I'm getting used to it. 

I really appreciate John's offer of his spare HWH pad.  That was a very generous offer, and is one of the reasons I like this forum so much.  John, I'll go back to Foretravel next Monday or Tuesday and return the HWH pad.

I tilted the coach and tried to find and siphon some water  I could not find any water, so maybe I got away with letting the coach sit with a low fuel tank level.

Thanks again for all the help and information.

Glen
Glen Kenney
Colmesneil, Tx
Former owner of
1997 40' U320
Build # 5099
 

Re: How to tilt my coach?

Reply #17 –
Well, at least it was a cheap and easy fix!
And you probably learned more about your coach!
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'