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Topic: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this? (Read 1080 times) previous topic - next topic

HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

While on a rough stretch of Hwy 59 in Texas, I hit a hard series of bumps and promply felt the right side of the coach sag.  I had to go another 100 yards before I could pull over and by that time I had very hot tires.  The right side rear was resting on the tires, with the air bags fully deflated.  At first I thought I had blown both air bags, but inspection indicated no blow outs.  I put the HWH system in manual and was able to re-inflate the air bags.  The coach air system held at 110 psi through out this adventure.  As soon as the system went back to "travel" mode, the right rear air bags deflated again.
I ended up having to jack the coach and install blocks in the suspension to move the coach.  This worked well, and I was able to limp the 70 miles home.  Not pleasant, but doable.
Has any one seen this problem before?  I'm thinking I have blown a seal in the six pack.  Any thoughts?
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #1 –
Kemahjohn,
Sounds like the leveling valve for that side has failed .

Bob
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #2 –
Yea, I agree. Sounds like the right rear travel solenoid. I had the same problem a couple of years ago. There is a procedure that will allow you to drive without blocking up your suspension. Locate the HWH control box which is probably hanging from the ceiling or the side of a compartment. Pull off the cover. Identify the Travel fuse. Level the coach manually with the HWH panel. Then pull that Travel fuse. The coach will stay at the proper height indefinitely. I drove a couple thousand miles like this with no issue. These photos are from a 95 300 and yours will likely be very similar.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #3 –
Jor, thanks for the info. I will need to find mine for just in case.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #4 –
Many thanks for the input!
I thought there was a way to do a "drive around" without jacking and blocking, but when you are 3 feet from 75 mph semi's is not the time to research it! 😆. So, I just used the blocks I had with me and kept trucking.  I'll know next time, thanks for the info.  I will order a leveling valve from Foretravel tomorrow, nice to have a spare anyway, just in case.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #5 –
There are a bunch of threads on the forum illustrating how to rebuild the solenoids. Also, beamalarm.com has good information on the emergency procedure and the rebuilding the solenoids. Good luck.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #6 –
Check the rod on the valve to see if it is still connected to the valve.
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: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #7 –
Just read this article a week ago while researching HWH Active Air.  It sounds exactly like your issue and the thread gives you the fix for it.
HWH Active Air - final answer! - iRV2 Forums

Good luck and hope it helped,
Oscar
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #8 –
Would be nice to know the end of the story for all of us that might have these issues in the future.
Pretty scary having this happen on the road I would imagine.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #9 –
We need to remember that 2 different things are being talked about, travel solenoid and the leveling valve (or ride height valve) which they do 2 different functions. So it will be nice to have your follow up as to what you have found.

It sounds more like the ride height valve has either failed or the linkage has broken, bent, come loose. You have one(ride height valve)  on each side of the rear axle.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #10 –
I had a similar problem on the drivers side. Problem was the travel solenoid failed. Replaced the solenoid and all is good now. (Luckily I was in NAC when this happened and Keith Reich at MOT came in on a Saturday and got me fixed in a couple of hours.)

Steve
Steve & Sandy
2003 U320 4220 WCDS, build#6160
Motorcade #17794
USMC '67-'71

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: SteveB –
I had a similar problem on the drivers side. Problem was the travel solenoid failed. Replaced the solenoid and all is good now. (Luckily is was in NAC when this happened and Keith Reich at MOT came in on a Saturday and got me fixed in a couple of hours.)

Steve
Me too, same thing, D/S travel solenoid. Electric part of the solenoid failed, before I could get stopped, it cracked the pass windshield top to bottom.
I carry spare solenoids. The electric part is easy to diagnose and replace, without blocking the coach up
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #12 –
I had the plastic part on the linkage break while pulling onto the pad in a Las Vegas RV Resort for a two month stay.  Order and replace linkage.  My spare parts box just got a little bigger.
Tom and Linda
1995 U280SE #4636

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #13 –
Well here is an update on my coach.  Not fixed yet, but some progress.
I changed the travel height valve, it was definately bad, parts falling off etc., but it did not solve the problem.  I believe it will be the right rear soleniod, but I have not had time to get back to it yet.  Deer season is here!  I'm going to try to get back on this problem next week.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #14 –
Just checking to make sure that the ride height valve was indexed to the proper orientation prior to hooking up the linkage. Some don't know that there is a center match mark that can be rotated 180 out.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #15 –
Could you share the spare part number/where to purchase spare part?

Thanks,
Glen
Glen & Suzie
1998 U320 36'
Build #5366
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
2015 ATC Aluminum 20' Trailer
Previous 1996 U295 40'
Motorcade #17546
Stephenville, TX

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #16 –
1. Yes, the ride height valve was properly indexed before installation.  Fortunately, it came with instructions.
The old one fell apart when I removed it.  I think it was damaged when the air bags suddenly deflated.  Linkage was intact.
2. I bought my parts from Foretravel.  It might cost a little more, but they have them in stock and no worries about exact fit etc.
They also have the HWH soleniods in stock.  Motor homes of Texas has the soleniods as well.  Always have all your coach build info ready when you call— absolutely essential.

When in doubt, always go to Foretravel for parts first.  Billy Jack in the parts department there has forgotten more about Foretravel parts than most people will ever know.  They ship very quickly, usually same day.  Ordering is quick and hassel free.
Yes, you will pay a little more than "internet specials" that someone says "may" fit, but to me it is worth it.  One, if I support Foretravel, they will be there to support my "older" coach, and two, I have never had to send a part back because it didn't fit.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280
 

Re: HWH issue, 1996 U320. Anyone else seen this?

Reply #17 –
I get my HWH solenoids here. Cheap and fast. Even had them shipped to Yuma when there.
They say out of stock, but they have them all the time. Just call them, they are super friendly and helpful.
They carry all the other HWH parts

http://www.nwrvsupply.com/product/RAP1940.html
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348