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Coach fell off HWH jacks

August 13, 2015, 04:35:13 pm

Well I had an issue when setting up on soft soil.  I was low to the rear on our site so I backed into my 2x8 blocks under the rear tires and placed blocks under the HWH jacks, and put the wheel chock in place. As I was leveling the soil gave way and the whole coach fell to the rear. All four jack sprung forward against its normal operation.  I immediately re-started the engine to gain back my air pressure and put the HWH system into the raised position.  One of the rear jacks was buried in the forward position. I dug it free and it retracted as normal but with the piston fully extended. I found no leaks, no cracks that I can see but I'm not going to use them this weekend and I'll mess with it when I return home on Sunday.

After searching the site I didn't find anything relating to this happening but it must have to someone....I'm looking for any advise or things to check if it's happened to you.

Thanks in advance....
Jeff

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #1 – August 13, 2015, 04:38:30 pm

I forgot my photo...

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #2 – August 13, 2015, 04:55:03 pm

Jeff, That has probably happened to everyone that has had jacks.  On my 85 ORED it happened more than once. Try cycling them to see if the piston will retract. And check to see that the spring is still attached.  I have seen them when the spring came off the foot and had to be put back on which is a real bear.  Probably no damage done if they now will operate normally.  Just check to see that nothing was bent or wires damaged and you will be OK.
Gary B

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #3 – August 13, 2015, 05:08:21 pm

Thanks Gary!  It was a real EYE opener when it fell! Scared the you know what out of the DW

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #4 – August 13, 2015, 10:12:20 pm

I was standing next to a coach when  it happened about 10 years ago.  It was a huge surprise.  Gary is right about checking to see if it works and if not to look at the springs and then the piston.

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #5 – August 13, 2015, 10:18:33 pm

I guess you know how to get the pistons back into cylinders. If not take off the front grille and you will see 4 solenoids. Undo the locking nut and turn the T screw c clockwise a few turns and they should retract back into cylinder. Once all is good turn that T screw back to original position and tighten nut. Doing this allows oil to be forced back to tank by those springs.
JohnH

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #6 – August 13, 2015, 10:23:10 pm

There is a simple fix, up front by the motor/pump is the valve body/manifold with 4 solenoids attached, located on the side of of the manifold there are 4 "T" handles that are the manual retract for the 4 jacks.  Using a empty bucket and wearing some type of safety glasses start cracking the T Handles, careful you get get a face full, the object here is to drain the pressure from all 4 jacks.  One of those will be the guy that's down.

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #7 – August 13, 2015, 11:28:01 pm

Freddie, I think that is what I just wrote before you, and no oil should come out of lines as it goes right to tank I seem to remember
JohnH

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #8 – August 14, 2015, 12:20:17 am

I have learned from several experiences with the jacks that it is important to carry a 20 ton bottle jack with you so that you can jack up the corner that has sunken into the ground and this will allow the jack to spring back into place.  It works very well and bottle jacks are not that expensive.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #9 – August 14, 2015, 09:28:40 am

Thanks John and Fredi....I will do that when I get home . Fritz that was my next step. The soil was soft enough to where I didn't need to get the bottle jack out

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #10 – August 14, 2015, 11:38:11 am

Quick question....I found the valves you guys talked about however I have three not four.  It appears that the fronts are linked into the middle valve.  I loosened up the drivers side valve and pushed on the piston and it won't move.  Should all valves have to be loosened?

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #11 – August 14, 2015, 11:38:55 am

Pic of the valves

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Re: Coach fell off HWH jacks

Reply #12 – August 16, 2015, 07:44:01 pm

Well, after we arrived home and I did some inspection and cleaning I cycled the HWH system.  Everything worked as it should for the most part.  I did have to put some manual pressure on the piston to get it fully compressed.  I'm sure it may have more to do with the 26 year old springs attached but hey it works!

Thanks again for your inputs!!

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