Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

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Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

August 01, 2015, 01:57:11 pm

I am in Ft Collins, CO having left Laramie this morning.
Coming across Wy on eastbound I80 I worried a little about what felt like a right lean and the coach wanting to veer some what to the left. I had also checked temps on all tires with the IR gun and the left front temp was 20 degrees higher.

I checked the front steer tire pressures after a day at the campground and they were both right on.

This morning I had trouble getting the coach to go into 'Travel' mode. The bell would ring but as I circled the campground (got to chuckle at the sight) it got more infrequent as we hit more bumps. I unplugged and plugged in the HWH panel and after another circle all appeared to be well.

I still have to keep the wheel down to the right.
Stopped at rest stop and right front tire temp is 35 degrees high.
The coach stayed in Travel mode on the trip.

This is Saturday noon so I am not sure where to go to get looked at.

Suggestions?
Elliott bray
five 1 two-six 3 two-22seven five
thanks

Edited to make title more descriptive. --- John

Re: Think I have a problem

Reply #1 – August 01, 2015, 02:02:18 pm

I'm sure an actual expert will be here soon. My take is to check the travel height of each wheel And check the wheel alignment, but only with the coach at the correct height.

Re: Think I have a problem

Reply #2 – August 01, 2015, 02:17:37 pm

Sounds like maybe there is a different amount of pressure on the front axle air springs side to side. One wheel would be carrying more weight and thus get warmer? Could also cause steering veer. Sounds like it switched sides during the trip.
I would look for a place that works on HWH systems. Maybe just a clogged valve. Just guessing as to where to start.

Re: Think I have a problem

Reply #3 – August 01, 2015, 02:29:11 pm

Elliot, try this shop[, closed on Sat/Sun tho.

TRANSWEST TRUCK TRAILER RV OF GREELEY

PARTS HOURS:

Mon - Fri:8:00AM - 5:00PM MTSat and Sun:Closed
PHONE:970-353-0731FAX:970-353-1702
LOCATION:2132 4th Avenue
Greeley, CO
80631 United States

Gary B

Re: Think I have a problem

Reply #4 – August 01, 2015, 02:32:53 pm

Elliot, Here is a mobile repair service.

DM RV Mobile Repair
and another one

On Road Service - Home - loveland, CO

Gary B

I talked with Elliot. He tells me that his RF hub is about 45 degrees warmer than the LF. I suggested that he remove the hub cap and check the lubricant level. In addition I found the above repair services in that are on the web. Hope he has a good outcome.

Gary B

Re: Think I have a problem

Reply #5 – August 01, 2015, 02:50:26 pm

Elliot,

Have you been able to get a temp reading on the RF rotor? It could be a sticking caliper or hung brake pad. That can cause both the pulling and heat also.

After rereading your first post it seems like it is pulling the opposite direction as that he hot side wheel. If so then most likely not a brake problem.

When you are in travel mode does all the air bags seem to be at proper height? Especially the left rear.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #6 – August 01, 2015, 04:08:28 pm

I talked with Elliot again.
He checked the lube level in the hub and it was fine.
He also checked for extreme heat on the caliper and the hub and he could lay his hand on both.
His final destination for the day was about 100 miles away, he is going to head out and check the temp on hubs carefully.
The only thing I can think of it that the caliper hung up for a short period causing the higher temps on the right side.
Brakes and pins had been serviced not too long ago.
He also checked and the coach is not leaning.
I think he will be fine.
Gary B

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #7 – August 01, 2015, 04:40:15 pm

Elliot,
The closest Transwest location to you is Transwest Truck Trailer RV of Frederick. Their service department is open on Saturday.
They sell and service all sizes of RVs.

Hours Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 9-6, Sun Closed

Phone 303-684-3450
4001 Commerce Dr, Frederick, CO 80504

Transwest.com Their web site has a map

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #8 – August 01, 2015, 05:42:42 pm

I think for now I am ok.
Part of the problem is either a faulty tire gauge or a deficient tire gauge driver.

The right front tire had cooled off nicely before I drove the 100 miles to Strasburg. It was back up when I stopped.
The KOA staff member thought it looked low and so did I (even though MY gauge said otherwise the night before).
His gauge showed I was 25#s low. I'll get a better gauge.

I guess the out of balance due to different heights could throw the HWH off enough to cause a fault in the level system/travel mode.

@Monti I called Transwest but they were booked till sometime next week., Thanks for what looked like the best call.

The KOA folks let me book their remaining spot for tomorrow just in case and will let me cancel with no charge if we don't need to stay over.
Good folks

I certainly thank all the thoughts and suggestions.
I'll let you know how it goes.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #9 – August 01, 2015, 06:00:20 pm

Elliot,

If the tire was truly that low with the combination of heat and distance & possible loading, I would consider having that tire checked at a reputable tire dealer.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #10 – August 01, 2015, 06:03:36 pm

Quote from: Pamela & Mike – August 01, 2015, 06:00:20 pm

If the tire was truly that low with the combination of heat and distance & possible loading, I would consider having that tire checked at a reputable tire dealer.

+1

Particularly given Tim's recent blowout issue and cost to repair.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #11 – August 01, 2015, 10:00:55 pm

Elliot, leaning coach syndrome turned out to be caused by a bad rear 6 pack solenoid for me. .Replacing the defective solenoid along with disassembling, cleaning and replacement of 3 o rings on each of other five solenoids solved the lean and cured some persistent leakdowns.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #12 – August 02, 2015, 12:27:59 pm

Yes, I would look at the 6 pack valve. I had a lean on one side going down the road. Took to a repair guy and they took it off and cleaned it and reinstalled. Fixed. Said there was some sort of trash in the line. Don't know where that came from?? No farther issues.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #13 – August 02, 2015, 12:50:13 pm

Dan,

I would suggest following up to determine exactly what had contaminated the air system. Was it desiccant? Important to know so you know whether the problem is solved (root cause) or just the current symptom.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #14 – August 02, 2015, 02:17:31 pm

It's best to have your tire gauge checked regularly against a calibrated standard. Quality gauge manufacturers will usually check yours free of charge if you send it to them. If you ever drop a gauge it is best to immediately replace it or get it tested.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #15 – August 02, 2015, 10:35:37 pm

Well, I thought I was in the (relative) clear.
Aired up and checked the night before we left. Checked pressures agsin in the morning.

Got new gauge at NAPA just before hitting road.

However, the coach still pulled to the left and the right tire heated up again.
I am just outside Lamar, CO and will take her to one of three tire places tomorrow.

At this point I am reconciled to replacing one tire. I hate to buy two when the second is 4 years old but it is close to time.
Will see what responses/assistance I get tomorrow.

I certainly don't want to drive down the road with one tire 35 degrees hotter than the other.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #16 – August 02, 2015, 10:40:45 pm

Elliott,

You need for them to determine WHY that tire is running that much hotter. The tire itself is very likely to NOT be the cause unless seriously under-inflated.

Brakes and bearings are a LOT more likely to cause overheating than the tire itself.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #17 – August 03, 2015, 01:38:59 am

I suppose you could have the front tires swapped side to side and see if the problem swaps sides or stays. If it swaps, the tire is at fault.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #18 – August 04, 2015, 06:13:52 pm

Elliott,
Did you get this resolved?
I still think that maybe the air bags are not inflated equally on each side of the front axle like they should be when in travel mode.
I would try a thump test on the air bags on each side of the coach to see if they at least feel like they are at the same pressure - check all four. On the 6 pack manifold there should be two valves that open when the coach is put in travel mode (one for each side) - maybe one of them is not opening and it just keeps the same pressure it had when leveling?

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #19 – August 05, 2015, 08:47:51 am

@JohnFitz
I will do your test but I it goes into travel mode ok now - I say ok because occasionally it will burp initially and 'ring the bell'.

@Brett
I had the right tire off to be inspected and potentially at a big shop in Lamar CO immediately after driving for 30 miles.
Both the brake assembly and the hub (and everything else in that area were at ambient according to my IR gun.
The tire temp was elevated.

The shop dismounted the tire and did what looked like a thorough inspection, proclaimed it ok and remounted. Their alignment bay was full but they called ahead and sent me up the road a mile of so to another shop.
Their determination was that the right wheel was out but wouldn't have the parts till the next day and couldn't work on it till Thursday or Friday (maybe).
According to both shops I was good to go on at the expense of a little rubber off the tire.
I didn't quite like the answers but it will be resolved.

I have an appointment in Lubbock tomorrow for probably replacements and alignment, The steer tires are 4 years old so I don't feel too bad about replacing the good steer and I'm tired of the worry.

And I'm coming back to triple digits too!!!
thanks

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #20 – August 05, 2015, 10:48:10 am

Elliott, when you are in travel mode your ride height is ( or should be) controlled by the ride height valves In the coach air system. With that said have you checked your ride height in travel mode on a level surface?

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #21 – August 05, 2015, 01:03:08 pm

Quote from: bbeane – August 05, 2015, 10:48:10 am

Elliott, when you are in travel mode your ride height is ( or should be) controlled by the ride height valves In the coach air system. With that said have you checked your ride height in travel mode on a level surface?

Ride height is an important factor in wheel alignment. Make sure the shop is aware if this.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #22 – August 05, 2015, 06:31:03 pm

Elliott as Tom said alignment is affected by ride height. Unless you have recently hit something real hard with the front wheels the front end shouldn't be all of a sudden be out of alignment enough to ware a tire. The ride height is easy to check, just do a search here on the forum for the proper specs and how to set it. You will not be able to get the exact but they should be within 1/4 of an inch.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #23 – August 06, 2015, 09:34:07 am

While in Alaska last year our coach didn't level correcty when I went to travel mode. The left side went to full height and the right to travel height. In desparation I dumped the air out of the system with the leveling system then raised the coach as high as it would go then dumped the air again.
On return to travel mode it was fine. Had to be a solinoid stuck or trash in it. Problem never returned so I saw no need to tear into the HWH valve manifolds. Probably won't work but worth a try.

Re: Coach is Leaning and Problems staying in Travel Mode

Reply #24 – August 06, 2015, 05:44:35 pm

Fixed at Last!!

JohnFritz came closest...
Left front HWH solenoid in the 6-pack was not working. Was shifting much of the front end weight to the right airbags and body of the coach.

Had a little adjustments here and there as well.

Was pleased with McWorter's Truck Center in Lubbock.
There were coaches and school busses and trucks of all types in and out of there.

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