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Power Gear Leveler Won't Retract: Complete Repair Guide
Slideouts Medium 2-4 hours 208 👍 2

Power Gear Leveler Won't Retract: Complete Repair Guide

Called Power Gear support and they said press retract after leveling, but my system deployed perfectly and now just sits there doing absolutely nothing. The system appears to receive the retract command since I can hear some activity, but the legs remain extended. The only way to get them up is by engaging the transmission which triggers the emergency retract function.

I need a systematic approach to diagnose this retraction failure. What are the most likely causes when Power Gear levelers deploy normally but won't respond to the retract command, and what's the proper troubleshooting sequence to identify whether it's a solenoid valve issue, wiring problem, or control module failure? …more
RV Slide-Out Maintenance: Complete Guide to Prevent Wear and Extend Lifespan
General Easy 30 min maintenance 138 👍

RV Slide-Out Maintenance: Complete Guide to Prevent Wear and Extend Lifespan

Before I even finish extending my 2018 Newmar 2702 slide-out, there's this grinding vibration that kicks in during the final positioning phase every single time. The motor works hardest during that last foot of travel when the slide settles into place.

This observation has me questioning optimal maintenance protocols for slide-out longevity. What are the most effective strategies for reducing mechanical wear on these systems? I'm particularly interested in understanding proper usage frequency, seal maintenance requirements, and whether partial extension during routine tasks like cleaning provides any protective benefits.

Looking for comprehensive guidance on preventive maintenance practices, lubrication schedules, and storage considerations that will maximize slide-out system lifespan while minimizing premature component failure. …more
RV Slide Out Won't Retract: Motor Runs But Won't Move - Fix
Slideouts Medium 1-2 hours 124 👍

RV Slide Out Won't Retract: Motor Runs But Won't Move - Fix

Planning to use the same motor running trick that saved my old Winnebago's slide out, but this new rig's slide won't budge at all. It extended just fine this morning, but now when I try to bring it back in, the motor sounds like it's working but the slide isn't budging at all. I can hear it running but zero movement.

I'm trying to figure out if this is a hydraulic problem or if I've got a cable system that's gone haywire. Could it be something simple like low fluid, or am I looking at broken cables? Don't want to mess around with it too much without knowing what I'm dealing with first. …more
Dutchstar Chassis Cracking Noise: Diagnosis & Repair Guide
Chassis Medium 45 minutes 99 👍

Dutchstar Chassis Cracking Noise: Diagnosis & Repair Guide

Hearing a loud cracking or popping noise from underneath my Dutchstar when going over bumps or turning. Sounds structural — like metal flexing or a weld breaking. Crawled under and couldn't see any obvious cracks but the noise is getting louder each trip. …more
RV Electric Leveling Jacks Won't Extend - Fix Clicking Issue
Slideouts Medium 45 minutes 99 👍

RV Electric Leveling Jacks Won't Extend - Fix Clicking Issue

Wondering if I should drop $800 on new electric leveling jacks or if this annoying clicking issue can actually be fixed first? The jacks were working perfectly fine on our last camping trip about two weeks ago, but now when I try to extend them, I can hear a distinct clicking sound coming from the controller panel, yet none of the jacks actually move or extend. The clicking happens consistently when I press the extend button, so it seems like the system is trying to respond, but something is preventing the actual mechanical operation.

I'm wondering what the most common causes are for this specific symptom - where you get the clicking from the controller but no actual jack movement. I'd like to understand the logical troubleshooting sequence, starting with the easiest things to check first before I dive into more complex diagnostics. The RV has been sitting plugged into shore power, but I know these systems can have multiple potential failure points including electrical, hydraulic, or control issues.

What should I be checking first, and what's the typical progression for diagnosing electric leveling jack problems that manifest with clicking sounds but no extension? …more
Ford F53 Godzilla V8 Suspension Problems: Fixes & Upgrades for Class A Motorhomes
Chassis Hard Research and planning phase 96 👍

Ford F53 Godzilla V8 Suspension Problems: Fixes & Upgrades for Class A Motorhomes

Halfway through my first long trip, this bone-rattling vibration and unsettling sway started plaguing my newer Class A motorhome with the Ford F53 Godzilla V8 chassis. Coming from a 26' travel trailer and a history with brands like LazyDaze, I'm trying to understand the current RV landscape. I saw a Baystar 2023 model where the owner spent around $35,000 on suspension upgrades after just 12,000 miles.

Sounds awesome on paper, but I keep hearing people say you still need to dump a ton of money into suspension upgrades to make these things handle decently on the highway. Did Ford actually improve the suspension setup when they introduced the Godzilla engine, or are we dealing with the same basic chassis design that's been around forever? I'm talking about 30+ foot Class A rigs here - seems crazy that a $200k motorhome would need immediate aftermarket work to drive safely.

Anyone know if the Godzilla F53 combo actually fixed the handling problems or if it's just more power on the same wobbly platform? …more

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HWH 625S Slide Out Not Working: Step-by-Step Control Box Bypass & Repair Guide
Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 94 👍

HWH 625S Slide Out Not Working: Step-by-Step Control Box Bypass & Repair Guide

Wondering why my 2008 Winnebago Adventurer 38J's HWH 625S slide out won't budge after replacing the solenoid, cleaning connections, and checking fluid levels? The passenger slide won't extend or retract from the wall switch, but when I manually operate the solenoid valves, the slide moves perfectly in both directions.

I've already replaced the solenoid valves, so I know they're good. The problem seems to be that power isn't reaching the solenoids from the switch - everything routes through the control box first.

Can I safely bypass the HWH control box by connecting the switch wires directly to the solenoid wires? What should I check before attempting this bypass? …more
RV Hydraulic Leveling Jack Leaks: Normal Seepage vs Serious Problems Explained
Slideouts Easy 30 minutes inspection 93 👍

RV Hydraulic Leveling Jack Leaks: Normal Seepage vs Serious Problems Explained

Somewhere between parking and leveling my 2019 Forest River Georgetown, I noticed the hydraulic leveling jacks have small amounts of fluid on the fittings. No puddles underneath and the jacks aren't sagging when stored or in use. Just a light coating on the hoses and one fitting has a small amount of fluid visible.

Is this normal seepage or something I should worry about? What's the difference between normal weeping and a real problem that needs immediate attention? …more
HWH 325 Levelers Shutting Off When Extended? Quick Fix Guide
Slideouts Medium 45 minutes 90 👍

HWH 325 Levelers Shutting Off When Extended? Quick Fix Guide

This might sound like a warranty question, but before I start tearing into my HWH 325 series levelers that shut off when extended — am I covered or paying again? They power up just fine - all lights, sounds normal, no drama. But the SECOND I press any of the extend buttons, they shut off completely like I just insulted their mother.

I'm trying to level out while changing my motorhome's oil (because apparently I can't even do basic maintenance without my house deciding to be crooked), and these levelers are having none of it. Battery shows good on the panel, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of voltage issue happening when they try to actually work? Or maybe loose connections somewhere? Anyone dealt with this particular brand of RV stubbornness before? …more
HWH Levelers Flashing Blue Light: Complete Battery Reset & Troubleshooting Guide
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours for diagnosis 87 👍

HWH Levelers Flashing Blue Light: Complete Battery Reset & Troubleshooting Guide

Opened three different browser tabs trying to figure out why my HWH levelers are flashing blue — neighbor says dead batteries, dealer claims sensor issue, YouTube insists wiring problem. The blue light keeps flashing and the jacks won't respond at all - they won't go up or down. The only thing that seems to work is disconnecting the house battery for about 15 minutes until all the panel lights go dark, then reconnecting it.

I'm worried this might be a sign of something serious going wrong with the electrical system or the levelers themselves. Could this indicate low voltage issues or bad connections that might be unsafe? I really don't want to damage anything expensive or put my family at risk. What should I be checking, and is this something I need to call HWH about immediately? …more
Ford F53 460 Engine Timing Marks: How to Locate and Check (Step-by-Step Guide)
Engine Medium 30 minutes 85 👍

Ford F53 460 Engine Timing Marks: How to Locate and Check (Step-by-Step Guide)

About to drop serious cash on a used Class A motorhome with a Ford F53 460 engine — should I check those timing marks myself or am I asking for trouble? Where exactly are the timing marks located? I can see the harmonic balancer but having trouble spotting the marks and pointer. What's the best way to make them visible and actually read them with a timing light? …more
HWH Leveling Jacks Won't Retract: Motor and Solenoid Valve Troubleshooting Guide
Slideouts Hard Varies 83 👍

HWH Leveling Jacks Won't Retract: Motor and Solenoid Valve Troubleshooting Guide

Every time I walk over to my HWH leveling jacks they extend perfectly but won't retract, leaving me clueless whether it's the motor, solenoid valve, or something else. But when I try to retract them using Store mode, absolutely nothing happens. I can hear the motor trying to run, but the jacks just sit there extended.

I recently replaced the springs on these jacks and I'm wondering if I somehow messed up the hydraulic system in the process. The spring replacement was a pain and I had to disconnect some things to get to them. My main question is: should I be hearing the motor run when I press Store mode, just like when extending? And if the motor runs but jacks don't retract, what's the most likely culprit?

I'm really hoping this is something I can troubleshoot myself before having to call in expensive service. Any guidance on what to check first would be a lifesaver! …more
HWH Spacemaker Slide Motor Runs But Won't Extend: Complete RV Repair Guide
Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 82 👍

HWH Spacemaker Slide Motor Runs But Won't Extend: Complete RV Repair Guide

Every time we get heavy rain like those three days last week, my HWH Spacemaker hydraulic slide system motor runs but won't extend the slide out. The motor runs when I hit the extend button, but the slide absolutely will not move out. Everything else works perfectly - rear slide operates fine, leveling system works great, no blown fuses anywhere.

I've tested the extend solenoid and it's getting power, did an ohm test which showed 1.2 and open (which appears acceptable per the manual). I've already checked the converter box and solenoids and they look good. The safety locks are fully retracted so that shouldn't be the issue. I can hear the motor operating but there's zero movement on the slide itself.

I'm really hoping someone can point me in the right direction here. What are the most common causes when the motor runs but nothing happens? Should I be focusing on hydraulic leaks or is this still likely a solenoid problem even though it tested okay? …more

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RV Leveling Jacks No Power: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 82 👍

RV Leveling Jacks No Power: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Leveling jacks have zero power — hit the button and nothing happens. No motor noise, no movement, no indicator lights on the panel. Coach is sitting crooked at the campsite and I can't level it manually because the electric jacks are in the way of using blocks. …more
Complete Luxury Motorhome Buying Guide for Retirement Full-Time RV Living & Travel
Engine Easy N/A - informational 79 👍

Complete Luxury Motorhome Buying Guide for Retirement Full-Time RV Living & Travel

My husband just casually mentioned we're about to drop our entire retirement nest egg on a luxury motorhome when neither of us knows anything about RVs.

I keep hearing different brand names thrown around but honestly have no clue which ones give you the most bang for your buck in that mid-range luxury space. Also wondering if I should buy new or let someone else take the depreciation hit? And what features should I absolutely not compromise on for full-time living?

Just want to make sure I'm not learning expensive lessons after I hand over the cash! …more
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