Results for "hydraulic-slide"

Slideouts Medium 2-4 hours 373 👍 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

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours diagnosis 351 👍 0

RV Engine Stalling & Transmission Issues - Diagnosis Help

Replaced multiple parts but I'm still standing in the auto parts store aisle staring at diagnostic tools with no clue which one I actually need for my RV's stalling and transmission issues. When I'm cruising and let off the gas, sometimes the RPMs drop like a rock, other times they just hang there until I slow down more. That's weird enough, but here's the real kicker - every now and then the whole engine just dies on me when I'm rolling up to a stop sign or red light. Maybe happens twice in 600 miles or so, so it's not constant but definitely not normal either.

I'm wondering if these two issues are connected somehow? Like could whatever's causing the stalling also be messing with how the transmission acts when I let off the throttle? Really hoping someone has seen this combo before because I'm in Germany and finding RV-specific help is tough.

I'm looking for any insights from folks who might know what could cause this - hoping to get to the bottom of this before it becomes a bigger problem! …more

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Slideouts Medium 45 minutes 275 👍 0

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

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Plumbing Medium 2-3 hours 252 👍 0

RV Gray Tank Draining Slowly? Fix Clogs & Flow Issues

Called around to shops about my 2019 Forest River Cherokee's gray tank drain crawling—what used to take 5-10 minutes now drags on for 30-45 minutes. The black tank still drains at normal speed, so I don't think it's a problem with the main sewer connection or hose.

I'm wondering what typically causes gray tanks to develop drainage problems over time. We do a lot of dishwashing in the RV and I'm thinking maybe grease or soap buildup could be creating blockages somewhere in the system. The flow starts out okay but quickly reduces to just a trickle, even though I know there's still plenty of water in the tank.

What are the most common culprits behind slow gray tank drainage, and what's the best approach for diagnosing and fixing these flow issues? I'd rather understand the root causes and proper solutions before I start taking things apart or using harsh chemicals that might damage the system. …more

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Slideouts Easy 30 minutes inspection 248 👍 0

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

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Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 245 👍 0

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

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Chassis Medium 45 minutes 242 👍 0

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

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Engine Medium Varies 235 👍 0

RV Transmission Problems: Troubleshooting Guide & Quick Fixes

Planning to fix my Class A motorhome's transmission myself, but my neighbor says it needs fluid, the dealer insists it's the torque converter, and YouTube swears it's the solenoid pack. On my 4R100 transmission specifically, the transmission has been shifting a little rough lately, especially when accelerating from a stop or when climbing hills. Sometimes it seems to hesitate before shifting into the next gear, and I've noticed the engine RPMs climbing higher than usual before it finally engages.

I've owned this RV for about three years now, and I'll admit I haven't been as diligent about transmission maintenance as I probably should have been. The fluid looked a bit dark the last time I checked it, but I'm not entirely sure what I should be looking for or what the proper procedure is for checking transmission health. I've heard horror stories about transmission rebuilds costing thousands of dollars, so I want to make sure I'm approaching this systematically rather than just hoping the problem goes away.

What's the proper first step when you suspect transmission problems? Should I be taking it straight to a shop, or are there some basic diagnostic steps I can handle myself before spending money on professional diagnosis? I want to make sure I'm not missing something simple that could save me a lot of headache and expense down the road. …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 234 👍 0

Ford E-450 RV Shock Upgrade: Bilstein 4600 vs Koni FSD

Before spending hundreds on new tires and suspension parts for my 2023 Ford E-450 Class C motorhome, the ride quality is still absolutely brutal. The RV is about 28 feet long and weighs approximately 14,500 pounds loaded. We use it primarily for family camping trips, but I also occasionally tow a small utility trailer with dirt bikes - probably 25% of our trips involve towing that extra 2,000-3,000 pounds.

I've been researching shock absorber upgrades and have narrowed it down to two main options that seem popular in the RV community: the Bilstein 4600 series and the Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) shocks. I understand both are significant improvements over stock, but I'm trying to understand the practical differences between them for my specific setup and usage patterns.

What I really need to know is which option provides the best balance of ride comfort improvement, handling stability (especially when towing), and overall value for money on the E-450 chassis. I want to make sure I'm making the right choice since this is a fairly significant investment and I don't want to have buyer's remorse later. …more

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Chassis Medium 2-4 hours 220 👍 0

F53 Hydroboost Brake System Problems: Complete Repair & Troubleshooting Guide

Between the small hydraulic leak that started on my 1995 F53 hydroboost brake system last month and what's happening now, I'm wondering how much worse this nightmare can get. Right now it's just a slow drip - maybe one drop per minute - and I can feel the power steering is slightly stiffer than normal, plus the brake pedal requires a bit more effort than usual.

What I really need to understand is the theory behind how hydroboost systems operate, since this is different from the vacuum brake boosters I'm used to. More importantly, if this leak gets progressively worse and I don't address it immediately, what's my worst-case scenario? Will I completely lose power steering and power braking assistance, or would I still have manual control of both systems? I'm trying to figure out whether this is something I need to drop everything and fix right now, or if I have some time to plan the repair properly. …more

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Engine Easy Informational 218 👍 0

Best Floor Jacks and Jack Stands for Ford E-350 Class C Motorhome: Safety Guide

Despite having the proper jack and stands, is it still dangerous to work under my 2001 Ford E-350 Class C motorhome with grandkids constantly playing nearby? What are the correct tonnage specifications for floor jacks and jack stands when working on this chassis weight? Additionally, what are the designated lift points on the E-350 frame, and what safety protocols should be followed to ensure stable vehicle support during maintenance operations? …more

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Chassis Hard 4-6 hours 215 👍 0

RV Hydroboost Brake System Leak: Repair Guide & Solutions

Around my neighborhood, opinions on hydroboost fluid seepage are all over the map—my neighbor calls it normal wear, the RV dealer screams safety hazard, and YouTube mechanics can't agree either. It's not a major leak - just some dampness and staining where it mounts. I'm remembering a previous forum discussion where a user named Subford had similar seepage years ago and wanted to follow up on their experience.

The seeping seems minor right now, but I'm worried it could suddenly get worse while we're on the road. I had attached a picture similar to one I saw in an older forum post. Should I stop driving immediately and get it fixed? Or is some seeping normal and okay to monitor?

My main questions: Is minor hydroboost seeping immediately dangerous? Did Subford ever end up replacing their hydroboost? What does the replacement job involve? I want to be safe but also don't want to panic if this isn't urgent. …more

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Engine Easy N/A 211 👍 0

RV Water Crossing: How to Avoid Engine Damage and Recovery Steps

Woke up to my Winnebago Ekko surrounded by floodwater above the wheel hubs, the engine is completely dead, AND there's moisture creeping into places it definitely shouldn't be. While I haven't noticed any unusual noises or driving behavior, I want to be proactive about potential water exposure damage.

I've checked that the oil isn't milky and brake fluid looks normal. However, I'm concerned about potential impacts on hubs, bearing grease, brake fluid, differential fluid, and transmission fluid from this water exposure.

Has anyone else with an Ekko experienced similar flooding and have recommendations for post-water exposure inspection? Am I being overly cautious about checking various components? I'm hoping to get some expert advice on what specific things I should examine to ensure no long-term damage occurred. …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours research 206 👍 0

How to Find Discontinued Generac 75D Coolant Hose C4845 for 2003 Newmar Dutch Star RV

Generac generator in my 2003 Dutch Star needs a specific coolant hose — part number C4845 — and it's been discontinued everywhere I look. Called six RV parts suppliers and checked every online dealer. Need to find a compatible replacement before this thing overheats on our summer trip. …more

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Slideouts Medium 45 minutes 204 👍 0

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 — 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

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