HWH Leveling System Control Panel Repair: DIY Fix Guide & Replacement

What's Going On

Your experience with HWH's support service is exactly what many RV owners should consider when facing leveling jack control panel issues like yours. The intermittent front/back controls you described on your 18-year-old RV are classic symptoms of worn microswitches inside the control panel, and HWH's factory repair service proved to be an excellent solution at just over $100. This is significantly more cost-effective and reliable than trying to source a replacement controller, which as you discovered, are very part-specific and difficult to find. Your decision to use HWH's support form rather than attempting the microswitch replacement yourself demonstrates smart troubleshooting - sometimes the manufacturer's repair service is the most practical path forward.

The fact that HWH called you back the same day and handled the entire repair process, including verification testing before return shipment, shows their commitment to supporting older systems. This level of service is particularly valuable for leveling systems where proper operation is critical for RV safety and stability. Your positive experience contrasts sharply with the support issues many RV owners face with other manufacturers, making HWH's approach noteworthy for anyone dealing with similar leveling control problems.

Why This Happens

After 18 years of use, the microswitches inside your leveling control panel develop several common failure modes that create exactly the symptoms you experienced. The contact surfaces inside these switches gradually wear down from repeated actuations, leading to intermittent connections that cause the erratic behavior you noticed with your front/back controls. Environmental factors also play a role - moisture infiltration, temperature cycling, and dust accumulation can further degrade switch performance over time.

The mechanical nature of these switches means they have a finite lifespan. HWH control panels typically use specific switch types designed for their application - consult manufacturer specifications for the exact switch type and expected lifespan for your particular control panel model. In an RV leveling system that sees regular use over nearly two decades, reaching this wear threshold is completely normal. The fact that your side levelers continued working while front/back controls became unreliable suggests uneven wear patterns, likely due to differences in usage frequency or individual switch quality variations within the same control panel.

Additionally, the electrical connections and circuit board traces can develop oxidation or micro-fractures over time, contributing to the intermittent operation you experienced. These age-related failures are why HWH's comprehensive refurbishment approach - replacing switches and providing a new Lexan overlay - addresses both the immediate problem and extends the overall system lifespan.

Getting Ready

Before contacting HWH support like you did, document your specific symptoms thoroughly to help their technicians understand your situation. Take note of which functions work consistently, which are intermittent, and any patterns you observe - such as whether certain positions or weather conditions affect operation. This information helps HWH's support team provide accurate guidance and ensures they address all issues during repair.

Gather your RV's leveling system information including the control panel model number, your RV's year and manufacturer, and any visible part numbers on the jacks themselves. HWH will need this information to ensure they're providing the correct repair service and any replacement components. If possible, take photos of your control panel and any visible damage or wear, as this can help expedite their assessment process.

Plan for the control panel removal and reinstallation process by familiarizing yourself with your RV's electrical panel locations and having basic tools ready. While HWH handles the actual repair work, you'll need to safely disconnect and ship the unit, then reinstall it upon return. Consider having a backup plan for leveling your RV during the week or so that your panel is out for service, whether that's using manual methods or temporary blocking.

Walking Through the Fix

Start by accessing HWH's support form on their website, as you successfully did, and provide detailed information about your leveling system problems. Include your RV's age, the specific symptoms you're experiencing, and any troubleshooting steps you've already attempted. HWH's same-day response time, as you experienced, demonstrates their commitment to customer service, but having complete information ready helps ensure they can provide the most accurate guidance immediately.

When HWH contacts you back, be prepared to discuss the repair versus replacement options they offer. In your case, their factory repair service proved ideal because it addressed the root cause of your problems while maintaining the original system configuration. The repair process typically involves complete disassembly of the control panel, replacement of all microswitches, cleaning of all electrical contacts, testing of circuit board integrity, and installation of a new Lexan overlay.

For the shipping process, carefully package your control panel according to HWH's instructions to prevent damage during transit. Before disconnecting any wiring, ensure all electrical power to the leveling system is disconnected at the main panel and verify the RV is properly supported on level ground with wheel chocks and stabilizer jacks engaged. Never attempt electrical work on leveling systems while the RV is supported only by the leveling jacks. Take photos of your wiring connections before disconnecting anything, as this will help ensure proper reconnection when the repaired unit returns. Most HWH repairs are completed within a week, and they perform comprehensive testing before return shipment to verify all functions operate correctly.

Upon receiving your repaired control panel, perform a complete functional test of all leveling operations before relying on the system for actual camping. This includes testing each individual jack operation, the automatic leveling sequence if equipped, and verifying that all indicator lights and displays function properly. The factory repair should restore full functionality to all controls that were previously intermittent or non-functional.

Beyond DIY Territory

While microswitches can theoretically be replaced by experienced DIY mechanics, HWH's factory repair service offers several advantages that make it the superior choice for most RV owners. Their technicians have specialized knowledge of the exact switch specifications, proper soldering techniques for the specific circuit board layouts, and access to genuine replacement components that may not be readily available through other sources. The comprehensive nature of their repair process also addresses potential issues that might not be immediately apparent to a DIY repairer.

The cost comparison strongly favors the factory repair option in most cases. At just over $100 for your repair, HWH's service included labor, parts, testing, and warranty coverage that would be difficult to match with a DIY approach when factoring in the time investment and risk of improper repair. Additionally, their verification testing before return shipment provides confidence that the repaired unit will perform reliably, something that's challenging to achieve with home repairs of complex electronic control systems.

For RV owners dealing with similar leveling control issues, HWH's support approach represents a best practice in manufacturer service. Their willingness to repair older systems, competitive pricing, quick turnaround times, and comprehensive testing make their factory repair service an excellent alternative to costly controller replacement or potentially problematic DIY repairs. This level of support is particularly valuable for critical safety systems like RV leveling jacks where proper operation is essential for stable camping setup.