Abandoned leveling system, what's next?

[bzollinger]

Hello everyone,

I've got a 2007 Winnebago 35' Sightseer with a failed leveling system. The jacks were all leaking and non-functioning when I bought it. I took it in and paid $100s to have it looked at. They said the whole system needs to be replaced and the warranty company would never pay to replace the whole system.

So I'm not using it but want a way to support the rear leveling jacks with another solution. When it gets bouncy on the bed in the back the whole motorhome bounces.

I wanted to buy the jack stand looking jacks that screw up and down for support but they don't go down short enough. The shortest they get is 11" and when the jacks are up mine sit about 7" off the ground.

Anyone have any ideas? The stair stabilizers seem like a pain to twist and put into place every time. A pair of scissor jacks could be an option. Just wanting to see what other people have done when going down this road. TIA

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

Hard to beat the price, simplicity and reliability of leveling blocks.

Odds are good you could get your current jacks either rebuilt or replaced, far from replacing the whole system. But before I committed to that mine were leaking so I gave some transmission stop leak a shot. Figured any time it bought me would be extra credit. Going on 3 years now on the stop leak, will be interesting to see how long they'll go.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[IBTripping]

I like the scissors jacks option. Use a battery powered drill to easily crank the jacks up and down.

 

[TheBar]

I mounted four 5,000 lb scissor jacks to the frame of my motorhome with one bolt on each side. They only take a few seconds to extend or contract.

Then cut off one of the jack handles to make a long extension which I use in a cordless drill to run them up and down.

 

[RayIN]

If you still desire the convenience and ease of an automatic leveling system, consider an EQ electric leveling system for under $4,000. Otherwise TheBar has the simplest solution for stabilization, you'd still need leveling blocks IMO if you plan to use an absorption refrigerator while parked for over 20 minutes.

 

[Isaac-1]

I really have a hard time believing the whole system needs to be replaced, though it really would help to have more details, where was it leaking, why would be another good question, did someone put the wrong fluid into it, etc. If it were just the seals on each cylinder leaking, those can usually be repaired for $100-$200 each, etc. Maybe what you need is a second opinion.

 

[bzollinger]

It started as one jack leaking, then after one winter in AK (it lived in San Diego previously), all jacks started leaking.

Thanks for the replies everyone! I think scissor jacks are going to be the way to go. Easy and cheap way to stabilize the rear.

 

[SMR]

I like the scissor jacks , seems the easiest and best option
Curious
Did you call the warranty company to confirm they won't replace or have some repair work done? Where did you take the camper for the inspection of the jacks?

 

[John From Detroit]

Harbor freight big floor jack and ratchet type stands and lumber
2x 12x 12 under jack stand floor jack to lift high enough for stand.. Or a bottle jack

 

[8Muddypaws]

Fixing old hydraulic leveling systems is a black art as far as I can tell. My Buddy Lou has had his in for major repairs several times. If parts can't be found there is no other recourse.

I've got enough spare parts to rebuild one or two of my jacks if I'm lucky.

If I'm really lucky we'll retire from RVing first.

The last time I priced a replacement system it was around 10K. 26,000# Class A.

 

[Firstime RVer]

I have some wedges that go under my TT tires with an electronic level indicator that attaches to the side of our TT. I can see the indicator in my rear view mirror and when I get close, I use the scissors jacks to get me on the mark.. Simple cheap and reliable.

Safe travels and all the best.

 

[bzollinger]

I like the scissor jacks , seems the easiest and best option
Curious
Did you call the warranty company to confirm they won't replace or have some repair work done? Where did you take the camper for the inspection of the jacks?

The warranty company works like insurance I've been told. You have to take your rig to an authorized repair center, they assess it and make a claim to the warranty company. I was told by the repair center owner that he's never seen a full system get replaced and that they'd likely cover maybe $8k of the ~$15k replacement system.

 

[Isaac-1]

We keep getting back to one issue here, was this shops diagnoses correct

 

[old RV guy]

It's unlikely someone who's already spent 100's on having a problem with an 18 year old MH's levelers looked at can afford to shell out more 100's for a second opinion. It's more likely the 1st opinion came from glorified parts changers and so would the second.

 

[Isaac-1]

I have to disagree with the attitude that age of an RV directly effects the amount a person is willing to spend to maintain it as generally false, whether or not it is the case for this individual or not is a different matter. I have spent upwards of a thousand dollars per year, maybe upward of $2,000 once you add up all the little stuff every one of the 9 years we have owned our now 24 year old coach just maintaining it. Even more upgrading it some years I have probably topped $3,500. This spring alone I spent over $250 just DIY repainting and resealing the roof once you add in all the supplies, not counting the numerous hours of my labor. I also spent another $300+ on ancillary things I found that needed addressing while up on the roof such are replacing the 12 year old TV antenna, and the cracked Maxx Air vent covers.

Just because an RV is older does not mean it is not worth spending money on to keep it serviceable

p.s. though where I do agree is that spending possibly upwards of $10,000 to fit this issue on a coach of this age is probably not a wise investment.

 

[RayIN]

Aftermarket service contracts normally do not cover leaks unless you also purchase the gaskets and seals rider. Without said rider, all consequential damage is not covered either.
There is nothing wrong with any RV not have a leveling system. My 1976 Allegro on a Dodge chassis never had a leveling system. I carried enough wood planks to level the MH; If I couldn't get it close to level turned off the absorption fridge and put dry ice inside; back then dry ice was sold in grocery stores.

 

[Kirk]

The warranty company works like insurance I've been told.

The so called, extended warranties are in actuality insurance, kind if health insurance in that they typically cover repairs, but most cases will not cover normal maintenance. The company selling you the coverage actually has what the industry calls "reinsurance" that reimburses them for any major expenses.

I was told by the repair center owner that he's never seen a full system get replaced and that they'd likely cover maybe $8k of the ~$15k replacement system.

Unless the "extended warranty" was in force before the leveling system failure, they will not pay anything at all.

 

[DutchmenSport]

If you are truly contemplating purchasing scissor jacks for your RV, then check out auto junk yards where they strip parts off of junked cars and trucks and resell the parts for a fraction of what a new part would cost. If you go to a junk yard like that, you can probably end up with a couple good scissor jacks that came out of a couple older vehicles. Remember, the jacks are not for "lifting" only "stabilizing." So, when using them, all you need to do is make them nice and snug. Leveling should be done with lumber or blocks or Lego blocks under the tires.

A 2 pack of scissor jacks at Camping World, right now on their internet site, lists at $121.31. A similar car jack in Indianapolis at an auto recycling location sells for $5.95 for one. (Something to think about).....

 

[House Husband]

Find a hydraulic repair shop and have them reseal the jacks.
Like already mentioned, you are being scammed by a high $$ parts replacer.

Richard

 

[bzollinger]

If you are truly contemplating purchasing scissor jacks for your RV, then check out auto junk yards where they strip parts off of junked cars and trucks and resell the parts for a fraction of what a new part would cost. If you go to a junk yard like that, you can probably end up with a couple good scissor jacks that came out of a couple older vehicles. Remember, the jacks are not for "lifting" only "stabilizing." So, when using them, all you need to do is make them nice and snug. Leveling should be done with lumber or blocks or Lego blocks under the tires.

A 2 pack of scissor jacks at Camping World, right now on their internet site, lists at $121.31. A similar car jack in Indianapolis at an auto recycling location sells for $5.95 for one. (Something to think about).....

My brother had the exact same idea. I called the only salvage yard here and they told me they have a shelf full and they're all $60-70! I ordered a pair off amazon for $40.