2007 Holiday Rambler Imperial 43DSQ – Failure of Power Gear, Air/Hydraulic Leveling System (model no. 237798) – Manufactured by Valid Manufacturing Ltd. which was acquired by Lippert Hydraulics
We acquired this coach in October 2016 from the original owner and have been on the road since the end of 2016 with two stops of thirty days each and several stops of shorter duration. The leveling system worked flawlessly prior to our departure in December and until March 16, 2017.
When we stopped on the evening of the 16th the leveling system failed to stay on after a momentary power on.
The following is our normal procedure: (a) park the coach, (b) set the air park brake, (c) turn engine and ignition off, (d) extend the slides, (e) restart the engine, (f) remain still and level the coach by pressing “AUTO” button on the control panel. We always use this procedure which provides air leveling. We never have used the hydraulic leveling option since the original owner warned us that the last time the hydraulic option was used the windshield “popped loose”.
When we set the ‘Park Brake” the light on the “Power” button comes on momentarily as does the “PARK” indicator light. Both turn off immediately upon pressing “AUTO” button. If the “AUTO” button is not pressed the light indicators turn off after a few seconds and pressing the “Power” button has no response.
This is a coincidence – We have new tires and they frequently require air. The recommended pressure is 125 PSI and they deflate to between 90 PSI and 115 PSI. Recently we had the valve stem extenders removed as one tire was almost completed deflated due to the valve stem extender failure. To avoid the inconvenience of getting to a commercial air station I acquired a hose extension that would allow me to utilize the onboard remote air supply. The coupler for this is in the roadside compartment behind the front tire and is very convenient.
On the morning of the 16th I added air to all tires while the engine was running. This was the first time that I had added air to all tires. Previously I had only inflated the front tires due to insufficient hose length to accommodate rear tires. Now I wonder if the prolonged air usage could be a factor in the leveling issue.
Any suggestion will be appreciated.
Chris Ford