Unresponsive Power Gear Leveling System

[chrisandpat]

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 16^th 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 16^th 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

[manholt]

Chris.  Welcome to the Forum!

I have the same system!  After you air up and the engine is running, press Travel button, the coach will come off leveling and air up to travel mode...if you then want to level, push air and auto or manual and re level.  I level coach first, then take the slides out (4), then allow coach to find it's own level and turn off ignition.  The air pump will run periodically to keep coach level.

Carl 

[chrisandpat]

Carl - Thanks for your reply.  The owner's manual states; "prior to leveling - Set park brake - Place transmission in neutral - Ensure front wheels are pointing straight ahead - Have motorhome at ride height with air tanks full - Turn off ignition and extend slide-outs".  I understand that most coaches are leveled before the slides are extended and confirmed with Monaco that my instruction manual is correct.  At any rate the control panel will not power on except for a few seconds following setting or release of park brake.  I have an appointment with a RV service center this Wednesday and will advise what is determined and share the anticipated remedy for the problem.  Chris 

[five]

Have you tried to reset the system?  Push and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, when it beeps it is reset.