Why HWH Wants You To Retract After Starting Engine?

[stevieandmichelle]

Hi All,

I post this from HWH frequently asked questions....

Question 84.

My coach has an air suspension. Should I start my engine and build air pressure before retracting

my jacks?

No, you should start the engine to start building air pressure, but the jacks should be stored immediately

after starting the engine. With lever controlled leveling systems, it is recommended to start retracting the front jacks before retracting the rear jacks.

My wife and I were parked on unlevel payment with jacks down. The front of the coach pretty high off the ground with the jacks almost fully extended and the back of the coach very low with only a little retract of the back jacks. Following HWH advice if I read it correctly, I started engine to build air pressure and began to retract the jacks only to have the front of the coach come crashing down on the frame. It felt like we went over the Grand Canyon with no shocks! So now I always build air pressure to 110 pounds before retracting.

My question is what harm do you put on the jacks if you build up the suspension air to 110-120 pounds? Will the jacks blow out a seal or something if they don't have constant pressure on them?

Thanks,

Stevie

Stevie And Michelle

1997 Tiffin Allegro Bus 39L

Everett, WA

[dickandlois]

Hi Steve ! Welcome to FMCA !

Look at this link and let the group know what model HWH system you have.

http://www.hwhcorp.com/ml40256.pdf

There should be a valve that restricts how fast the jacks retract / lets the coach down by limiting the hydraulic fluid flow rate.

No, you should start the engine to start building air pressure, but the jacks should be stored immediately.

Dropping / lowering the jacks first reduces the possibility of undo stress on the coach chassis, leveling jacks and air ride system.

Rich