2001-2002 SMC design leveling system repair

[Gerald Farris]

I was at BCS (Beaver Coach Sales) today and they had a repair for the 2001 and 2002 leveling system that has hydraulic jacks between the frame and axle if the control module fails. The control modules have been obsolete so long that a replacement is impossible to find. So BCS has designed and built a manual control panel to replace the automatic one if it no longer works. The new control panel converts the system to a manual control leveling system.

Gerald    

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

I've got a control panel from a 2001 Contessa. A trace for the Power On was fried and replaced with a wire. As far as  I know, it works, but no guarantees. Available for the shipping cost.
Steve

[Bill Johnson]

Northwest RV Supply in Eugene had a few of the control panels in stock the last time i checked.  Tom Halter (Advantage RV) in Bend is also a good source for information and repairs.  One other source is Sunbum RV in Yuma, AZ.  Both Patty Pierce and her husband worked at BCS and for Beaver and know the ins and outs of our rigs as well as anyone. Both Advantage and SunBum are very well versed in the SMC leveling system.

[Edward Buker]

Steve,

I'll be happy to pay for shipping for that controller if you can hold it until we return home in October.

Later Ed

[Karl Welhart]

Gerald,

Do you have any idea what the cost is of this manual control panel replacement unit?  Can you simply take out the old one and plug this control panel in it's place?

Karl

[Gerald Farris]

Karl,
I am not sure about the cost, but since it replaces the control panel and the control module, there is a good bit of rewiring required for the installation. Ty said that they were working on a do it yourself kit with instructions for owner installation by a reasonably good mechanic but since they are so busy now, I am not sure it is ready. You can call BCS for the details.

Gerald

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Ed,
Let me know when you get home. I've got your name on it.
Steve

[Edward Buker]

Thanks Steve, will do.

Later Ed

[Marty and Suzie Schenck]

When I spoke to Ken at BCS about 2 months ago he said the cost was about $2000. installed due to the re-wire labor.
Also, if anyone has a leveling system breakdown of this system due to the hydraulic manifold, I have a new in the box manifold.
Marty

[Gerald Farris]

I am going to BCS this evening for barbeque and fireworks, so I will ask what the installation of this system cost unless I get a bad case of CRS.

Gerald

[Gerald Farris]

The cost of the control panel at BCS to convert the SMC leveling system to a manually controlled system is approximately $900 for the kit and $500 labor for installation.

Gerald    

[Edward Buker]

Gerald,

Do you have any sense if there are any simple leveling indicators, LEDs or the like, that give a telltale of when you are level? The other function that is important is an "All Up" indicator LED. That one is pretty simple and I would guess would be covered in the new controller. My thanks both to BCS for supporting these coaches with the development of a manual control system retrofit and to you Gerald for letting us know about it.

Later Ed

[Karl Welhart]

Perhaps we can put together a group order.  This would be an incentive for BCS to produce several units (at hopefully a reduced price) with instructions for installation.

[Jerry and Kay Hudson]

I have two key pads and two brains if anyone is interested. I will not be home until first of August. you will have to send the controller or Brains for reprogramming but the two key pads are good.

thanks and regards,
Jerry

[Gerald Farris]

Ed,
From the discussion that I had with Ken Carpenter, the kit comes with written instructions, but it is not a job for the average do-it-yourselfer. It requires a fair amount of automotive electrical ability and tools. Ed, I do no think that you would have any problem installing the kit, but Ken said that they have sold it to some owners who had a lot of difficulty with the installation.

I am not sure what features are included in the manual panel, but I will be back at BCS next week and I can ask, or you can call BCS for a complete description.

Gerald