Alaskan stuck in Cali. Re:malfunctioning levelers

[Will Braswell]

So my 2003 40’ Patriot thunder has left me stranded in California until I can remedy my malfunctioning
Leveler system. I called Beaver Coach Works in Oregon and ordered a “new” design control panel which was supposed to remedy the problem; only it didn’t. I have a good technician working on it but he needs the wiring schematic from the control panel next to the driver back to the jacks/pump. The jacks are the type that lower from the frame to the axel and they are stuck in the down position. This is a very knowledgeable forum so any information would help. Already tried BCW and they couldn’t help.

Will Braswell
40’ 2003 Patriot Thunder
C-12 /Allison4000 tag axel

[Steve Huber]

Will,
The SMC Leveling System Manual is located in Coach Assist. Log in on the Club's website https://www.beaveramb.org amd select the Technical tab, then Coach Assist. The manual is located in the Leveling Systems section. It contains the wiring diagram.
Steve

[Carl Boger]

Will,

I am not familiar with your system, but is sounds like a hydraulic system.  If so most have a manual pressure relief valve that can be opened to release the pressure.  You would of course want to make sure that the coach was high enough if you have to get under it.  The  valves are usually located very near the pump.  On my coach I can reach them without crawling under the coach.  Hopefully this will be helpful.

[Eric Maclean Co-Admin]

Will
 I have sent a PDF to Steve to put in coach assist

Hope this helps
Eric

[Will Braswell]

Thanks everyone for the quick response. I will keep you updated on the progress and post the disposition when I get this sorted out.

Will Braswell
2003 40’ Patriot Thunder tag axel
C-12/Allison 4000

[Steve Huber]

Will,
Can you confirm that your 03 has the SMC leveling system? Eric's manual, now in Coach Assist, is for for an RVA system in case your coach has that system.

[Steve Hutchins]

Will,

I have the same leveling system, the motor that runs the hydraulic pump also is used by the front slide. In my case when the pump stopped working I found that I had a bad solenoid which is located near that pump.

Steve

[Eric Maclean Co-Admin]

Will
Are all you jacks down or just one that won't return?
From what I can see in the PDF is that the system uses dual acting hydraulic cylinders which means they have to be powered in both directions which requires the pump to run and a retract valve to operate as well the other end of the cylinder has to be allowed to return oil back to the reservoir as referred to on the last page of the PDF.
This requires both the retract and the extend solenoids to work at the same time.

If only one jack is at fault it may indicate a failed solenoid coil , wire or valve for that particular cylinder.
The PDF also references the by pass valve but is vague to it's function it may be the retract all function or it may just by pass the leveling block to depressurize during slide out operation , in the PDF the coach wiring diagram shows the by pass circuit with a relay that appears to be an interlock so that the bypass is activated anytime the slide outs are operated this may be to make sure the vehicle is riding on its suspension and not twisted by the hydraulic leveling system when slides are deployed or retracted.

I guess my point is the bypass valve would be a suspect if the system won't retract.
Check the bypass relay and wiring first
This brings up the issue of coach twisting if you have just converted the control pad to full manual controls be aware that twisting the coach is a bad thing as it causes windshields to crack or pop out.

Hope this helps
Efic

[Will Braswell]

Thank you all for the input. I ordered the “new” leveler control panel from Beaver Coach Sales and had it installed. Unfortunately the installer who did the work didn’t wire it correctly and the tech who dealt with my Jake brake issue was able to remedy the problem by re-wiring it. One thing I’m still dealing with though is I’ve gone through 2 hydraulic pump solenoids and I’m not sure why. The hydraulic lines are all correctly connected. The system functions but after a few cycles the solenoids fails internally. Any ideas?

Will Braswell
2003 40’ Patriot Thunder tag axel
C-12/Allison 4000

[Eric Maclean Co-Admin]

Will
What type of solenoid are you using?
Is it the solenoid coil that fails or the contacts?
If it's the coil you may have to upgrade it to a continuous duty solenoid.
If it's the contacts you may what to upgrade to a higher amperage rated solenoid with silver contacts

Eric