Power gear levelers are normally quite reliable. However, we all know that even the best product out there can have some problems. Before we discuss the different things you can do to troubleshoot, let’s first take a look at the basics:
A power gear leveler system has these components:
1) Control panel –this is located on the driver’s area and is used to control.
2) Electric pump –this pump moves the hydraulic fluid around the system and creates the force necessary to move this device.
3) Solenoid valves – four valves control the movement of the hydraulic fluid.
4) Hydraulic fluid reservoir- this contains the hydraulic fluid whenever you are not using this unit.
5) Jacks –these support the RV. Raised and lowered by the hydraulic fluid, the jacks provide the surface for the RV.
Now, here is how the whole power gear leveler works:
Pushing one of the four buttons on the control panel causes valves to open or close and thus, the hydraulic fluid is forced into the hydraulic jacks, raising and lowering them. You can control the height of the RV because this leveler works on a ground system, which means that the solenoid valves remain open as long as you push the button on the panel.
A control panel has four buttons. However, you cannot control each jack independently: The “front” button controls two jacks at the front of the RV, the “rear” button raises and lowers the rear jacks simultaneously and the right and left buttons control each side of the RV.
Here are some problems you may encounter with a power gear leveler:
“Jacks down” alarm is on
-this problem may be caused by having insufficient hydraulic fluid in the system. To check the hydraulic fluid level, you have to make sure that the jacks are retracted. To make things easier for you, there is a measuring stick located in the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be 7/8″ for square reservoirs. If your fluid level is low, you should check the system for any leaks and have it repaired.
Power Problems
If you have problems regarding the power of the power gear leveler, you might want to check one of the fuses that can be located in the control panel.
Maintenance
They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In order to prevent these problems from occurring, you need to regularly take care of your power gear leveler. Here are some maintenance tips you should follow:
1) Regularly wipe the jacks – You should wipe down the extended jacks regularly to prevent them from sticking. You should also check for any loose soil or rocks that might get into the power gear leveler system. This is important as foreign objects may cause huge damage to the power gear leveler.
2) Lubricate- Another thing you should never forget to do is to lubricate your jacks. This makes extending and retracting smoother for your unit. Make sure to use a lubricant that does not attract dirt or dust.
3) Use pads – instead of directly placing the jacks on the ground, use pads. This serves the purpose of giving your power gear leveler a more solid footing and also minimizes the effects of weathering on the system.