Forum Discussion

cdwhite3006's avatar
cdwhite3006
Explorer
Jul 03, 2013

Front Landing Leg Problem

I have a problem I have not seen on here yet so that prompted me to register and post my problem hoping someone can help.

On my main landing gear, the left leg (where the motor is mounted) will not retract after hooking it up to the truck and there is no longer weight on the leg. It extends with no problem. It will retract when unhooked from the truck and the trailer weight is on the leg. When I hook it up to the truck, I retract and once it stops while barely touching the ground, I pull the pin and slide the foot up until I get home. Once I park it in the pole building, while still hooked to the truck, I unhook the bar which operates the right leg (which works perfectly) so that the right leg does not move and I put a floor jack under the left gear and pump it up as I hold the retract button until it is all the way up and is even with the right leg. Then I hook the bar back up so it is ready for the next trip.

I have had it into the dealer where I bought it (which is horrible for service)and they said they could not duplicate the problem. Funny as it duplicates every time I use it.

Anyone have any ideas if I can fix this myself? Thank you.

7 Replies

  • cdwhite3006's avatar
    cdwhite3006
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2013
    I finally got the entire leg out up through the compartment instead of digging a hole and going out the bottom. Much easier to work on the gears on the workbench than trying to use a mirror. Got the shaft out and the gears. Gear teeth look ok. Under the horizontal bevel gear, it looks like the drive pin is a bit mushroomed and not staying tight in the the bottom of the gear. This would explain why the leg needs pressure to keep the drive pin tight tot the gear for them to work. I am going to order a replacement gear kit for $40 and see if that works.
  • Vulcaneer's avatar
    Vulcaneer
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2013
    Someimes they can be tough. Sometimes you need to dig a hole underneath, so you can swing the leg out from under the camper. Best to have a good strong jack and get it up as far as you can. And then just maybe you can get it out.

    I had the gears strip in mine. And Lippert sent me a replacement under warranty. I can replace the gears (Lippert repair kit $85+ shipping). But the problem is the large nut is seized, at the top limit...and I cannot get it loose. Just haven't had time to take it over to my machine shop.

    I traveled for a few weeks with a 12 Ton hydraulic jack doing the heavy lifting. Much less hassle that way.
  • cdwhite3006's avatar
    cdwhite3006
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2013
    Well, I tried but could not get the leg out. I was going to take the whole leg casing out, but the knockouts they have on it do not allow any room to slide it out. I could not get the pins out from the top to get the gears out.

    Figure my best option is take the whole camper to the shop after this camping season.
  • cdwhite3006's avatar
    cdwhite3006
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2013
    Thanks for the help. I will work on it this holiday weekend and see what I can find out.
  • sk734's avatar
    sk734
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2013
    Make sure you lube it when it is apart. I drilled holes in my tubes and oil the jack screw occasionally-good luck.
  • relaxin's avatar
    relaxin
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2013
    the key / keyway on the gear or drive pin could be sheared, (holds the gear to the shaft)
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jul 03, 2013
    Pull the drive leg out andtake it apart. You have a lngmscrew and two miter gears at the top. My guess is you have either a broken gear tooth or they are so worn that they no longer make contact in one direction. They are an easy fix, so dont be afraid. Two clamps and three screws to pull e motor gear,box assy out.

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