Forum Discussion

kcfra's avatar
kcfra
Explorer
Sep 16, 2014

Jack Noise

A possible problem? I have a 2013 Hurricane class A. If I am on a level site and my jacks are down serving to stableize my unit all seems OK. If on a site where one or more jacks must lift the unit, tires still on the ground, the jacks seem to make a cracking noise. No sign of fluid leak or lose of lift.
I have tried several sites same problem if under any lift. The creaking noise is not steady but happens day and night. I have tried rocking the unit and bounce up and down with jacks down cannot get them to creak, only when under load. No noise if jacks not in use. Is this common on some units? I owned a different model before never had this issue. Am I facing a big problem down the road? Still under warranty, getting dealer to see the problem is an issue.
  • kcfra wrote:
    A possible problem? I have a 2013 Hurricane class A. If I am on a level site and my jacks are down serving to stableize my unit all seems OK. If on a site where one or more jacks must lift the unit, tires still on the ground, the jacks seem to make a cracking noise. No sign of fluid leak or lose of lift.
    I have tried several sites same problem if under any lift. The creaking noise is not steady but happens day and night. I have tried rocking the unit and bounce up and down with jacks down cannot get them to creak, only when under load. No noise if jacks not in use. Is this common on some units? I owned a different model before never had this issue. Am I facing a big problem down the road? Still under warranty, getting dealer to see the problem is an issue.


    Kcfra,
    One thing to realize here is, when "transferring" weight, from the regular suspension, to the jacks, or at least even partially transferring it, you now start to stress other points in and on, the motor home frame and body. When I say stress, this is not meant to be OVER stressed. It's just that there's a few zillion things attached to the frame and body and, when ANY movement applied by the use of the jacks, can cause some of these attachment points to "micro-move". That is, even the ultra-slightest move between two components, when heavier stress is applied and, something moves by even a couple of thousandths of and inch or so, it will "pop" or "creak".

    Some coaches do it more than others. Some, don't do it at all. Not every one will hear any creaks or grunts or, pops or any form of component adjusting during the jacking process. We don't. But, I've heard them in campgrounds while other RVers are in the process of jacking or, leveling the coach.

    Now, does this all mean there isn't something wrong, under your coach? Nope, not at all. A good, thorough check and visualization of the Jacks while lifting the coach may be in order to make sure, there's nothing funny going on under there. That way you'd be assured that, the noises you're hearing most likely are harmless. Good luck.
    Scott
  • Effy's avatar
    Effy
    Explorer II
    I get it on mine periodically. Suspension relaxing with no weight on it. No leak, jacks holding, no problem. That said I try to never lift wheels off the ground if I can help it. If it's that far off I move or put a few leveling blocks under the wheel so it's not hanging.
  • Thank you for the responses. My problem started on one front jack as it was under the most pressure, then moved to both fronts after more lift at a different site. A week later the rear jacks needed more extendtion and they started. The noise goes on day and night maybe every hour or so. When I first pick up my unit there was a fluid leak from one front jack which was fixed. Just wondering if this is a problem I am forced to live with as long as I own this unit very annoying.
  • All jack companies recommend Never Lift wheels off ground,I use two rubber pads under each jack just to keep from extending jacks all out,It allows the jacks more flexibility,and the rubber keeps things quiet.I bought a stall mat and cut 12 in squares, The stall mat is 3/4 in thick. I also park my RV on rubber while setting next to house for winter.
  • We have a 2012 Hurricane and we get that creaking once in a while. Not as often as yours. So far I haven't been able to identify any specific problem.