LCI - Lippert

NOTE: This is copied and pasted from another forum I belong to. My desire is to give a heads up to those with LCI/Lippert systems, or those contemplating purchasing a rig with this brand on the unit. I hope it's not confusing as I'm copying a few follow up posts.

Not very pleased with LCI products.

We have a 2014 Winnebago Vista 35B with just under 11000 miles on it. After our last weekend camping trip, I hit the retract button on the panel. The jacks did retract (I always visually check to insure the jacks are up).

Upon arrival home, I parked our MH in it's place and prepared to lower the jacks so I could open slides and unload. The display indicated 'Jacks Down'. Not so. They were still in the up position. I dug out the manual and followed the instructions to reset the key pad (push Enter and Retract buttons at the same time). I did so. Nothing. Every time I attempted to either lower the jacks manually, or retract, or auto level, I kept getting ERROR - FUNCTION ABORTED displayed. No matter what I did, I got the same message. I called Lippert. Their Tech Rep told me I was not getting voltage to the solenoid. and to check the fuse in line. I tested the positive cable on the solenoid with a volt meter. Had 14 + volts. So much for the fuse theory. Then he asked me to do the reset routine again and again. We did. Nothing. Then he instructed me to find the 'Controller'. Finally found it mounted inside the outside circuit breaker compartment. Had to remove the panel holding all the breakers. He then instructed me to probe the green wire on the 9 pin connector while pushing the auto level button on the key pad. Got the wife to do so. Got voltage and a click in the solenoid.

Then I thought. This guy doesn't have a clue what we're doing here. I had informed him that no matter what buttons I touched on the key pad, I got the ERROR - Function Aborted message.

I then visited Camping World Harrisburg, PA and picked their brain. They told me they do the exact same thing I had done with the Lippert Tech Rep while they troubleshoot systems.

Got my manual out again, wiring diagram leaves a lot to be desired. Did some more reading and lo and behold there in fine print it says 'if error message continues, replace controller.

I have one coming in from a supplier on eBay. Cost $170. Camping World price is $226. I have a scheduled appointment for repair on this jack system on the 1st of Sep. IF the new controller (easy to replace) does the trick, I'll cancel the appointment. Yes, I do have an extended warranty on the MH, and yes, it does cover the leveling system. IF this corrects the problem, I'm going to attempt to receive my money back from my Insurance Co. I figured if I take the unit to my dealer, they're gonna spend a lot of time troubleshooting. Could wind up costing me much more that I'll have in the controller. IF it doesn't cure the problem, the MH is going to the dealer.

Follow up:

Received the controller yesterday. Installed it last night. Samo, samo. I did locate a complete operators guide on line and downloaded today. It does have a better troubleshooting guide than the one in the Winnebago owners manual. It stated that the Jacks Down display will show if the fluid in the reservoir is low. So, I added a little fluid. Nope. That's not it.

Taking MH back to dealer's on Thursday.

I also discovered that once I removed the outside compartment circuit breaker panel to gain access to the controller, there are two in line 15 amp fuses that run to two of the breakers. ???????? That would be real special while on the road if one wasn't aware of their locations.

Follow up:

Here's the link to the Owners Manual: OWNERS MANUAL - Lippert Components, Inc.

Follow up:

Just got a call from my dealer. They determined that the pump motor is bad. They called my extended warranty folks and they will not cover the diagnostic labor cost or the shipping charge for the new motor. They WILL pay for the labor to install the new motor and the price of the motor (less my deductible). Still gonna cost me almost $500 for this fiasco (I'm having them do an annual inspection on the MH,so that's some of the added cost).

Did I am not happy with Lippert products.

Follow up:


Just called the dealer. They informed me that the motor is scheduled to be shipped on the 26th. Not acceptable. I told the Service Manager we needed the mH back by the 15th. We have a trip planned that we paid for a year ago.

He stated that they contacted Winnebago about the pump motor, they informed them they are on back order. I asked why he didn't contact Lippert directly for the motor. He said Winnebago built the MH so they have to contact them. He stated that Lippert 'probably' doesn't have any pumps on hand. Then he tells me that even if he did contact Lippert directly for the motor, my super fine extended warranty probably wouldn't cover the motor as it would cost more ordering from Lippert. Huh?

I bought the best extended warranty my dealer (Tom Shaffers RV in Shoemakersville, PA) offered, and it won't cover it? Something smells.

Follow up:

Called LCI this a.m. before going to my dealer. Seems they have plenty of these motors in stock. Also called my extended warranty folks and was informed they approved the repair but do not recommend who the dealer purchases the parts from. Dealer told me that purchasing the motor directly from LCI Lippert would cost more and my warranty folks probably wouldn't pay the extra cost. False. The motor costs the same from LCI.

Anyway, traveled 45 miles to my dealer, spoke my mind, showed him the quote from Lippert and I all but accused them of attempting to order from a second party just to make more money. They ordered the motor from Lippert and I should have the MH back next week.

I am not happy with Tom Shaeffers Camping and RV center in Shoemakersville, PA.

I'll keep you posted as the the outcome of this fiasco. Now I'm waiting on the Schwintek (also an LCI-Lipert product) to fail. Seems their product line is notorious for failure. Wish I had done more research before buying the MH with their products attached.