Slide Outs, Levelers, and the Generator

Sorry for the late entry...but you got it right. When it comes to the Hurricane slides and levelers, the coach battery is critical. I usually will pull in the slides and levelers when still plugged into house power, which helps. I have seen issue multiple times myself.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Hi All...Being NOO-B to the slides and jacks, I certainly appreciate all the responses...I finally replaced the batteries and everything works perfectly! I did go with 2 6 volt Golf Cart Batteries installed serially instead of the 2 12 volt after doing quite a bit of research about it...I am very pleased...Again, Thank You everyone....Michael...

manfromnc49 wrote:
Hi...I have hydraulic slides and jacks..HWH...I agree with you. Just don't understand why it isn't working. I may just have to take it back to the dealer....sure would be the devil trying to boondock!!...Thanks for the reply...

The manual for our HWH levelers and slides recommends to extend the jacks and operate the slides with the engine running. This ensures good voltage to the hydraulic pump motor. Level first then extend slides. When leaving, the opposite: retract slides, retract levelers.

Check your manual if you have one.

I've got a 2008 FW Hurricane 34B and the standard owners manual and it's absolutely worthless. It's too generic. Its more like a brochure. My previous rv, a 1997 Minnie Winnie DL 7.3 L Power Stroke have a great manual then with every other appliance or item in the coach.

Anyway, I keep our engine running, e brake set, as I deploy levelers then the slides. I put a "Remove before take off" ribbon on the visor to hang down to remind me to raise levelers before putting it in D.

HWH levelers and slide operations are VERY touchy when it comes to good battery power.

Barb

Thanks for all the responses. I finally figured out the problem. I tried charging the batteries with the generator, and still could not get the "low voltage" light to go out. I finally pulled the batteries and took them to a shop. They tested the batteries and charged one back to full. The other battery had a dead cell in it. I haven't replaced that battery yet. But, will tomorrow.

Hopefully, this is the issue...if not, I will be back begging for help..Thanx again...Michael.

manfromnc49 wrote:
Hi..I just traded my old, reliable 2000 Four Winds Windsport, 30ft, w/o slides or levelers,Class A. For a 2008 Four Winds Hurricane with only 4600 miles, 34ft, 3 slides and levelers, Class A.

So I am now on a learning path with the slides and levelers:

1. Should I able to level the motorhome and then put the slides out with only the generator running? I would think if I go boondocking I should be to do this. Am I correct?

2. Right now with the generator running the levelers will retract but not go down and level. Also, when I try to put the slides out with the generator running the generator cuts off?

Thanks much for any help or assistance.

For problem #2. If you are saying that the generator stops running when you try to level or extend slides then check the house battery connections especially the negative cable connection where it is bolted to the mh frame. My Hurricane had a bad crimp on the lug that was bolted to the frame and the generator quit when a heavy load (hydraulic pump) was placed on the house battery system. Does your system work just on battery power alone? If not I would definitely look at the house batteries and their cables/connections. For #1 it shouldn't matter. The system should work with or without the generator. My system works in any situation as long as the parking brake is on, ignition is in 'acc', and system power is on. You Hurricane may be different but on mine if the ignition switch is 'on' rather than 'acc' a very loud alarm will sound.

Mr.Mark wrote:
Manfromnc49, what does your manual say about operating the slides and levelers?

Each manufacturer can have differnent procedures. Monaco products say to put slides out first then level. Look and see what your manufacturer suggests, not just what the dealer says.

Also, check your hydraulic fluid to make sure that it's full (with slides closed and levelers up). Our slides and levelers have their own hydraulic tanks.

Good luck,
MM.

I agree with Mark's post, check your owners manual! I own a Winnebago and my manual says to keep engine running, level first (to prevent putting your slide out in a bind) then extend the slides.

Engine running assures that the slide and leveler motor won't pull the battery voltage down too far.

xray97 wrote:
I have a Winnebago Vista and it is recommended that the engine be running when using levelers and slide out .

Same here ,just purchased a 2013 40U Journey,
was advised to be plugged int shore power and leave the engine
Running while putting the slides in and out and leveling!!!