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Levelers, speedometer, battery
I did no camping this year due to Covid restrictions. I take Daizy for a run (about 45 minutes) to keep things charged up at least once a month, and move her around when I’m mowing. Two weeks ago on an exercise run, the leveler warning light came on. My heart was in my throat because I thought the jacks were dropping.  I slowed down and the dash light went out. That weekend I got out the booklet and decided to lower them completely and then store them in case they had drifted down a little over the summer. The previous  owner had HWH computerized leveling system with kick-down jacks installed in 2012. The panel lights blinked but nothing happened.  I hit the store button, it flashed and then the travel light came on.  I began doing some HWH research, presuming there was a system issue. Thanksgiving was a beautiful day so I took her out again. I merged onto the bypass and people were flying by me (normal).  I glanced down at my speedometer and the needle was flat on the zero. Decided I should cut my trip short and headed back home. Less than ten minutes after being home I thought I should’ve backed in so I could plug into the shop outlet. I tried to start her and nothing.  Not even a try. Do you see any correlation in these events? I was told to check that no belts had come off.  IDK? It was just inspected a month ago and I couldn’t see anything obvious.  Everything in this old beast is stuffed in the hideous doghouse.  Not like lifting the hood on my ‘51 Packard! 😂  Sorry to be so windy.  ANY direction or suggestions are very much appreciated.  I’ve already come up with lighting a match... 😕
Not all who wander are lost...

1991 22' RL
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #1 –
These sound like problems I’ve had at different times.  Search the archives for ‘speedometer failure’ and you’ll find some help.

https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?action=search;sa=results

HWH levelers don’t like to sit for long periods without exercise.  I’m not sure what light you’re referring to, but assume it is the warning light indicating the jacks are down.  The sensor for those triggers when the jack is almost all the way up.  I’ve seen mine not turn off until I crawl under and push a jack the last half inch into kicked up position.  Occasionally, the light will flash on and off as I drive down the road and the jack wiggles.  All of this is a sign that the springs, pivots, and other parts need some maintenance - typically just lubrication. 

If it’s been a while since a new battery, it might be time for a new one. They can fail quickly and with little warning.  Having it tested at a shop or parts store should tell you what’s going on. 

All of this is just a guess based on common issues, and your case might be different.  Even then, it’s a good place to start.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #2 –
Quote from: pjYukiko  - 
I did no camping this year due to Covid restrictions. I take Daizy for a run (about 45 minutes) to keep things charged up at least once a month, and move her around when I’m mowing. Two weeks ago on an exercise run, the leveler warning light came on. My heart was in my throat because I thought the jacks were dropping.  I slowed down and the dash light went out. That weekend I got out the booklet and decided to lower them completely and then store them in case they had drifted down a little over the summer. The previous  owner had HWH computerized leveling system with kick-down jacks installed in 2012. The panel lights blinked but nothing happened.  I hit the store button, it flashed and then the travel light came on.  I began doing some HWH research, presuming there was a system issue. Thanksgiving was a beautiful day so I took her out again. I merged onto the bypass and people were flying by me (normal).  I glanced down at my speedometer and the needle was flat on the zero. Decided I should cut my trip short and headed back home. Less than ten minutes after being home I thought I should’ve backed in so I could plug into the shop outlet. I tried to start her and nothing.  Not even a try. Do you see any correlation in these events? I was told to check that no belts had come off.  IDK? It was just inspected a month ago and I couldn’t see anything obvious.  Everything in this old beast is stuffed in the hideous doghouse.  Not like lifting the hood on my ‘51 Packard! 😂  Sorry to be so windy.  ANY direction or suggestions are very much appreciated.  I’ve already come up with lighting a match... 😕
From the Lazy Daze Companion: The Lazy Daze Companion: Speedometer

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #3 –
From the symptoms you describe, and my own experience, this sounds as if the engine battery has been completely drained. That could mean a bad battery, but I'm going to guess it means a charging problem--slipping belts (but those usually squeal) or a failed alternator or voltage regulator.

Following the "first try cheap/easy fixes" rule of thumb, I would check the battery fluid level and add (distilled) water if necessary. Clean the battery terminal connections and tighten them. You might find a simple fix this way--it has happened to me. Then look under the hood at the belt or belts--they are up front, so you don't have to open the doghouse. If you can jump-start the engine, listen for squealing belts.

Try these simple things before you call a tow truck. You might get lucky. :-)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #4 –
Andy, looking at your signature line, have you made more changes to your "hardware?"
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #5 –
Hi PJ; It sounds like a dead chassis battery to me.  It takes a lot of energy to start the engine each time. An older '91 won't have the 210 amp alternators of todays motorhomes. So while 45 minutes of driving is OK, if there is any hesitation on starting, or other instances you will eventually run down the battery. The part about moving Daizy to mow the lawn is a red flag here. It takes at least 15-30 minutes each start just to replace the energy of each start. The levelers are operated by a power hungry hydraulic pump. Always have the engine running when lowering the jacks, Even raising uses a lot, and even though the engine is running some power still comes from the battery, because the pump takes more than the alternator can supply. You didn't mention any solar. If you have solar it can keep your house batteries (one or 2) charged, but still won't charge the chassis battery unless you add something like a Trik-L-Start.
   If you can get a trickle charger and leave it on the battery all the time, or a regular charger for a few hours a week, then that could keep your chassis battery up to snuff.  A digital volt meter is handy to have to watch all of the batteries condition.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #6 –
Thanks everyone! I don’t mind crawling underneath but when you mentioned lubricating the jack springs, is it a spray I buy similar to WD40 or something different?  I’m fairly certain I would’ve heard squealing since I didn’t have the radio on. It’s sunny today but I also took a flashlight and looked as deep inside as I could for a belt off.  I was going to lift the battery out and get it tested as suggested... code on the 6 year Interstate is May 2017. It’s  crammed in there, too!  That being said, after reading RonB’s post, it sounds like I brought this on myself.  The HWH guide said to have it on accessory when lowering the jacks, so I did not have the engine running.  Also when I mow, I’m moving it, then starting it and moving it back again when I’m done that section. Oh, boy.  I have no solar panels or generator.  Think I’ll try the jump first and see how that goes.  Thankful for my motorhead cousin- I may need backup!  I’m also thankful I didn’t stop anywhere and that it died in my driveway.  Trying to get a tow on a holiday, with two big dogs, may have been quite an experience. 😳
Thanks again, pj
Not all who wander are lost...

1991 22' RL
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #7 –
Alternator failed, batteries dead. That is what I see as a common cause. 
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #8 –
Quote from: pjYukiko  - 
Thanks everyone! I don’t mind crawling underneath but when you mentioned lubricating the jack springs, is it a spray I buy similar to WD40 or something different? 

I would follow these instructions:
https://www.hwhcorp.com/ml47149.pdf

HWH replaced the springs with a slightly different design at one point, but it might have been before your jacks were purchased. 

Stuarts Service has been a great resource for me to call and get advice, as well as to order parts.  If I ever needed repairs that I couldn't do myself, I would try to arrange a trip to them.  They've gone so far as to pick some small parts out of their pile of old jacks and send them to me at minimal cost just to be helpful. 

HWH Replacement Parts - Stuart's Services

Rich
 
2003 MB
 
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #9 –
Andy, I also noticed your new signature line.  I'm very interested.  After I sold my 2000 MB, I went to a 5th wheel for a few years pulled by a Chevy 2500 HD.  When it became more than we needed, I sold the 5th wheel and bought a small trailer, not that dissimilar from your new Airstream.  (Bullet Crossfire 1800RB) I still pull it with the Chevy, but my needs of a truck for other purposes is no longer an issue, so I have thought about trading it and our Subaru Forrester in for an Assent.  I am very interested in you feelings about that combo, what you did for a brake controller, hitch, etc. and how it is working out for you.  This forum may not be the best place for this discussion, unless others are interested, but I sure would appreciate your opinions.  My email is rich@ gorts.com.  Thanks,

Rich - Birch Bay, WA

Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Rich Gort  - 
After I sold my 2000 MB, I went to a 5th wheel for a few years pulled by a Chevy 2500 HD.  When it became more than we needed, I sold the 5th wheel and bought a small trailer, not that dissimilar from your new Airstream.  (Bullet Crossfire 1800RB) I still pull it with the Chevy, but my need for a truck for other purposes is no longer an issue, so I have thought about trading it and our Subaru Forrester in for an Assent.  I am very interested in your feelings about that combo, what you did for a brake controller, hitch, etc. and how it is working out for you. 

Heard through the grapevine that Andy now is pulling his trailer with a Ford Ranger, the Subaru Ascent evidently was too small to safely pull the Airstream. Knowing Andy, the trailer is well loaded with gear. Most full-timers have heavy loads.

When pulling a trailer, it's hard to have a tow vehicle that is too big or too powerful.
Be careful not to undersize the tow vehicle...even if the salesperson says it will pull your trailer just fine, too many people believe they can safely, without straining,  pull the maximum weight listed by the manufacturer.
IMO, it's best to have a little too big a tow vehicle as opposed to a smaller tow vehicle that is pulling at or near its maximum weight.
The trade-off is that a large, heavy-duty truck is a poor vehicle to drive when not pulling the trailer, compared to the smoother ride of a Subaru or a smaller truck. Finding the 'sweet spot' can be difficult.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #11 –
The grapevine is right. :-) I just finished posting an update about the switch from Ascent to Ranger.

What Larry said is true: when towing, you want to have a comfortable safety margin. With the Ascent, I didn't. I was right at the limits, and it was dangerous. On the other hand, there are people who will tell you that anything less than a diesel 3/4-ton pickup is too small. A truck like that is fine for towing, but can be quite unpleasant to drive around town, as I can testify from experience. It pays to research carefully and buy a combination that has a good safety margin--in my present case, about 50%--but bigger isn't always better.

As Larry said, finding the 'sweet spot' can indeed be difficult. I've been through multiple RVs, cars and trucks in the past few years, before arriving at a combination that is both safe and comfortable (both to live in and to drive when not towing).
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #12 –
Thanks for the update, Andy.  As supply problems made finding new cars difficult, I never got a chance to check the Ascent so I'm still pulling my small trailer with the 3/4 ton Chevy.  I agree with everything Larry and Andy had to say on the subject, and while a big tow vechicle makes towing a breeze, no special hitch required, no sway problems, etc, it can be a pain to take around town for shopping and local tasks.  All I use that truck for is towing the trailer and hauling big or heavy stuff, usually for friends or neighbors.  As a result, it has very low mileage and has held its value well, especially with the shortage.  I was looking for a solution to avoid having 2 vechicles, but unless you are ok with a small truck, that is not easy to accomplish.  I think my current plan is to hold on to the truck and our Forrester for the time being.  I understand Ford will be coming out with an all electric Ranger in the near future, and maybe make a change it that time.  Again Andy, thanks for the update.  I was concerned about sway, and knew that any kind of weight distribution/sway control hitch would put my trailer over the Ascent's hitch weight limit.  I think you made a good decision, that new Ranger looks pretty nice.
Rich
Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Rich Gort  - 
I understand Ford will be coming out with an all-electric Ranger in the near future, and maybe make a change it that time. 

That made me smile, nothing new here. 25 years ago, my work truck was an electric Ford Ranger, equipped with an NMH battery and having an 80-mile range. With the heavy battery under the bed, it had a very low COG and would corner like no other Ranger.
For many decades, LAX has been a testing ground where auto manufacturers experiment with all sorts of alternatively powered vehicles in an active work environment.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #14 –
Yes, I remember that Ranger....hopefully round 2 will be a vast improvement.  If round 2 has a half way decent towing ability and range, I think it will be a winner. I only take short camping trips (150 miles or so) these days, so being able to do that on a charge, and assuming charging stations exist so I can get back home, maybe it would work.  Not going to be able to convince Mom to drive any kind of truck, so will still have the Forrester (which she loves) for her.  I'm not an electric vechicle nut, but I have a 50 AMP RV outlet here, and maybe it's time.  I just hope they ease up on nuclear, so we can all have enough power for the future.
Rich
Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Re: Levelers, speedometer, battery
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Rich Gort  - 
Yes, I remember that Ranger....hopefully round 2 will be a vast improvement.  If round 2 has a half way decent towing ability and range, I think it will be a winner. I only take short camping trips (150 miles or so) these days, so being able to do that on a charge, and assuming charging stations exist so I can get back home, maybe it would work.

Electric vehicles can be fun to drive, electric motors produce maximum torque from the start providing entertaining acceleration.
Test drive a Tesla.

It's going to take a good size battery for a 150-mile range while towing a trailer. Watch what the German auto manufacturers do, the Germans and French love their caravans. Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen produce the big, powerful SUVs needed to pull them.
The Germans have made a big commitment to go all-electric and the American auto industry is right behind them.

A big question is if the supply of lithium and the other hard to get materials used in manufacturing batteries going to be sufficient for the increased demand?
How will the present power grid be upgraded to supply the increase in power production and the charge stations needed to service all of these large batteries? Many areas of the country already have serious power issues during the peak heat and cold seasons. Maybe electric vehicles batteries can be used to power the grid during peak time?  Lots of questions for the engineers, inventors, and legislators of the world to solve.
Going electric is just another step in our power use and production history, watching future developments should be interesting.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze