Jack Retraction Time

Jack Cylinders Retracting "slow" when hitting STORE button?

Get out your stopwatch (smartphone nowadays...) & record retraction times. Reference chart below for HWH documented/allowable at temperature ranges.

Jack Size 60F & above 30F to 60F 0F to 30F Below Zero
6,000# & 9,000# 4 Minutes 7 Minutes 14 Minutes none stated
12,000# & 16,000# 5 Minutes 9 Minutes 18 Minutes none stated
24,000# 7 Minutes 13 Minutes 26 Minutes none stated

Below zero conditions... hydraulic fluid is like you & I... we get stiff & don't like to move! You may need to give the cylinder some "help" with a lever such as a 2x4 or steel bar/tube. Not a bad idea to carry one on your coach as it ages! It's inevitable that retraction times will increase as the coach ages.

If the jacks will retract completely but exceed the allowable retraction times, replacing the return springs will in most cases resolve the problem. In normal conditions above freezing, if a jack will retract with a little assistance, replacing the springs may resolve the problem. If a jack has to be forced up, as with a pry bar, the cylinder will most likely have to be replaced. If replacing the springs does not solve the problem, the cylinder must be replaced.

If a vehicle is parked or stored for an extended period of time and the jacks fail to retract completely, extend the jacks back down to the ground then retract the jacks again. If the jacks do not retract completely without assistance, replace the springs.

Diagnosing slow or non-retracting jacks

 

Storage conditions & USE are extremely influential on the longevity of your leveling jacks.

  • Keep your jack cylinder rods CLEAN!!!
  • USE the system regularly! Again, these cylinders are much like our bodies... exercise them & they will work better for longer.
  • After cleaning with WD-40 or a small amount of mild detergent & water (doesn't hurt to gently brush at the wiper seal & chrome cylinder rod), apply a light coating of WD-40 or T-9 Boeshield.
  • If your coach is up on the leveling jacks for long periods, especially in salt/air environments, a light coating of T-9 is a good practice, as is exercising once a month.
  • If you are not using your coach for long periods of time it's also a good practice to exercise the leveling system, minimally a couple times/year.