Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 
 


Hydraulic lift system Hydraulic, mechanical and electrical components of the lift system
Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-14-2014, 04:26 PM   #1
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Default Solenoid on 1993 31'

We recently purchased a 31' hi lo and can not get it to come down. There is no manual for it and what we have found online looks nothing like the one we have. We can not find a manual release valve. Does anyone know if a 93 31' is equipped with a manual release valve? We've hooked up a new battery and we can get the safety to release but then it will not lower. We think it may be the solenoid but we are having a very hard time finding a replacement. We called a local RV dealer and he said he couldn't find one either. Any ideas would be very appreciated! We need to bring it to our home (less than 10 miles away) to do maintenance.
__________________

Reefmom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2014, 04:41 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
RCREYES's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 1,364
Send a message via Yahoo to RCREYES
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Reefmom View Post
We recently purchased a 31' hi lo and can not get it to come down. There is no manual for it and what we have found online looks nothing like the one we have. We can not find a manual release valve. Does anyone know if a 93 31' is equipped with a manual release valve? We've hooked up a new battery and we can get the safety to release but then it will not lower. We think it may be the solenoid but we are having a very hard time finding a replacement. We called a local RV dealer and he said he couldn't find one either. Any ideas would be very appreciated! We need to bring it to our home (less than 10 miles away) to do maintenance.
Try raising it and then lowering it. Make sure the three way switch is in the correct position. This manual should be close.

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f49/...-towlight-621/
__________________

__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas
RCREYES is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2014, 06:37 AM   #3
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Default

Thank you, Reuben, for the manual. We did try to raise it to unlock the safety then lower it. It would raise just a little and we could hear the safety disengage but it wouldn't go down. We believe it is the solenoid but the problem is the lift system does not look like anything we've seen in manuals. It appears that the original pump was replaced.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to find anyone in florida that knows much about hi lo campers. But I did find (on this forum) a place in New York that is doing some looking for me...keeping fingers crossed
Reefmom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2014, 06:56 AM   #4
Moderator
 
RichR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NW PA
Posts: 3,386
Default

Could you post a couple photos of the pump? That may help us determine what pump you have. There was a change made at some point in time.
__________________
My Great Wife Joyce
2018 Jayco Jay Flight 21QB
Formerly owned 1705T and 2310H
2012 F150 4X4 SuperCrew EcoBoost w/Leer Cap
Reese WD Strait-Line Hitch
Amateur Radio K3EXU
RichR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2014, 10:45 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: central Virginia
Posts: 581
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Reefmom View Post
We recently purchased a 31' hi lo and can not get it to come down. There is no manual for it and what we have found online looks nothing like the one we have. We can not find a manual release valve. Does anyone know if a 93 31' is equipped with a manual release valve? We've hooked up a new battery and we can get the safety to release but then it will not lower. We think it may be the solenoid but we are having a very hard time finding a replacement. We called a local RV dealer and he said he couldn't find one either. Any ideas would be very appreciated! We need to bring it to our home (less than 10 miles away) to do maintenance.
Where in FL are you located? We will be in FL for the month of Jan till Feb 5 if I can help
__________________
Jim L & Faye
2805C
2003 Silvarado diesel crew cab
2017 Silvarado, crew cab 1500 6.2L gas w/ 8 speed tranny
central VA
JIM L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2014, 10:55 AM   #6
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RichR View Post
Could you post a couple photos of the pump? That may help us determine what pump you have. There was a change made at some point in time.
Yes I can! I will post them this weekend. Thank you!
Reefmom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2014, 10:56 AM   #7
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JIM L View Post
Where in FL are you located? We will be in FL for the month of Jan till Feb 5 if I can help
Hi Jim! We are in New Smyrna Beach, just south of Daytona. Thank you
Reefmom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2014, 04:09 PM   #8
Moderator
 
RichR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NW PA
Posts: 3,386
Default

Take a look on page 22 of this 2008 manual and see if it looks like what you have. If the pump was replaced it quite likely this one unless someone put together their own arraignment. Take note that there are two solenoids on the system. The one mounted on the motor which is for lifting the top only, and the solenoid that is part of the electric release valve for lowering only. Directly above the release valve is the manual lowering knob.

Read through Section 7. Hydraulic Lifting System to get an understanding of what does what.
__________________
My Great Wife Joyce
2018 Jayco Jay Flight 21QB
Formerly owned 1705T and 2310H
2012 F150 4X4 SuperCrew EcoBoost w/Leer Cap
Reese WD Strait-Line Hitch
Amateur Radio K3EXU
RichR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2014, 04:04 PM   #9
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Default

Thanks Rich We do have a pic of the pump but it's a little blurry. I'll get a better one this week.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg image.jpg (81.6 KB, 46 views)
Reefmom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2014, 06:32 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: central Virginia
Posts: 581
Default

If that round item on the pump is the lowering solenoid, it looks like it has ID info printed on it. Give us that info and any info on the pump and let us see if we can find any info on it. I also sent you a private message.
__________________
Jim L & Faye
2805C
2003 Silvarado diesel crew cab
2017 Silvarado, crew cab 1500 6.2L gas w/ 8 speed tranny
central VA
JIM L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-19-2014, 11:13 AM   #11
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 6
Default Manual lowering

Hello, I have a 1992 classic with the same system. I also had the same problem you're dealing with. 1st the manual release lever is that rusty 1/4" rod just behind the solenoid in the photo, pull the safety release and then pull that rod toward you ( it hinges inside the valve body ). 2nd the reason mine would not lower as it should was because two terminals on the relay had loosened and shorted together. The relay I'm referring to is located under the front driver side of the camper. You can pick one up at any auto parts store. Hope this helps. I can take a couple photos if that would help, let us know how it turns out.
rooster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 10:35 AM   #12
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JIM L View Post
If that round item on the pump is the lowering solenoid, it looks like it has ID info printed on it. Give us that info and any info on the pump and let us see if we can find any info on it. I also sent you a private message.
Thanks Jim Here's a better pic of (what I believe is) the solenoid
Attached Images
File Type: jpg image.jpg (96.2 KB, 27 views)
Reefmom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 10:39 AM   #13
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rooster View Post
Hello, I have a 1992 classic with the same system. I also had the same problem you're dealing with. 1st the manual release lever is that rusty 1/4" rod just behind the solenoid in the photo, pull the safety release and then pull that rod toward you ( it hinges inside the valve body ). 2nd the reason mine would not lower as it should was because two terminals on the relay had loosened and shorted together. The relay I'm referring to is located under the front driver side of the camper. You can pick one up at any auto parts store. Hope this helps. I can take a couple photos if that would help, let us know how it turns out.
Wow! Thanks Rooster That sounds promising We will give that a try and will report back!
Reefmom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 12:06 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Upper left corner
Posts: 531
Default

Remember, that actuating the manual release will not release the safety bar. The top needs to go up a bit, the safety bar cable pulled and held as the manual release is actuated. It is a two person job. Once the top moves down a few inches it will be past the safety bar and the cable can be released.

Be very careful when manually lowering in case it comes down all at once.

There are a couple of ways to check the lowering solenoid:

1- Have somebody listen to it carefully as somebody else actuates the lowering switch. They should hear a click.

2- Unbolt the solenoid and observe it while actuating the lowering switch. You should see the plunger move. If it doesn't move you have a bad solenoid, or no power to the solenoid.

You can check power by disconnecting the solenoid and using a volt meter or test light on the wires while actuating the lowering switch. If you have no power the problem is a fuse, the battery, the switch, or the wiring. If there is power the problem is the solenoid.

If there's no power and you just want to put the top down for the season you may be able to run power from a battery directly to the solenoid. You may also be able to push or turn where the solenoid shaft enters the valve body and manually lower it this way.
__________________
Raul

2408T
2010 Nissan Frontier, 4x4, Crew Cab
Norton Rider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 03:10 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Memphis
Posts: 276
Default

Here's your solenoid for about 35-40 or so.....
Waltco Liftgate 12 Volt Dump Valve Solenoid Cliftronics F24S166 01 WC 70091631 | eBay
__________________
Jim in Memphis
Wife of 45 years is Brenda
Recently sold our 1997 24' Classic
2014 Ford F-350 6.7 Diesel Crew Cab
notanlines is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 04:59 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Upper left corner
Posts: 531
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by notanlines View Post
Not sure where you are getting the 35-40 price. The vendor re-listed the solenoid at $375:
Cliftronics F24S166 01 Solenoid Rotary w Fenner Solenoid Bracket Kit F24S16601 | eBay
__________________
Raul

2408T
2010 Nissan Frontier, 4x4, Crew Cab
Norton Rider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2014, 05:58 PM   #17
Moderator
 
RichR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NW PA
Posts: 3,386
Default

I think you should contact JR Repair or Midget before you go any further. They may have a solution for you.

Home - JR REPAIR

Home - Midget RV & Trailer Service (HiLo Specialist)
__________________
My Great Wife Joyce
2018 Jayco Jay Flight 21QB
Formerly owned 1705T and 2310H
2012 F150 4X4 SuperCrew EcoBoost w/Leer Cap
Reese WD Strait-Line Hitch
Amateur Radio K3EXU
RichR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2014, 07:16 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Memphis
Posts: 276
Default

Raul, I see where you're coming from. Now when I click on the link it is a completely different page than it was originally. I guess it is one of those "now you see it, now you don't" deals.
__________________
Jim in Memphis
Wife of 45 years is Brenda
Recently sold our 1997 24' Classic
2014 Ford F-350 6.7 Diesel Crew Cab
notanlines is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2014, 08:28 PM   #19
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Default

Thank you everyone for your responses. Ok quick answer is we got it working Here's the long version. I contacted the company that bought out Cliftronics (maker of the solenoid). They don't sell them individually..well they would but it was $450. The company, GW Lisk, told me that they sell to the valve assembler and maybe they could help me. I contacted them and they don't make that valve anymore. I know, shocking They did send me a schematic. Also the rod we couldn't get to move is the manual release.
So we decided to pull the camper over while it was still up. We shored up all four corners with 2x4s and slowly pulled it over. No problems whatsoever. We took the solenoid apart and is not wired the same as the schematic and there are loose wires that don't appear to attach to anything. After much trial and error the manual lever started working and we could lower it down! We could then get it to go back up but the solenoid will not work to lower it.
I don't think we are going to spend the money for a new solenoid since the manual release works.
Thank you again for all of your help! Now on to the next project(s)
__________________

Reefmom is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hi-Lo Trailers Worldwide or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:41 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
HiLoTrailerForum.com Copyright 2010
×