1983 Hydraulic Leveling System

[Jim Stoltz]

Looking at a take-off hydraulic jack system from an '83 motorhome. It's a bit rusty but the guy claims it works. I like it because HWH is still in business so I could presumably get parts.

My question is where they would have mounted the controls back in '83. It's not electronic - you work the hydraulic valves individually. Would they have put this in the cab? Or somewhere outside. It looks like this control panel may have been outside somewhere based on its condition. On the other hand, it's 32-years old.

[Lakota Wolf]

Jim,, My folks had a 1984 Alegro MH, a few yrs back and his leveling system was mounted outside under the drivers door in the storage compartment, And from what I can see in the photo you posted, the controls look almost identical. I assumed they mounted them there to have a short run off the hydrolic pump instead of plumbing 30 plus feet of line. His system was original and he didnt seem to ever have a problem with his during the time they owned it.

[Jim Stoltz]

Thanks! I don't have a storage compartment near my driver's door but I could make one, or install that panel in the battery or generator compartment (sort of near the driver's door). I also have a couple of storage compartments on the passenger side. One up front, the other at the very back.

But - you've answered my question. It gets mounted outside. If the seller accepts my offer (he's currently asking double what I think is reasonable) I'll find a place for those controls.

[Jim Stoltz]

One other question - where are the jacks typically installed? Close to the axles I assume? Behind both axles? 

[Lakota Wolf]

The jacks are located BEHIND the axles, (that was the case in the folks MH.) And I dont see why you couldnt mount the controls where you need them, passenger or drivers side. Find a spot where they will work for you is the key. Good luck on getting a fair and reasonable price.

[Jim Stoltz]

Thanks. Hopefully I'll wind up with the system.

The guy rejected my offer but that stuff isn't going anywhere. It's a 30 day auction that posted today. I offered him considerably more than anyone else would offer him for a 32-year-old system. I'll wait him out.

[david craft]

this control mounted typically mounted on the floor to the left of the drivers seat and protruded into the fender well directly above the front tire on a class A.  a quick call to HWH will confirm the availability of parts.

[Jim Stoltz]

Cool! I wish I could find pics online.

[Jim Stoltz]

I re-read the ad and it says that the controls were mounted to the left of the driver's seat. I don't know if my springs are toast or what, but there's not enough room to put anything directly above my tires. Maybe in front of or behind. New springs are on the list for Spring though.

The guy countered my offer with $1,175 shipped. Still not worth the risk, IMO. I did cross-reference the jacks though and the HWH replacements are $900 each (9,000 lb, low profile). That's good and bad. Good if all 4 work, bad if one or more don't. I could wind up with a pile of garbage. $500 plus shipping is all I'm willing to throw at it at this point. 

It's tempting though because it's period-correct for my Allegro and would be really cool. 

[david craft]

i have a local hydraulic outfit that cut a cylinder apart and rebuilt with seals and new piston for less than half that...you got other options.  your offer is correct though,,,IMHO ...five at the most...

[Jim Stoltz]

Thanks - I needed an objective opinion. 

[david craft]

the factory hoses were cheap...covered by a hard plastic kinda shell...when I have replaced those in the past, it seemed that the replacement was a better grade.  i would imagine you would prolly go new hoses...

[Jim Stoltz]

The seller said that, too. That the hoses will eventually need replaced. The outer sheathing is cracking.