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Written by the Getaway Couple Rae & Jason
An HWH level system can be a game-changer for when they work. However, they’re no different than any other electronic component on your RV, which means they’re not perfect. Some issues could leave you stranded, unable to hitch or unhitch your rig, and frustrated with your HWH leveling system. Troubleshooting these devices isn’t as complicated as you might think.
Today, we’ll share the steps you should take if you experience an HWH leveling system issue. Let’s get started!
About HWH Leveling Systems
HWH is an Iowa-based company that manufactures hydraulic and air leveling systems for RVs. The company started in 1967 by producing hydraulic components for big-name agricultural customers like John Deere and Caterpillar. They noticed the demand for similar hydraulic and air systems in the RV industry and began introducing state-of-the-art hydraulic and air solutions to the RV market.
They now produce their hydraulic fluid, hydraulic bed lifts and leveling systems, and even a line of stairs. Their systems are compatible with various types of RVs, and you can often add them to an RV you already own. They design, manufacture, and assemble 99% of their parts in-house, allowing them to control their components' quality and consistency.
How Does An HWH Leveling System Work?
HWH leveling systems use hydraulics to raise and lower the vehicle. A hydraulic pump moves the fluid stored from a reservoir to the cylinders that do the heavy lifting. The hydraulic system pressurizes due to the resistance created by the RV’s landing gear contacting the ground. Their retractable jacks can lift an astounding 24,000 lbs and provide 24” of stroke.
You can activate the HWH leveling system with the simple press of a button on the control panel. The system will assess the situation and make adjustments to level your rig. Some units will also continue to check every 30 minutes to ensure the rig stays as level as possible while you’re using it.
How to Reset Your HWH Leveling System
If you need to reset your HWH leveling system, park in a completely flat area. If your system uses air, release the air from the system and locate the “Auto Leveling” button on the control panel. Hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds or until you notice the system beginning to reset. This will retract all of the landing gear and reset the system. You’ll need to manually level your rig to get it as level as possible before saving the level setting. This will help the system know what level is for your RV for the future.
Troubleshooting Your HWH Leveling System
If something seems off, you can do a handful of things when it comes to HWH leveling system troubleshooting. Let’s see what steps you might take to get things back in working order!
Restart the System
Just like any computer system, sometimes restarting it can be tremendously helpful. Even the slightest sync issues between components can cause issues. Press the “off” button in the bottom left corner of the control panel. Let the unit sit for at least 10 seconds before turning it back on.
When powering the system back on, listen for any unique or odd sounds that aren’t typical. You just might get lucky, and restarting the system could fix your issues. If not, don’t sweat it because there are a few more things you can try!
Check Power
Leveling systems are going to require some power to get the job done. Some motorized units will even need to have the engine running when opening and closing slides or leveling the rig. Even if you have power running to your rig, something as simple as a blown fuse could render your HWH leveling system useless.
Checking your power source and fuses is very easy to do. When you’re troubleshooting, you want to start with these checks first and work towards more complex ones. It’s good to carry some spare fuses of varying sizes in your tool kit for times like these!
Examine Connections
If you notice no changes after restarting the system and checking the power, you’ll want to look at the connections. If you’ve just arrived at your campsite, a connection could have wiggled loose while your rig traveled down the highway. There could be quite a few connections to examine depending on your system. Look for any signs of a hydraulic fluid leak around any of the connections too.
Check HWH Leveling System Troubleshooting Manual
It’s a good idea to store the HWH leveling system troubleshooting manual in your rig just in case you need it. HWH includes step-by-step checks for some of the common issues users might experience. This manual will also be unique to your rig and help you consider all of the possibilities, even the ones you didn’t consider.
Manually Retract Leveling System
Your HWH leveling system troubleshooting manual will also walk you through the process of manually retracting your jacks. This can be extremely helpful if you need to vacate a campsite after blowing a fuse and the system cannot do it for you. The HWH solenoids have four white tabs that you must flip 90 degrees to release the pressure. When the pressure releases, it will retract the jacks. Check your owner’s manual or troubleshooting manual to confirm manual retraction on your specific rig.
Can You Troubleshoot Your HWH Leveling System Yourself?
You can do a handful of things to troubleshoot your HWH leveling system. However, they’re very complex systems and may require professional assistance in some instances. Don’t remove parts or disconnect hoses if you don’t know what you are doing.
You may make the situation not only worse but also more expensive. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your RV’s manufacturer in a pinch or to ask for a service center they might recommend. You may be able to find a mobile repair service that can bring their tools to you!
