Yahoo Message Number: 2638 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2638)
After three great months on the road and + 8,000 miles, we are heading home, BUT.............
This morning (Saturday) we thought we were going to start home, but the coach would not come up to travel height. The left side of the coach stayed way down. When the coach is parked the level system works just fine. I limped across the street to a truck service center (by pressing the "raise" button every few seconds, but they had no idea what to do. I called Coach Net, but they were not helpful.....couldn't find anyone to help us......so much for their "great service". No one is home back at the factory.....so we'll have to sit here for a couple of days
Has anyone experienced this type of problem and do you know what I should tell the local service people (when I find them)?
Denny Zarnt
2001 Affinity # 5972
Yahoo Message Number: 2639 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2639)
The ride height acctuator is not working right on the left side...Had the same problem just last month on my magna....I had to disconnect the leveling system by removing the fuse that was located in the center bay...This allowed us to drive the coach to a service facility where they replaced the accuator...
John B
Yahoo Message Number: 2640 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2640)
As the female passenger I will try to describe what happened to us....the arm right behind the wheel that extend when you raise the coach or just sometime level on a difficult site...over-extend and flip over the wrong way when you go to travel...call a tire shop and maybe they can get under there and flip them back..have to usually drive the coach up on a block or ramp for the wheels that do this...
We had this happen on the road too...not much help from service...but a tire man in the mountains of N. Mexico helped us...good luck...
Yahoo Message Number: 2643 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2643)
A friend had the same occur and they told him to manually use the leveling system (use the up arrows on your leveling system) to keep the ride height up to get to a service place.
We had our ride height adjusters replaced just last month...our symptoms were a "grating sound" when we bounced along rough roads.
They were "going" and we were lucky to have a warning.
Call CC for info to get to a service station...not the road service.
Jan McNeill
2001 Intrigue 11320
Yahoo Message Number: 2644 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2644)
After three great months on the road and + 8,000 miles, we are heading home, BUT.............
This morning (Saturday) we thought we were going to start home, but the coach would not come up to travel height. The left side of the coach stayed way down. When the coach is parked the level system works just fine.
We had the same problem on a 2000 Allure. CC service instructed us on how to remove the "travel height" fuse in the HWI control box.
We were then able to set the ride height manually and it would stay at the set level when we traveled. The bad valve was the left rear and we used a ruler to set the height on the left side ( by comparing height from top of tire to the bottom on the wheel well) the same as the right side, We were able to drive from Florida to Michigan where we had the ride height valve replaced.
Yahoo Message Number: 2647 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2647)
Mary,
If your coach is an Intrigue or Allure I can give you the fix for that situation. I experienced the same on my Intrigue, but now have it corrected. Not sure if the Magna & Affinity work the same. E-mail me & I'll explain the fix to anyone that needs it.
Hope this helps someone...........Steve..#10673
Yahoo Message Number: 2648 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2648)
It is a '97 Intrique...send info so if it happens again...thanks...Mary
Yahoo Message Number: 2650 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2650)
Had same problem with our '01 Intrigue last year on East Coast. Wife had to hold the up button down (keeping the compressor pump operating at maximum) while I drove to Lazy Days in Florida who immediately diagnosed and solved the problem. Ride Heighth adjustors had oil that had gotten into the mechanism and was not operating. Changed both ride height adjustors and all was fine. Note that I was told that anytime those adjustmentas where changed the front end alignment needed to be re-checked, which was my next stop anyway so had that adjusted to resolve an odd front tire wear.
ron bodeen '01 Intrigue #11262
Yahoo Message Number: 2651 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2651)
I have a 1999 Intrigue #10700 and the system may be different but I would like very much to receive the instructions CC gave you. Maybe you could even put it in the files section of this newsgroup providing CC and you can clear it. This seems to be a common problem and may be good grist for the mill for future use.
George Becker
Yahoo Message Number: 2655 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2655)
MaryLin61
For Intrigue & Allure owners(not sure if Magna and Affinity chassis are same) who have experienced the ride height linkage "high centering" here is the fix according to CC service manual. I experienced the problem and it is now fixed. The problem occurs when returning to travel from full dump or full raise.
Their are two leveling linkage rods. One connects to the axle and goes straight up. The other runs (perpendicular to the up/down rod) from the actuator valve and connects to the up down rod at a slider that is used to adjust ride height. The actuator rod must measure
7.75" from the center of actuator valve connector point to the center
of slider on up/down rod.
On front there is no problem getting 7.75". On rears one must make sure you get the 7.75" without causing air bag rub. Less than 7.75" is what causes the ability for the rods to reverse in a high center situation.
Hope this helps.........Steve Intigue #10673
Yahoo Message Number: 2657 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2657)
Hi Steve:
I have a 2002 Intrigue and have a problem in that the driver's side rides a little high since JC did something to the adjustments in Aug. Any info would be helpful. Thanks Lou. My email address is loubnv@... (loubnv@...)
Yahoo Message Number: 2659 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2659)
On cover is a curcuit and fuse[/tt] diagram.
Remove fuse from Travel position (Position # 12 on our 2000 Allure).
This disables the automatic ride height adjustment Curcuit.
Use manual leveling buttons rear right & left and front to adjust ride height. ( I tried to set the height a little above half way on the air bags) With the "travel' curcuit disabled, the manual settings used to level the Coach when parked should hold while you drive.
You lose the automatic ride heightr adjustments for curves, bumps etc., but I didn't notice much difference in the ride in about 1,000 miles of driving on I-65 and I-75 from Florida to Michigan.
This fix was for our specific problem of the left rear "travel" air valve not working and being locked in the down position. It may not work for other types of air bag valve problems. My understandiing is that each air bag has a separate valve used for leveling when parked, and that is the valve I used to level the coach for travel.
Hopes this helps.
Dick
Yahoo Message Number: 2660 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2660)
had the same problem with my intrigue after a mech worked on the system because an air valve was shot you can fix it your self by trial and error this is what I did for $70 /hour I did it which took 3.5 hrs
good luck
Brian Intrigue 10030
Yahoo Message Number: 2661 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2661)
A friend had the same occur and they told him to manually use the leveling system (use the up arrows on your leveling system) to keep the ride height up to get to a service place.
Yahoo Message Number: 2662 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2662)
Hey Jan if you are from the San Diego area I played golf in your name at the reunion rally with your husband Chris You have not got the new coach you bought there yet either good luck
Brian Eichhorn Intrigue 10030 1995
Yahoo Message Number: 2663 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2663)
It seem the ride height proble is always with the left side I have read most of the postings and everyone had the same problem with the drivers side if you are brave at heart when the valve fails you can set a up a crossover to the right side I have one installed on my Intrigue if it happens again all it is is a 1/8 pipe tee and 1/8 pipe plug remove both ride valve air lines and fitting from the bottom of the solenoid bank and plug the left side which is not working install the tee in the right side and put both air lines on the right side valve this will work in a pinch we travel 3000 miles making trips to PA and MI before I had time to fix the real problem
hope it helps
Brian Intrigue 10030
Yahoo Message Number: 2664 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2664)
Mr. Zarnt: We had same trouble on our 2000 Allure after about 15,000 miles. Could not get it to ride height, so called CC and they told us to manually bring it to level and then pull the 7.5 fuse which controls the ride height and stablizes it until you shut off the key. Then you need to reinsert the fuse and do it each time until you arrive at your destination or service center. It worked for us for 500 miles and then we took it to Freightliner who uses the same system to have it repaired. We needed to replace the height control valve.
JJinCC2000 Coach #30510.
Yahoo Message Number: 2666 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2666)
I have replaced all three Neway ride height air valves on my '00 Magna, one after the other. According to Beaudry the valves are defective but CC will only replace them under waranty. The first one was under waranty but the other two were not (approx eight hundred bucks so far). CC has always been very good to me replacing parts until now. I just hope the new valves are better than the old ones.
I think the front fiberglass cap has shifted by driving the coach while it is bottomed out on one side. The windshield is bulging out on the passenger side just behind the mirrow. When the front air valve failed, I had the air lines capped and used manual leveling to keep going. I didn't know about the fuse trick. jerry in NM.
Yahoo Message Number: 2673 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2673)
From the number of responses it is obvious that these valves are weak points in our suspension. So far I've changed out both rear valves at the factory, and then another at Buddy Gregg's in Knoxville. (One of the same ones changed earlier this year). Unfortunately Gregg's tech. did not tighten the nuts on the adjustment arms and one fell loose at about 70 mph, while passing an 18 Wheeler. Thought we had a blowout with all the smoke from the burning insulation in the wheelwell, but having had the problem before, I figured it out quickly. Luckily we found a good-ole-boy mechanic at the next truck stop who rolled us up on blocks and reattached it. We then had correct adjustments made at the Freightliner shop in Branford, CT.
To date we have spent over $1500 on parts & labor.
The only thing to add to the tips is that before pulling the travel fuse, you should turn on the ignition key, and put the HWH in the "travel" mode. (Green light on). Then pull the fuse, turn the key to the off position, then press the HWH "on" button once. Next use the manual controls to bring the coach to a safe travel position.
Tom B.
2000 Magna
Yahoo Message Number: 24669 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/24669)
The left front air bag is 2 inches taller than the right and I only have one valve to adjust. I tried dumping all the air out and that did not fix it. Any suggestions would be appriciated. New valve???? Brad Ribelin
2000 Magna #5906
Yahoo Message Number: 24670 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/24670)
Simply put ... put more weight on the high side. Air pressure will be equal in each bag, the amount of lift will change with the weight they are lifting.
Mikee
The left front air bag is 2 inches taller than the right and I only have one valve to adjust. I tried dumping all the air out and that did not fix it. Any suggestions would be appriciated. New valve???? Brad Ribelin
2000 Magna #5906
Yahoo Message Number: 24671 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/24671)
I did not explain very good. The left front air bag is 10.5 inches and the right is 8.5 so the coach leans to the right on level ground. The target for both bags 8 5/8 inches. The coach is empty plus a full fuel tank.
Yahoo Message Number: 24673 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/24673)
Check the ride height in the rear. If you even those out, I suspect the front will come closer to adjustment.
Mike
'95 Magna #5266
Yahoo Message Number: 24674 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/24674)
Has the coach been like this forever or is this something that just started? What year and model?
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 24675 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/24675)
We have just been through Ride Height Hell. I retrospect, we got as warning because the front would bottom out on moderate bumps. It turned out the front valvle was bad. HWH has good over the phone support, but it can be difficult to fine a tech who understands the computer and the air system.
The work needs to be done over a pit. When you are working with the air sytem. it can rise or fall wuexpectedly. There isn't much room under there.
The right combination can be faitle.
Everett
99 Intrigue 10758
Yahoo Message Number: 24676 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/24676)
I called dealership they said to raise the coach then lower then back up that fixed it as the right bag had rolled. Now all I have to do is adjust ride height.
Yahoo Message Number: 24698 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/24698)
The ride height valves are not difficult to replace or adjust yourself. Cross refverence the part number at NAPA. I replaced mine for about $130 each. Valves actually better than the OEM. The ride height and "level" while riding are determined by all three valves, remember your High School geometry, it takes only 3 points to devine a plane. If you belong to AAA, NAPA will give you another 10% off!
Joe and Judy
98 Intrigue
Yahoo Message Number: 54280 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/54280)
Does anyone know where I can find the Ride Height Specs. for an '06 Allure. I have tried to search this site, but Yahoo will only let me view the first page of the search.
Thank you
Steve Dailey
06 Allure 31299
Yahoo Message Number: 54282 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/54282)
There is a pdf download of all specs and air suspension on this web page.
http://www.jdrv1.com/id11.html (http://www.jdrv1.com/id11.html)
Yahoo Message Number: 61375 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/61375)
This is my problem. The 2000 specs say to measure bottom of frame rail to bottom bag mount plate = 10 13/16" Mine is 7 1/2 to 8" ...! About 1/2 of range of bag.
1999 specs are 7 1/2" from bottom of frame rail to weld on center of rear axle. NOT EVEN CLOSE! I know sometime during the 2000 model year they raised the frame rail and put bigger tires on. Seeing as the specs are for 2000 to 2003 coaches I believe my coach falls into the hole before the rail raise.
So, thus. I am not sure how to adjust the ride.
ddtuttle
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 61382 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/61382)
I think every CC will eventually experience ride height issues. Now that CC is gone it is even more frustrating to try to work out these problems. I'm currently having intermittent right-rear issues. While driving along the red light on my HWH display panel for the right rear suspension comes on. It will stay on for a minute sometimes and for 10 minutes sometimes. All other times the green "travel" light is lit indicating that all is well.
Finding a shop that knows about these systems is difficult and when you do find one they are very expensive. I have had my system worked on by RV shops twice in the past 6 years and both times the "fix" was not correct.
Any suggestions out there? Thanks.
Larry
2000 Allure 30485
Yahoo Message Number: 61383 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/61383)
Hey Larry, knowing where you are would be helpful. The shops I know of with good reputations are Josam in FL, Henderson's in OR, Precision Alignment and Frame in MN. I have used Precision.
Lee
--
Lee Zaborowski (in Holbrook AZ)
07 Intrigue 12153, Cat C-13
Author of 'RVers BEST PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS'
Yahoo Message Number: 61388 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/61388)
Larry
Have you ever gotten in touch with HWH? They should be able to steer you in the right direction as to the possible problem.
ddtuttle
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 61456 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/61456)
Trusty ?
I have the same vintage CC but it is an Intrigue.
I have always been lead to beleive we have the same chassis.
I have reciently been through a significant change to ride height. It was brought about mainly because I was bottoming out as the result of not-so-big-of-bumps. As for proper measurements. What size tires are on your coach.
I think that will help me respond to the correct measurements.
My coach rides better now than any time since I bought it.
Jim Green Intrigue 11021 118k+ "Rollingghetto"
Yahoo Message Number: 61820 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/61820)
Jim
What is the new ride height distance on your front axle? Do you have the 175/70 tires or the R12?
ddtuttle
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 61850 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/61850)
My coach is within the CC specs (Ride height measurements.pdf ) I posted in the files section several years ago. As a matter of fact the coach was within those same specs when I had the alignment checked at Josams last February.
Could it be you are not measuring the correct locations or you have a different chassis?
Jim Hughes
2000 Allure 30511
Yahoo Message Number: 82568 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/82568)
I'm traveling with a friend who has an 04 Inspire. His front ride height valve is not functioning properly. He had it replaced a couple weeks ago and thought it was fixed but when he started it up this am it went to the top end and didn't adjust properly. I have read on this forum of a way to temp fix the problem by pulling a fuse or something like that. Can some one point me in the right direction for this info? Or any other ideas. Thanks
Dan 06 Intrigue 11936
Update: Found a mechanic in Island Park that says he can adjust the valve. Fingers crossed.
Yahoo Message Number: 82573 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/82573)
Dan,
I don't think that the procedure you have heard about will work on an 04 Inspire as most of them did not use air bag leveling opting for hydraulic jacks instead. It has been a while so I am not sure that is correct or true for all of them. In any case here is the procedure for coaches with air bag leveling.
Adjust the coach with the HWH leveling controller manually (one push on the controller level button) until the coach appears to be in the right attitude (normal ride height with normal clearance in the wheel wells. Note that this is not level unless the coach is setting on level ground at the time. Nothing is critical here except that the drive train be reasonably straight.
Now go to the chassis fuse box and remove the 7.5 amp fuse that is labeled HWH controller. There may be other items on the same fuse so you will lose control of those as well. The only bad one is the step. I was stumped by that one until I pushed on the top of the step switch beside the door. It refused to retract otherwise.
Now with the coach manually placed in right attitude and the HWH controller disabled the coach will not try to go to ride height but stay just as you adjusted it manually. You can drive it great distances this way. You will have to reverse the process to level at night and it is a good idea to re-check the coach attitude occasionally along the way when you at stopped for a break. Hope this is what you were asking about
Don Seager
2004 Allure 31046.
Yahoo Message Number: 82625 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/82625)
Thank you Don, that's the procedure I was looking for. You are right, it doesn't work for an Inspire. However, it does work for my Intrigue and have filed your response so I can find it if I need it. By the way, my friend ended up driving his coach about 80 miles to a Peterbilt shop in Idaho Falls. They had to order another new ride height valve. They figured it was broken when the other service person tried to install it. Thanks to Kevin Waite and Butch Williams for getting my friend moving again.
Dan 06 Intrigue 11936
Yahoo Message Number: 82641 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/82641)
Hi Guys,
I am a little curious why this will not work an Inspire? Mine uses the air bags (with the HWH) for leveling like most Country Coaches.
Barney
07 Inspire 52059
Yahoo Message Number: 82642 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/82642)
Barney,
It will work on your coach and virtually any that uses ari bag leveling. The original post came from the owner of a 2004 Inspire and most 2004s used hydrauolic jacks for leveling. You coach is a 2007 Inspire.
Don Seager
2004 Allure 31046
hi steve I am having the same issue you where I think. I am a truck mechanic so lost a little. new valve. wont raise the front or rear now. even with parking brake realeased and key on. and aired up. also tryed to put rod it nutreal position with no luck. any help would be appracieted. it is on level ground