Popping noise

[subdoc4]

Has anyone out there noticed a popping noise late at night/early morning from the 5th wheel walls/frame? I have listen and at first I thought it was mice, but it was more like a tapping. I am guessing it has to do with the temp changes.

[BradPAjax]

Search for posts... this is an ongoing issue due to temp changes in the leveling jacks... level the coach every few days and keep the stroke or length from frame to ground as short as possible... that seems to help those that experience this the most.

[DonMac]

Nothing stops it. Lippert knows about this but has no answer but they say they are working on it. Have done all the suggestions and have three jacks replaced but still popps. Has to do with temp change,contraction of steel parts vs alum in jacks. Just talked to Carl at Lippert last week. He is working on it with Bob. Check out the Heartland forum. More informative posts.

[subdoc4]

Thanks. What you say makes sense. Sorry I didn't check the other posts first...kinda new at this.

[spindrift]

Does this noise occur at the front of the coach or all around?

[subdoc4]

I think its all around, although I notice it mostly when its quiet in bed.

[spindrift]

As Don suggested, I went over to the Heartland Forum and did a search. It seems that it's most prevalent on a side where the jacks are extended beyond the length of those on the opposite side. Blocking has helped in some cases. Surprisingly, someone found that putting plastic cutting boards under the jack stand allowed "slippage" of the jack pad which in turn, stopped the popping. Ahhh, technology, you gotta' love it.

[lillyputz]

Originally Posted by spindrift

As Don suggested, I went over to the Heartland Forum and did a search. Â*It seems that it's most prevalent on a side where the jacks are extended beyond the length of those on the opposite side. Blocking has helped in some cases. Â*Surprisingly, someone found that putting plastic cutting boards under the jack stand allowed "slippage" of the jack pad which in turn, stopped the popping. Â*Ahhh, technology, you gotta' love it.Â*

Check out the Quadra Bigfoot system. No aluminum.

Lillyputz

[subdoc4]

I will check out those suggestions. The noise is not that bad...I was just curious.

Thanks for all the help!

[spindrift]

Bigfoot = Very niiice

[hoosierguy]

If you are thinking that theBigfoot leveling system is a solution, go check the NuWa (they make HitchHiker 5th wheels) forum. NuWa has Bigfoot as an option on HitchHikers. You will find that Bigfoot has its share of problems also.

[atom ant]

I notice the new Lifestyle also has Bigfoot.

[mhs4771]

Not to mention that the Big Foot system only uses 4 jacks vs 6. Now good or bad may depend on the individual, but the Big Foot also uses 4 hydraulic pumps, one at each jack with it's own fluid tank vs one pump and tank with the Level-up. For an after market upgrade I can see where the Big Foot would be simpler as no hydraulic lines need to be run, just control lines.
So as in life, there are pros and cons to each system.

[atom ant]

Leave it to a Dealer (Lifestyle)- He told me Redwood needs 6 jacks because it has a weaker frame. Thats strange, because big foot was ready to install one on my 10" frame, which is far weaker than the Redwood.
Edited by: atom ant

[Dave&Ginny]

I was looking at a Carriage Lite a few years back and while I was at the dealership in 100 degree heat, the dealer tried to show me 3 brand new Carriages. When I asked him to demonstrate the leveling system, he couldn't get any of them to work.

The leveling system is a nuisance but it sure beats the old scissor jacks and so far nobody has come up with a better system. I sure hope this changes someday.

[Buddy]

I bought the yellow plastic leveling blocks from Camping World and it stopped mine. The back two behind the wheels I put two high to shorten the stroke. I found using the blocks also keeps you from being metal to Concrete/Asphalt on your leveling feet.

[subdoc4]

I will try that. Perhaps there is enough flexing in the plastic, that it absorbers the impact?

[piper guy]

FWIW, I needed blocks real quickly back when I put mine in storage for the winter ........ lacking any other place to go, went to Home Depot and had them cut up a 2x12x8' pressure treated board for me. So far, we've been out with the coach 4 times and no "pops". I use one under each foot. Maybe they have enough "give" that it helps the jacks ? Don't know .......

[5th_Time]

Vaughn, I madethe same thing -12x12x2 pressure-treated pads - one under each foot and extras in case they're needed. I never get any popping. I thought it was my "good fortune", - butmaybe we're on to something???

[Dave&Ginny]

I've got a lot of the scraps left over from building a deck. I guess it's time to fire up the saw.