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CLOC-AdminHello:I am sure this topic has been discussed in the past, but no related topics to ‘subject’ above.
Since early this year, the left rear Bigfoot jack has not fully retracted (stops an inch or two from limit switch). While in Arizona in March, I disassembled the limit switch from the pin that contacted the jack pad. I checked to make sure the pin was not binding, and applied di-electric grease to the ball inside the limit switch. I stored the RV from late April until mid-October, with the jacks down and the rig leveled, and forgot about attending to the jack issue. What happens is that the left rear jack retracts and shuts off power to both rear jacks. I connect the Cameo to the truck and then use emergency retract to fully retract the left rear.
A few years ago, I was sent new limit switch wiring harnesses as neither jack would retract. I installed the new harnesses, but still have the old ones. We are in the pacific northwest where it is cool and damp. When we get south, I intend to check the ground for the jack and replace with the old limit switch harness. Any other items I should check?
Thanks, Rick
Posted: 1:55 PM – Nov 01, 2015You can verify a bad limit switch by checking it with an ohm meter. The switch has two leads, one goes to the circuit board and the other goes to a ground lug. Disconnect the circuit board lead. One of the ohmmeter leads goes to that wire and the other to the ground lug. Compare your findings with a known good switch. I can’t remember if they are normally open or normally closed switches, but it will be either “open” or “closed” and when you actuate the switch, it will go to the other state. If it doesn’t change states, it’s bad.I had one go bad and both rear jacks were acting flaky. I ordered a new one and that fixed the problem.
Also, on my 2010 Cameo there is a small spacer required on each switch. There is a measurement that dictates the need for it. If you order a new switch, you might ask if it’s needed for your 2011.
Jim
Posted: 1:31 AM – Nov 02, 2015Hi Rick, I had the same problem, bigfoot sent me spacers to install on the rear jacks, the problem was the pin contacts were being pushed up to far by the pads, and damaging the limit switch, the spacers moved the limit switch up a bit, no more issues, at the same time I ran new ground wires from all the jacks to the frame.Posted: 10:24 AM – Nov 02, 2015Thanks Denny. If it quits raining for awhile, I might take a stab at it. I don’t recall seeing spacers near the limit switches. I may ask them to send me some. I will also check wih the ohmmeter. I did intall new grounds a couple of years ago, but perhaps will ckeck when apart.Thanks
Posted: 5:04 PM – Nov 02, 2015I dont see that stopping before the limit switch engages has anything to do with limit switches. Have you looked at the fluid? Correct level\? No water? Is the cylinder lubed properly?Posted: 7:31 PM – Nov 02, 2015Contacted Eric at Bigfoot today. He had no heard of spacers. He suggested the limit switches. I am sill looking for my spares, and perhaps they are at home. If I buy another one, surely I will find the missing two.Posted: 8:13 PM – Nov 02, 2015The spacers are for the rear only legs only. They were sent to me when the unit was still under warranty, maybe the 2011 doesn’t require them. They are round and approximately 5/8″ ID and 1/8″ high. I was told to take a physical measurement and if that number was a certain distance, then I needed the spacers. If it was a different number then I didn’t need them. I can’t remember what that measurement was, probably between the top of the foot and the bottom of the switch bracket. The spacer is installed between the mounting bracket and the switch when it is installed positioning the switch a little higher – 1/8″. This prevents the actuator from jamming the switch when it hits it. I can’t say if they did or did not contribute to your problem, but I believe you talked to the wrong person at Quadra (Bigfoot).If you measure the switches with an ohm meter you can verify their functionality.
Jim
Posted: 10:49 AM – Nov 03, 2015Jim:I probably spoke to the wrong guy, as vanislander has the same model and year of our rig, and he was sent them, perhaps by Rick at Quadra (Bigfoot). I gather Rick has left the company.
I am searching our rig to find my two spare switches, and was going to test them with my ohm meter. If it dries up and warms up a bit, I may check the one installed and do some measuring. We will be in the US by January and much easier to get parts than here in Canada.
Rick
Posted: 2:29 PM – Nov 03, 2015I tested the limit switch with my ohm meter and no continuity. I can’t find my two spares (must be at home), so will order from Quadra. I hope I am ok using the emergency retract until early Jan as we will be in the southern US then. I have left a message for Eric in this regard. Sometimes shipments to Canada can be delayed (ordered a part for my Viair compressor on Oct 6th, shipped from California, and it has not arrived yet).I will enquire about the spacers when Eric calls me.
Thanks guys!
Posted: 5:02 PM – Nov 03, 2015Rick,If you measured the switch and it showed “open” and then actuated the switch and it was still “open”, then it’s a bad switch.
Regarding the spacers, the following refers to them as “washers”: http://thebigfootleveler.com/uploads/Tr … _Guide.pdf
I would think using the Emergency Retract button would be okay, that’s what Rick told me to do until my new switch arrived. As long as opposing corners retract at the same time and don’t retract at different times you should be okay
Jim
Posted: 10:56 AM – Nov 04, 2015Thanks Jim:I received a call from Eric this morning. He referred me to the same page as you did regarding the ‘washers’ and measurements to see if washers were needed.
He said that using emergency retract runs all 4 pumps, each drawing 27 amps. If the retract button is held too long, pumps can burn out, thus it should be used cautiously.
Thanks to all who offered ideas.
Rick
Posted: 1:33 PM – May 07, 2017I had a similar problem with my right rear leveler. It turned out to be low fluid level. It took a couple of times, servicing it with fluid while it was retracted, then extending and retracting it a few times. Works fine now.B.W.Gentry
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2007 Carri-Lite XTRM5
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