Level-Up system operation without batteries?

[Mark N.]

If the batteries are removed from my trailer, but the trailer is plugged into the truck, will the level-up system still operate on truck current only?

I want to remove my batteries before putting the trailer into storage, but I need the front leg hydraulics in order to lift the trailer off of my Andersen Ultimate Hitch.

Thanks!

[rohrmann]

I don't think there is enough current available through the wiring from the truck to safely operate the level system. Just remove the battery after parking it. You also should not tow without an on-board battery because your emergency brake switch depends on that battery to operate the brakes on the trailer.

[dieselguy]

X2 what Bob said. The hyd pump pulls a boat load of amps when running and that little 14 gauge power wire from your truck would get pretty warm trying to supply the juice.

[1retired06]

X3

[twindman]

Why remove battery? I leave mine in trailer year round as I have a cutoff switch. I don't know if it would be ok in cold climates, but works fine for me. My batteries are always charged when I go get the trailer each spring.
Just unhook the battery cable.

[kevin50]

unit needs batteries or shore power to operate. I have had a couple of times the coach batteries were weak and the level up would not work

[Irlpguy]

There is no way you can get sufficient voltage or current from the wire from your truck to operate the hydraulics or electric motors. I don't understand why you would want to remove the battery while still hooked up, it is awkward enough without limiting your space to get into the front compartment. If you are putting the RV to bed for the winter then do everything first then remove the battery if you cannot have it plugged in during storage.

[chris199]

quote:Originally posted by kevin50

unit needs batteries or shore power to operate. I have had a couple of times the coach batteries were weak and the level up would not work

Same here. Upgraded single 12v to 2 6v after having to wait 30-45 min for truck to charge the 12v battery to retract front legs.

[vipermanden]

Well here is the answer you are looking for. I went to my storage yard today, and the key to the battery disconnect was in the "ON" position for the last month, and when we went to pick it up, the batteries were dead. They delivered me the trailer with the switch in the off position, and I thought that meant that the batteries were not disconnected. Long story short, I went to deliver the 5th wheel to my dealer to fix the first trip bugs and all was dead, so I plugged in the trailer cord to the truck, and I have dual alternators in my RAM truck, and revved the engine, and the level system just buzzed at me. So I had to have another truck come over, and hook up jumper cables to my trailer batteries, so I could hook up my trailer, and then once hooked up, we could raise the jacks to take it to the dealer. One thing I forgot to do, since I did check the Jensen control, and see if I could start the Onan generator, and I could not. I should have let the truck run for a while, and then maybe I could have started the generator. Bottom line is you can not operate your 6 point leveling system off of the truck. I can't answer to the point if i would have let the truck run long enough so i could have started the generator, so maybe that is something you can do?

[pkbridges77]

quote:Originally posted by vipermanden

I can't answer to the point if i would have let the truck run long enough so i could have started the generator, so maybe that is something you can do?

I can answer that. I unhooked our SOB at our cabin with no plug-in. Batteries were dead within two days so no generator start. I plugged in the 7-pin to the truck, ran at high idle for about 10 minutes, and that provided enough charge to start the generator. Everything worked fine after that.

[Carl n Susan]

quote:Originally posted by vipermanden


....the key to the battery disconnect was in the "ON" position for the last month, and when we went to pick it up, the batteries were dead. They delivered me the trailer with the switch in the off position, and I thought that meant that the batteries were not disconnected....

In case you are not aware, the battery disconnect doesn't disconnect everything. Some devices (sensors, jacks/Level Ups, etc) are always 12V powered. The only way to keep the battery from discharging when stored is to disconnect a battery cable.

[vipermanden]

Paul, Good to know about using the generator. I was a little frazzled, and did not think to go back and try the Jensen again, to see if the generator would start. I was also a little ticked at the dealer and myself, since i did not read up on it, since the whole time on our first trip of 3 weeks and 2,500 miles, the switch was in the off position. I wondered why the key seemed to want to fall off from time to time. So now i know. Carl, I plan on removing the batteries after our next trip of 2,300 miles starting this coming Monday. So when my 5th wheel is in storage for the winter months, I will have the batteries here, and trickle charge them on a monthly basis.

[jameswbarton]

Jumper Cables from the TV to the RV Battery Terminals for using jacks with dead RV batteries. I carry a long set made from welding cable for jumping RV's.

[vipermanden]

Good idea, since you can't jump and hitch up your 5th wheel at the same time? :-)