6 Point Levelers Voltage Issue

[RicknTee]

Hi All, I have a 2017 3160RL with 6pt Hyd Levelers. I bought it in March of this year (2021) and have had issues with the levelers almost every trip out. In the last few trips the levelers timeout. The voltage on the panel indicates 12.4 volts most of the time when this happens. So today after unhitching, but before unplugging from my truck I put a volt meter on my batteries and it registered 13.4v. After disconnecting from my truck, it read 13.2v, howver the panel said 12.5v. I can always level with manual mode, but I want the auto level to work like it should.

A few weeks ago I found a loose connection or two and tightened those up. I figure it's either got to be a wire connection issue, controller or panel problem. I just purchased these Interstate 6v in May and I checked the water level and all is good.

Hopefully someone has had this issue and can help me or let me know if I'm on the right path.

Thanks!

[Daryles]

You may be having a problem with the 50A red self resetting circuit breaker on the wall behind the battery.
Lippert put out a TSB to put the hydraulic system on its own 80A circuit breaker.
Check the files section for threads on this.
It is also published in the Lippert NOW app that you can download from Google play store.
Lots of good info, manuals, and TSBs In the app

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...id=3&sort=date

[432bartman]

I found out like others that the 50 amp breaker would cause my levelers to stop every so many seconds, and the remedy was putting in an 80 amp breaker, which Lippert recommends. This was all occurring with brand new batteries. Since putting in the 80 amp breaker, my levelers and slides have no more issues opening/closing or raising/lowering. This could be what you're experiencing.

[rames14]

Check to see if you have a 50 amp breaker in the circuit. If you do, upgrade to an 80 amp. You will see voltage drop at that point, as long as it is around where you are seeing it, that shouldn’t be the problem. I’m thinking a loose connection or board issue. Truthfully, I’d call Lippert (also download the Lippert app). They are very helpful.

[rames14]

I guess we were all writing the same thing at the same time. We had a 2015 3160RL and upgraded to the 80 amp.

[RicknTee]

Ok, thanks. Tomorrow I'll look for a breaker being the batteries and see if it's a 50 or 80amp. Anyone have a picture of what I'm looking for?

[Carl n Susan]

Here is a link to one of many, many pictures of the 50 amp breakers.
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=74952

[phillyg]

While I agree changing out the 50a breaker to 80a is required, the fact that your panel shows a different voltage than your batteries tells me the panel might be bad. I recommend you contact Lippert directly to walk through a troubleshooting session.

[RicknTee]

I appreciate everyone's comments and the links for the pictures. I'm going to do some more verifying tonight and look for the breakers and maybe some other loose connections.

If that doesn't fix, I will call Lippert like others have suggested to further troubleshoot.

I sure love the hydraulic levelers when they are working at 100%.

Rick

[ChuckS]

Since you indicate you have 13.2 at the battery and less at the level,up display panel I’ll offer these suggestions..
1. The level up control panel gets is voltage directly from the forward control module mounted up high in your front compartment
2. Single RED wire supplies power to the module directly from battery
3. I’d check the connection end of red a wire at battery for level ,up control module and also located the ATC fuse that’s in line on that red wire and remove it and reseat it.. potential weak connection point
4. Also reseat the single red wire plug located on the front control module

I’ve attached an image of my front control module s9myoumcaj see the red wire…

Secondly… measure the 12 volts DC directly on the dual polarity extend and retract terminals to verify it is actually getting well over 12 volts

Any corrosion on any of the wires or loose connection will result in a voltage drop and the hyd level up system doesn’t like voltage drops

[RicknTee]

Hi Chuck, you are just down the road 40 miles. I found, yet another loose connection, tightened it and it's better, voltage wise. I put a meter on red wire going to panel and was getting only 11.5v. I'm thinking the controller is bad, it's receiving same voltage from batteries. I plan on calling Lippert one day soon and see what they have to say.

I couldn't find a breaker like other pictures, all I have are these. I'll have to post separately. Quick reply won't let me.

Thanks for the response.

Rick

[RicknTee]

My connections

[Carl n Susan]

The first picture of the connections with red plastic caps *ARE* the infamous self-resetting12V circuit breakers. The one on the left is likely to be failing and should be replaced with an 80 amp one.

[ChuckS]

Your picture. RED cable is the source 12 volts DC to the dual polarity solenoid..follow it down to other end..should connect to a resettable breaker..if it’s 50 amp replace with 80 amp

Also.. check ground connections on the fwd control module and reseat the cable plug for the level up control panel at both ends…

[ChuckS]

One other item .. if you haven’t removed the battery terminal connections and cleaned them and post AND remove the ground cable where it connects to the chassis from the battery…

Make sure the surface at the ground connection is clean bright metal..if not you WILL get a voltage drop when you try and run that hydraulic pump

[RicknTee]

Thanks to everyone for your great tips. I've ordered the 80amp circuit breaker, after that is installed I will once again check voltage at points you all suggested and will report back with the outcome. Thanks Again!

[AZMont]

Here is a pic on how I updated the 50 amp and 30 amp breakers. I made them 3 breakers: 80 amp for the level up system, 50 amp for the coaches fused control panel and 30 amp for the remaining circuits. I also used terminal strips. All of the upgrade components came from Amazon.com. I've attached a pic.

[RicknTee]

Do you happen to have the link for the strip?

[Daryles]

Yeah, I put mine going to bus bars too.

4 Post Power Distribution Block Bus Bar Pair with Cover - Made in The USA - 250 Amp Rating - Marine, Automotive, and Solar Wiring (5/16") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07THLYYH3...ing=UTF8&psc=1

[Lucky23]

Rick I have the same model as yours a year earlier.
Here are the breakers 80 amp & 50 amp resettable.