Second Landing Gear Motor Installation - Montana Owners Club

Phil P · 02-09-2014, 02:47 AM

Hi

I am considering putting a second landing gear motor on my front legs.

Anyone here that has done that it would be of help to know where you put the second switch.

Also how do you know if you have the same weight on both legs instead of one holding more weight than the other? I am concerned with twisting the frame.

Hers is a picture of my external control panel.

Phil P

boat391 · 02-09-2014, 05:52 AM

With our last Monty I made sure the trailer was level side to side with blocks under the wheels if needed then dropped the landing legs to the ground I never had a frame twist problem. I made sure the landing legs were at the same distance to the ground if one needed a small block that's what it got. But now with this new one the level up system is the way to go never even think about it. Why would you need a second motor I never had a issue using the one the Monty came with? Just asking never seen a need for our use.

1retired06 · 02-09-2014, 06:22 AM

I replaced the existing motor with an upgraded motor (easy bolt on) and steel cased gear box, when I had to replace the legs because of gear damage. Seems an easier fix than installing a second motor if you want more power. One motor has always worked fine for me. Ventura webpage might have some insight for what you indicated you want to do.

Drifty1 · 02-09-2014, 06:41 AM

Could put in relay so you could run both motors at same time with the one switch... This would work if the motors are the same.

Mrs. CountryGuy · 02-09-2014, 06:42 AM

Have two. Heavy pin. Lippert replaced all leg parts before suggesting this as the fix. Other manufacturers with heavy pins have been doing this for some time.

We love ours. You can ask CountryGuy.

Ours is an early 2004 so we do not have the command center. Lippert put the second switch above the first on the wall inside cargo area.

Here is the issue you must watch for, and again, you can ask CountryGuy, the two motors and all the gear boxes and all that stuff MUST be the same. IF you get motors and boxes that are unmatched, they will go up and down at different rates.

Yep, been there, done that. You do NOT want that.

When they are all equal, it is a joy. Never, EVER, regretted.

Phil P · 02-09-2014, 06:49 AM

Thanks for the information.

Ventura recommended the second drive and removing the connector bar that goes between the two landing gear.

I just haven’t seen one and several people here have had that change made or made it themselves.

I just wondered where they mounted the second switch and how they keep from overloading one of the legs.

As for frame twist it twist a lot on the road but normally if a little care is taken when setting up for a stay the frame would not have any uneven loads on it.

Phil P

Mrs. CountryGuy · 02-09-2014, 07:50 AM

Phil P

We have no bar, it is gone.

As far as overloading one leg, go down equal, keep the unit level. IF you can.

CountryGuy has had ours unlevel when coming off the truck. With two motors, we level it all up. A little up on the left, a little down on the right, a little up on the left, etc. etc. (or the other way if necessary, this is a poor example).

We have had dual motors for about 5 years, maybe more?? As previously stated, we love ours and never have looked back.

Be sure the equipment is equal. Try to keep everything level on the rig when hooking and unhooking, but, do not panic if things are a little off. Just don't leave it that way! Level it up.

Good luck!

mtheo · 02-09-2014, 08:06 AM

I have thought about it in the past. I had figured a relay would work the best. One switch to operate both.

Mrs. CountryGuy · 02-09-2014, 08:08 AM

mtheo

One switch will not allow you to "balance" the legs independently.

We have found that to be very useful.

Phil P · 02-09-2014, 09:21 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Mrs. CountryGuy

mtheo

One switch will not allow you to "balance" the legs independently.

We have found that to be very useful.

Hi

How do you do that?

Phil P

Mrs. CountryGuy · 02-09-2014, 09:44 AM

A little up on the left, a little down on the right, a little up on the left, etc. etc.

As stated above ^^.

They are wired independently because as CountryGuy told me, the switch and wires that are the standard install are not meant to run two motors, so two motors, two switches.

We do NOT push one leg up and at the same time push the other down. NO NO NO

One at a time, a little at a time, up on left, down on right.

OORRRRR

Down on left, up on right.

Need more, repeat.

A LITTLE at a time!

rapidrobert · 02-10-2014, 12:54 AM

I run both legs down till they are close to ground. Then run right leg down till it just touches ground. Then do same with left leg. Then lift rig with both motors.

MikeM · 02-10-2014, 02:59 AM

I converted to dual motors last year due to a stripped screw/jammed leg. Since I also wanted to use the remote control for raising and lowering, I designed and built a new relay board to handle the additional current load (the stock board and switch will not handle both motors). If you are interested in using something like that, I can send you a schematic with parts list.

JandC · 02-10-2014, 03:19 AM

IMHO any landing leg modification or repair that would cost within 50% of the cost of having a 6-point leveling system installed would be a waste of money. We were always very picky about getting everything level with our 2008 so the set up took anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the site. Now it takes between 2 minutes and 3 minutes.

Phil P · 02-10-2014, 08:32 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by JandC

IMHO any landing leg modification or repair that would cost within 50% of the cost of having a 6-point leveling system installed would be a waste of money.

My cost would be less than $250.00 so I think I will stick with the electric over mechanical system for now.

I could go with hydraulic landing gear for $1,800.00.

I have watched the level up system work and for what we do with the trailer it would be a disadvantage. We have to raise the front of the trailer high enough to load a heavy object from the basement in to the TV and then the reveres when we are finished with the event.

Phil P

Mrs. CountryGuy · 02-10-2014, 10:42 AM

Our cost was about $600 give or take,installed. Cost of new level ups are close to, what, $4000?

We have had our dual motors for longer than level ups have been available to purchase.

Don't get me wrong, we would love them, but, not in the budget at this time. Due to family illness we have had to re-consider several things,first to go was the new unit. Maybe some other time.

You may also like: