Bent another BigFoot leveler pin!

[charles l]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

Keep a hacksaw blade and wrench onboard too!

I bought a couple of spares and have my tools onboard.

[vwexpert]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

I don't recall if I mentioned that after the first bent pin, I raised all the levelers up 1 hole or 1". That's the most available. I spoke with Bigfoot and I am still within their parameters. I was concerned the fronts would scrape also.
One of our forum members VWExpert added a compressor to his system. Wonder if he scrapes and bends pins?

I have not bent any pins...yet. I guess I don't drive "off road" like Sage. I can raise and lower the pressure to the air bags from the cab, but usually leave them at 70lbs.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by vwexpert

I have not bent any pins...yet. I guess I don't drive "off road" like Sage. I can raise and lower the pressure to the air bags from the cab, but usually leave them at 70lbs.

I bent mine pulling out of the Post Office parking lot onto a main Street. Would have tried to pull out more diagonally, but there was a stream of cars pulling in on my left. No room! Pulled straight out and heard the rollers and or the leveler foot. I also keep my airbags at 70psi.

[Gidyupgo]

Anyone ever hear about adding another leaf to the rear springs. My brother in law has a big truck shop in Texas that specializes in springs and said to let him know when I wanted to get it done.

[LinandLen]

Oh, man, we just noticed we have a bent pin on the left rear foot. Our driveway is the problem as well. I would love some photos of your ramps for your sloped driveway fixes.

Now how do you replace these pins? Should we just try bending it?

[LinandLen]

Originally Posted by HopHed

My wooden ramps seem to work fine but appreciate the input on trying to resolve the issue.

Could you post a photo of your driveway ramps? I would love a visual.

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by LinandLen

Could you post a photo of your driveway ramps? I would love a visual.

If your jacks are going up and shutting off you dont need to worry and may not need to replace it. Very easy to do though. You can read the posts at the beginning of the thread for more info as to what clevis pin to get.

Lower the jack in question to clear the pin a few inches for access. Disconnect wiring to limit switch then remove it using a wrench. Cut off the pin as close to the bottom of the bushing it is coming through. I would not bend the pin back in place for fear of damaging the bushing. (see prior posts). You can then take the new pin to push the top portion of the old pin, from the bottom, up and out. you can then drop the new pin in from the top and reinstall the limit switch and connect wiring. Should take no more then 5-10 minutes to do.

As far as ramps, I have nothing fancy. 2-2x12's 4' long mitered at each end to 45 degrees. I put a 4" piece of the 2x12 in the middle for support. When I get to the top of the driveway when leaving I position the ramps in front of the rear wheels on the side that hits and drive out then put the ramps away. Backing in the same but when rear wheels get to bottom of driveway I position the ramps behind the rear wheels and back in. It will give just enough lift to the side that drags to keep the jack from hitting the driveway apron.

A little bit of a hassle but the 2 minutes it takes to do it saves replacing the pins over and over.
I will take a picture if needed when I get a chance later.

[Sagecoachdriver]

I'm luck that I can park my MH in my driveway and it just clears dragging the rear end when backing in or pulling out. I do have wood ramps I made for the front wheels to level in the driveway. They are 4 levels of 2x12 about 4' in length total for 6" of lift. Still about an inch to low.
HopHed, Since I followed your lead with the rear rollers, I find they have only been used about 3 times. Not sure if one of those times caused the bent pin. Do you find turning asap helps with avoiding drag and bent pins when exiting a driveway?

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

I'm luck that I can park my MH in my driveway and it just clears dragging the rear end when backing in or pulling out. I do have wood ramps I made for the front wheels to level in the driveway. They are 4 levels of 2x12 about 4' in length total for 6" of lift. Still about an inch to low.
HopHed, Since I followed your lead with the rear rollers, I find they have only been used about 3 times. Not sure if one of those times caused the bent pin. Do you find turning asap helps with avoiding drag and bent pins when exiting a driveway?

My rollers don't hit either which is kinda funny since my skid bars used to always hit going in or out of the driveway (or maybe it was actually the foot on the jack) and the rollers are lower. I even dropped them about another 1/4" with a spacer. Maybe since I use my ramps to get in and out of the driveway makes a difference now as it doesn't drag at all now.

If I can angle out of a steep driveway as soon as possible it will help avoiding the jack drag but keep several pins and needed tools with me just in case. I try to avoid steep driveways, if possible, though.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Wish I could raise the leveler another inch, but no holes or room. It did make a difference front and rear raising up 1" for factory install. I call Bigfoot and they said they have other ones with shorter stroke thus shorter overall. But that means I would have to buy them and then use additional blocks every time to make up the difference so the touch the ground and can lift.

[LinandLen]

Originally Posted by HopHed

If I can angle out of a steep driveway as soon as possible it will help avoiding the jack drag but keep several pins and needed tools with me just in case. I try to avoid steep driveways, if possible, though.

HopHed, what tools do you use and keep on hand to replace the leveler pins and maintenance on the levelers?

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by LinandLen

HopHed, what tools do you use and keep on hand to replace the leveler pins and maintenance on the levelers?

The only tools needed is a hack saw to cut the pin and a wrench(adjustable or proper size open end) to remove the limit switch. May want to check the wires to see if they are crimped or plug in. I changed mine to plug in for ease of removal of the limit switch.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Linandlen, your driver's side rear pin is bent? Hop head and mine have been on the passenger side rear. I believe I mentioned that I think it happens to that side because the piston limiter switch in on the rear side of the leveler. I would think if yours is on the driver'rs side, it would be from backing in rather than pull out because of the way the foot flexes and strikes and drags the pin. The driver's side limiter switch is in front. Just a thought and I may be over analyzing as I often do.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Sorry diagram is wrong as the driver's side rear leveler pin is on the front side of the piston not the rear. So disregard it.

Anyway, what I do know is when the foot plate strikes the ground, it turns and bends the pin regardless of where it is.

I hope a moderator can remove the post #33 as not to confuse anyone.
thanks

[LinandLen]

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

Linandlen, your driver's side rear pin is bent? Hop head and mine have been on the passenger side rear. I believe I mentioned that I think it happens to that side because the piston limiter switch in on the rear side of the leveler. I would think if yours is on the driver'rs side, it would be from backing in rather than pull out because of the way the foot flexes and strikes and drags the pin. The driver's side limiter switch is in front. Just a thought and I may be over analyzing as I often do.

Sagecoach, yes, our driver side rear pin is bent. I'm not sure if this was bent from the previous owner as I never paid attention to the leveler pins, but I'm pretty sure this happened recently. This last trip the Big Foot alarm went off and that's when I noticed the bent rear pin when we were camping. Then I watched as my hubby backed the motorhome out of our driveway, and it did strike a little. The alarm did not go off on our way back from the campground, so I'm not sure this bent pin is going to cause future problems or not. Of course I'd rather not have a bent pin.

The explanation from HopHed on how to replace the pins is a help, but we are NOT handy people at all, so photos or a video of the pin replacement would maybe give us the confidence to replace it. I think we need to visit HopHed in Burbank!

[Witch Doctor]

A picture of your driveway may help, see if you can come out on a angle, or if your going over a curb try to put some wood down so you don't bottom out, just some ideas

[HopHed]

Originally Posted by LinandLen

Sagecoach, yes, our driver side rear pin is bent. I'm not sure if this was bent from the previous owner as I never paid attention to the leveler pins, but I'm pretty sure this happened recently. This last trip the Big Foot alarm went off and that's when I noticed the bent rear pin when we were camping. Then I watched as my hubby backed the motorhome out of our driveway, and it did strike a little. The alarm did not go off on our way back from the campground, so I'm not sure this bent pin is going to cause future problems or not. Of course I'd rather not have a bent pin.

The explanation from HopHed on how to replace the pins is a help, but we are NOT handy people at all, so photos or a video of the pin replacement would maybe give us the confidence to replace it. I think we need to visit HopHed in Burbank!

We will be heading your way (Paso) sometime in October that would save you a trip down south.

[Sagecoachdriver]

Originally Posted by HopHed

We will be heading your way (Paso) sometime in October that would save you a trip down south.

I'm 5 miles closer!

LinandLen, where on the central coast?

[Witch Doctor]

What nice people

[LinandLen]

Originally Posted by HopHed

We will be heading your way (Paso) sometime in October that would save you a trip down south.

HopHed, how very nice of you! We just got back from the Wine Country RV Resort in Paso Robles. Great resort. Loved it! I'll try and include some photos in this post.

Originally Posted by Sagecoachdriver

I'm 5 miles closer!
LinandLen, where on the central coast?

Sagecoach, we live in the San Luis Obispo area.