Toy Hauler Beds Stuck in Raised Position

[gmsumsion]

I have a Sierra Sport toy hauler with two queen beds in the garage that lift to the ceiling when not in use. I've owned the trailer for eight years. Never had a problem with the bed lift mechanism . . . until now.

We went to use the beds for the first time this season (yes, really). The switch is operated with a key and when I turn the key I get nothing. No sound or movement at all.

Checked the fuses and that does not seem to be the problem (there was one bad fuse, but changing it out didn't make any difference).

The batteries are shot, but the generator was running. I'll replace the batteries this afternoon. Considering that the generator was running I don't expect that to make any difference.

I'd appreciate any ideas or troubleshooting tips you all can share.

Thanks.

[CincyGus]

A bad battery that won't even take a charge could be the issue. if not, sounds like you have a switch or motor issue. I'd bypass the switch first as that would be the cheaper of the two to hope for.

[gmsumsion]

I replaced the batteries and that still didn't do the trick. I contacted the manufacturer of the bed lift (who is about an hour away from my house) and actually took the unit up there. The tech support guy up there tested the switch. Although it didn't seem to be the problem, he replaced it with a new switch that doesn't require a key. He also replaced the motor/gear/brake assembly, although that also didn't seem to be the problem. Also replaced the little control panel (hidden inside the wall up by the motor). Also didn't fix the problem.

Using a separate battery, he ran current directly to the motor. It worked. Similarly, running current directly to the switch (and grounding to the door frame) operates the lift.

The batteries are new. Any ideas?

The batteries are fully charged

[gmsumsion]

Oh, one other thing. I can hear a buzzing sound up by the motor when I press the switch. I think it's coming from the control panel thing (that's probably not the right name for it) but I'm not positive.

[CincyGus]

I would check all connections between the battery and the switch. It's beginning to sound like a bad ground or hot connection between your battery and the switch or a crimped wire that's shorting and not allowing enough power through to the motor to actually run it.

You might try getting a voltage reading at the motor while trying to operate it and see what is being delivered. Then again at the switch and see if your fully charged battery is delivering through the wiring the expected voltage.

Just throwing ideas I'd try to narrow it down at this point to try to help. Good Luck and keep posting results, we'll get there as I'm sure there are others that can help us figure this out.