Questionable Design????

[GENESIS]

I debated where I should post this thread and decided that here might be appropriate since it might get more views and......IMHO......it's something each of us need to decide if it's an issue or not for you. So here goes.

When I went to drop off my 337 at our General RV dealership for some warranty work, I suffered a WTH moment when unhitching. When I pulled the jack stand pin on the right side jack, the dang thing slid completely out of the jack actuator and fell on the ground. Initially, I thought the ground was way outta level. But pulling the left side pin, resulted in the jack stand just going to the ground like normal. Long story short......after some looking, I realized that some how, some way, some where, the right side actuator had gotten driven upwards some 4 to 5 inches. The tech working on my A/C attempted a repair by lowering the actuator back downwards. But the first time pressure was applied, the actuator slid right back upwards. It did this once back at home while I was under the pin box.

B O O M! ! !

Naturally, I immediately ran out from under the RV and then proceeded to go inside to change underwear. The accompanying photos pretty much tell the remaining story, so I'll just pass along some commentary.

- Personally, in my particular application, the means by which the front actuators are installed is horrible from an engineering stress load path design perspective. IMHO, someone didn't do their homework.
- I cannot say that everybody needs to implore my remedy. For all I know, I'm the only one that had their front actuators installed like they were. I can say that my mind is now at peace because my "design" is robust and is inline with accepted engineering design principles.
- All of the pinch bolts were bent AND necked down slightly. That only comes from excessive tightening. Pretty scary IMHO.
- I would suggest anyone reading this to do their own research on how their actuators are installed and your comfort level if yours are installed like mine originally were. Remember, there's a lot of weight on those front jacks. They have to deal with static loads (the RV just sitting still) and live loads (people walking around). YMMV.

On with the show:



**** continued ****

[GENESIS]

Remaining photos.



Tom

[TucsonJim]

Tom,

This is an excellent write up and a very simple solution to a potentially hazardous situation. Would you mind if I post a copy in the reference library? Also, you might want to send a copy of this write up to Jerry McCarthy in case the factory wants to pursue it further with LCI. If you don't have Jerry's email address, let me know and I'll PM it to you.

Jim

[Blacksmith]

Thanks for the heads up Tom. I am going to take a close look at my 303 and possibly do like you did . I believe the 337 and the 303 have the same front landing gear.

[gbkims]

Thanks Tom,

I'll be taking a look at mine.

Gene

[Sirsea]

Just looked at mine, they are the same design but no sign of slippage. Going to take a much closer look when we get back home next week as I carry two Honda gens in the front storage.

[GENESIS]

Tom,

This is an excellent write up and a very simple solution to a potentially hazardous situation. Would you mind if I post a copy in the reference library? Also, you might want to send a copy of this write up to Jerry McCarthy in case the factory wants to pursue it further with LCI. If you don't have Jerry's email address, let me know and I'll PM it to you.

Jim

Thanks Jim. And no, I don't mind you sticking it in the reference library.

Honestly....I'm not sure where the design issue would lie - GD or LCI. Personally - I would think the two would collaborate on a mutually acceptable design that would accommodate the design goals of both parties.

As I stated - when I saw what I saw, it sent shivers up me spine.

Tom

[arhayes]

I don't have this model , but this is another issue that has dual responsibility in that while LCI made it, GD specs and selects the components used in their product.


Alan

[GENESIS]

Shameless bump.

Tom

[bertschb]

Holy cow! One more thing to check the next time I visit my rig (20 minutes away in storage). My 318RST is almost identical to the 337 so I'm guessing my setup is the same as yours.

Thanks for sharing Tom