1997 34’ Monarch, picked up yesterday after changing oil,replacing leaking water pump and new rubber on rear leveling arm for air bag. Coming through Wv on the roller coaster that is hiway 35 the rear leveling arm which forms an elbow with the height rod hyperextended and went the wrong way releasing air from rear bags. I lowered th rear jacks and got out to help my brother in the chase vehicle fix the arm. I left the power on to the pump and when I got back in I could smell hot smoke. I looked and found the solenoid was very hot. Now the jack pump will not run and I’m curious how your us trouble shoot it and do you oh think it’s the pump or hopefully the solenoid? Also under the front hood on the firewall there is what seems to be a vacuum pump that is running consistently and I can’t figure out what it’s for. It has a small hose that goes to a ball that looks similar to a float in a toilet, any idea what it is? Thanks for any help and just so everyone knows,,,,, if you’re ever in nw Nc and need help shoot me a message on here. I can see networking and helping each other could be a game changer. The sharks can turn a trip into a nightmare on these things.

The " ball" is like a surge tank. When you say a pump is running. Is it a pump or vacuum generator? Usually the vacuum generator goes bad and last I looked there were no replacements. Some have put a vacuum pump with control. Search on Barthmobile you should be able to find info.

The jack issue. Well lets hit the leveling arm issue. I put an elastic cord to it to keep it in the correct direction. Railroad tracks were horrific for tripping mine over. Also jacking the rear up to much. I know exactly what you had happen.
The jacks. I always shut off the engine when underneath. That key being off it turns the levelers off. I'd check the fuse on the control. Then the wiring connections at the pump. The solenoid you are talking about silver 80 amp? if its the one I'm thinking of is prone to failure. If you replace Continuous duty is essential. I have at least 3 on my rig and always carry spare. Somehow I must have thought I used my spare?? I now have multiple spares.

Thank you very much for the reply, these things are overwhelming to start with but I plan to study and learn.


When the arm went the wrong direction the symptom was a vibration that you sometimes feel when braking or I did when I drove large trucks. I guess it was the drive shaft angle because I wasn’t braking. I may have set the ride height too high for it to be able do what it did, not sure.

Another question is a stiff throttle,,,,, it was uncomfortable to maintain a steady movement, I’d lose momentum and then over do it as slight movement was hard to achieve. Can the cable be lubed to help with the stiffness or adjusted? My calf was actually getting sore from the workout.

SteveVW had issues with his throttle cable. There is no way to easily lube. I did mine but danged if I can remember. Search the site Steve was very good about documenting. I believe he forced ATF through or tried to. I was able to get mine because it wasn't gooped up. I believe Steve had a pretty severe bend that caused his binding.

The chattering was the misalignment of the drive shaft. Hard on the u joints. I have 4x4 pieces in case I can jack up and put in between frame and body to get where I can fix.

Check your air bags they may need replacement.

It does need bags, front and rear, both front leveling valves are leaking. Thanks for the response and I will be sure to find th post on throttle cables.

I will be ok on the chassis work, brakes, bearings, leveling valves,,,,,,, the coach works are almost a complete unknown to me. I will asking more questions and hopefully I get get the help you have already offered. Remember if you’re in n/w NC and need help I’ll do my best to help and that goes for all here.
Thanks again

Those cables are best replaced. Many boater friends have tried the injection lubrication but there's no comparison to new. Mine were becoming stiff, I replaced both sets of shift and throttle cables and had to check the surroundings to assure myself that there was connection to the transmission. Replace, you will have no regret and better, no second thoughts.

Thanks, do you recommend a particular place to purchase these cable? Part number? I’m sorry that I have no idea on this. Thank you again

Usually the cover will have letters and numbers stamped on one end. Generally the numbers are the length in inches the letters may relate to style or application. A robust RV service should be helpful.
Good luck