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11-20-2019, 04:33 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
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Rebuilding front jacks, West Coast
Do you need your front jacks rebuilt?
The most recommended place to have the jacks rebuilt has been Roberts in Indiana. We are on the West Coast, so that would have been quite a drive.
I was referred to Les from a friend and fellow DRV owner. Les is located in Mount Vernon, Washington. Les is a machinist and fabricator. When rebuilding the jacks he does the following:
1. Removes and installs the jacks (he has a pit)
2. Replaces the seals with beefier, higher grade seals.
3. Checks the alignment of the foot pad and corrects it to true straight, if needed.
4. Inspects the jack housing for any defects.
I know Roberts does all of the above when they rebuild the jacks.
Les takes it one step further and machines an offset protective ring and attaches it to the ram. This does two things - it protects the small outer
bypass/pressure tube from rubbing on the jack’s outer housing and helps the jacks have less lateral travel/movement.
The entire process takes several days at this time. He caps the front hydraulic lines that go to the front jacks. This is so you can leave your truck connected and use the other 4 jacks and slide outs. He has a 50 amp service, water and a clean out so you can use your portable dump tank to empty your tanks. Not to mention the Bald Eagles that perch on the telephone pole right next to your coach. ����
Les is a very knowledgeable and nice guy. He is able to do other things besides rebuilding front jacks.
The total cost is $1750, but contact him to confirm as it might change over time.
Les can be reached at lesarendse@hotmail.com or (360) 708-7499.
I would even think that he could repair non DRV rigs, but the purpose for this post is to inform DRV owners.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
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11-20-2019, 01:23 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38RSSA
State: Wisconsin
Posts: 341
THOR #3221
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Thank you for that information Ryan!! I’m glad you have your jack problem resolved!! Now you can NOT worry about the jacks, it’s a great feeling huh??
Dan
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11-20-2019, 02:10 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 39TKSB3 "Modified"
State: South Dakota
Posts: 1,838
THOR #1661
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I am a lifelong friend of Les. He is a top quality guy!
We did my front rams to see what was involved so he could determine a fair price. The protective ring is a BIG bonus as this eliminates the wear on the return line that WILL eventually fail. Roberts will simply charge you for a new Ram outer tube instead of fixing this issue. As mentioned this option makes these jacks MUCH more stable when moving around inside of the rig.
He recently worked on another friends Toy Hauler that had a broken shackle. Come to find out his entire suspension was shot! He also had structural damage that allowed the entire axle system move side to side. Brakes were shot also! He is an expert at fixing Factory suspensions and frame flaws.
He is a professional trailer fabricator also. He can add a trailer hitch to the back of the RV or???
Add him to your contact list. May come in handy for you or one of your friends.
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11-20-2019, 02:53 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
State: Texas
Posts: 142
THOR #11383
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rynosback
but the purpose for this post is to inform DRV owners.
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Thanks for the info. Although I don't expect to get that far west again it is good to find knowledgeable people working their craft.
The second picture does have me puzzled, is that a rub/wear area shown?
Clay 2016 MS 38PS3/Dallas
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11-21-2019, 04:32 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dapperdan
Thank you for that information Ryan!! I’m glad you have your jack problem resolved!! Now you can NOT worry about the jacks, it’s a great feeling huh??
Dan
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I’m so much more confident and my truck is much happier. As the rig has been attached for about a month.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
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11-21-2019, 04:38 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MS60ocb
Thanks for the info. Although I don't expect to get that far west again it is good to find knowledgeable people working their craft.
The second picture does have me puzzled, is that a rub/wear area shown?
Clay 2016 MS 38PS3/Dallas
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Yes that is the rub wear. It was minor and will not get any worse because of the offset protective ring keeping it from contacting the inside of the front jacks housing.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
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11-21-2019, 04:39 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cummins12V98
I am a lifelong friend of Les. He is a top quality guy!
We did my front rams to see what was involved so he could determine a fair price. The protective ring is a BIG bonus as this eliminates the wear on the return line that WILL eventually fail. Roberts will simply charge you for a new Ram outer tube instead of fixing this issue. As mentioned this option makes these jacks MUCH more stable when moving around inside of the rig.
He recently worked on another friends Toy Hauler that had a broken shackle. Come to find out his entire suspension was shot! He also had structural damage that allowed the entire axle system move side to side. Brakes were shot also! He is an expert at fixing Factory suspensions and frame flaws.
He is a professional trailer fabricator also. He can add a trailer hitch to the back of the RV or???
Add him to your contact list. May come in handy for you or one of your friends.
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Thanks for hooking me up with Les Ron.
A picture of Les working on my rig.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
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11-21-2019, 03:31 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
State: Texas
Posts: 678
THOR #3109
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Indeed, it is good to know of another source for a solution to this irritating, costly DRV flaw. Saw a couple of posts that might indicate Robert's in IN is out of business? Or moved? Or....?
__________________
2016 Tiffin 40QBH
2015 38RSSA--traded
2005 36TK3--retired, but it was a good one
2017 F450 KR
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11-21-2019, 04:51 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 39TKSB3 "Modified"
State: South Dakota
Posts: 1,838
THOR #1661
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wingnut60
Indeed, it is good to know of another source for a solution to this irritating, costly DRV flaw. Saw a couple of posts that might indicate Robert's in IN is out of business? Or moved? Or....?
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When I spoke to Roberts a couple months ago he was in the process of closing down, this was confirmed by another friend that has his rebuilt there about three months ago.
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11-21-2019, 04:55 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 39TKSB3 "Modified"
State: South Dakota
Posts: 1,838
THOR #1661
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"Thanks for hooking me up with Les Ron."
Ryan took a big risk based on my word that Les was the real deal! He drove all the way from San Francisco to MtVernon, WA and now heading back all based on my recommendation. Thanks for trusting me and I am VERY happy that he did the job I told you he would.
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11-21-2019, 07:15 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wingnut60
Indeed, it is good to know of another source for a solution to this irritating, costly DRV flaw. Saw a couple of posts that might indicate Robert's in IN is out of business? Or moved? Or....?
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I saw the same thing on FB. He is in His 70’s and his hydraulic guy has cancer. And I believe that there is no one in line to take over the business.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
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11-22-2019, 03:24 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 39TKSB3 "Modified"
State: South Dakota
Posts: 1,838
THOR #1661
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"And I believe that there is no one in line to take over the business." I have heard the same!
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11-27-2019, 07:45 PM
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#13
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Junior Member
Brand: DRV
State: Indiana
Posts: 1
THOR #3621
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Hi everyone. I just wanted to make a couple of clarifications on Bob's RV repair business. He is definitely cutting back. He is taking the winter off to work on his projects. I think come spring he will see what comes along and take care of fellow RVer's and DRV owners when possible. While Bob is at retirement age, he is not yet 70 or in his 70's. No, there is no one to take over the business. If you want to contact Bob feel free to email him at
robertsqualityrv@gmail.com. We will be checking messages on the phone (812) 655-2583 periodically so email is the best route.
We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving a happy holiday season and a great winter. Hope to see you on the road. Take care and travel safe.
Bob and Cherri
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11-27-2019, 11:04 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cherriandbob
Hi everyone. I just wanted to make a couple of clarifications on Bob's RV repair business. He is definitely cutting back. He is taking the winter off to work on his projects. I think come spring he will see what comes along and take care of fellow RVer's and DRV owners when possible. While Bob is at retirement age, he is not yet 70 or in his 70's. No, there is no one to take over the business. If you want to contact Bob feel free to email him at
robertsqualityrv@gmail.com. We will be checking messages on the phone (812) 655-2583 periodically so email is the best route.
We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving a happy holiday season and a great winter. Hope to see you on the road. Take care and travel safe.
Bob and Cherri
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Thanks for clarifying this up. You have a great reputation in rebuilding these front jacks. Happy Thanksgiving and have a well deserved break over the winter.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
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09-15-2020, 06:00 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
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A bump for Les.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
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07-08-2021, 03:21 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
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**** UPDATE****
From what I have heard, Roberts has closed the business for good. He was an older gentleman and retired.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
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08-28-2021, 02:51 PM
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#17
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Junior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 41 RSSB 4
State: South Dakota
Posts: 27
THOR #3565
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More Kudos to LES had my jacks done at Roberts in 2019 and they started leaking ( return bypass line ) Les r&r them -- rebuilt and ADDED the offset ring so that the bypass line is now protected !! WORKING like a CHAMP !!!! Thanks again to LES and Ron, always great to meet CRAFTMEN and concerned fellow RV'ers
__________________
ARCliz - retired IBEW / FULLTIMING
2013 RAM 3500 Mega Cab DRW / 3.42
2016 DRV 41RSSB4 ( plus 1 ) PERSONNELIZED
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08-28-2021, 02:57 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 39TKSB3 "Modified"
State: South Dakota
Posts: 1,838
THOR #1661
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Happy it worked out!!!
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08-28-2021, 06:54 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ARCliz
More Kudos to LES had my jacks done at Roberts in 2019 and they started leaking ( return bypass line ) Les r&r them -- rebuilt and ADDED the offset ring so that the bypass line is now protected !! WORKING like a CHAMP !!!! Thanks again to LES and Ron, always great to meet CRAFTMEN and concerned fellow RV'ers
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Glad to hear that you got it all worked out.
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
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09-05-2021, 03:50 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Brand: DRV
Model: 39TKSB3 "Modified"
State: South Dakota
Posts: 1,838
THOR #1661
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For the last year my front jacks would slowly drop down after retracting them to travel. I added a screw to hold them while traveling.
In my mine I knew that the rams that Les had rebuilt could not be the cause. I contacted Lippert the they said rams of solenoid were to blame. I replaced the solenoid that's attached to the front ram on the drivers side, same problem. Still I did not believe his ram repair had failed.
I contacted Lippert again and they suggested doing the front ram leak test. I did and both rams failed but it seemed different than when I had done on my original rams. Still not convinced I got a different tech. Let me add one more thing, I replaced my pump right at the time this condition happened. Not one of the techs thought the pump could be the problem until the last tech I spoke to. He said ram, solenoid or pump could cause my issue. HMMMM, I spoke more to this guy and he suggested isolating my return line that all the slides and rear jacks are tied to and then retracting my front rams. I did this test as first as it would wither confirm the bypass was happening on one of the front jacks or the rear of my RV.
I separated the return line from the front block on the pump and caped and plugged the two exposed ends. I hit retract and I could hear the pump dog down when they were fully retracted and WA-LA the rams stayed up!!!
So now I know for a fACT my front rams are good! If that test did not change anything I would have separated and capped one front ram at a time.
Now I know I have bi pass going on with one or more of my rear rams or slide rams. I now need to call the Lippert tech and see if there is a way to isolate the problem so I can remove and have Les rebuild it.
To be continued!!!
Pic #1 return line from rear I separated for the test. Pressure gauge is a must for diagnostics.
Pic #2 Cap and plug
Pic #3 coupling that works great to attach new line and pull thru when changing out a bad hose.
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