E&P Hydraulic Levelling - major failure!

keithzb
keithzb Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited April 2023 in Caravans #1

On the 3rd April my E&P Hydraulic Levelling system failed, the legs failed to lower correctly and a large pool of hydraulic fluid appeared under the rear O/S corner. I contacted the E&P partner when I had it installed (April 2016) and the earliest the could look it at was 27th April. I have to take it to them but it can not be towed as the jacks and legs have no pressure and are just dropping loose under their own weight. It appears I will have to try to have it recovered on a truck, but not sure if this will be possible with no working legs to stabilise it. I have tried to contact E&P HQ in Blackburn by phone and email numerous times over several days but so far have not been able to get any response at all. I was hoping that E&P had mobile engineers for such an occurrence but perhaps not if they do not even reply to messages for a call back (including two requests on my behalf from Al-Ko, their parent company). I was also told by the E&P partner that spare parts are like 'gold dust' and if the repair does need spares they can not even guess when the might be able to obtain them. We have had this system on or caravan since 2016 and I will admit it had been great to use, however I now realise that when it fails the dream becomes a nightmare. If we have to wait months for parts our season will be finished before it starts. I am seriously considering rather that having it repaired having it removed and reverting back to wind up supports to avoid future problems. Does anyone have experience of a similar failure or know of E&P mobile engineers who could investigate / repair? Also, can it be recovered on the back of a truck with no working legs / supports? To say that I am disappointed with the Customer Service and Support would not even begin to describe it. 

Comments

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2023 #2

    If the legs drop down under their own weight, can they not just be tied in up the position while the caravan is being towed?

  • keithzb
    keithzb Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited April 2023 #3

    Thank you for the suggestion, possibly able to tie the legs up but the system also has two central jacks which appear much more challenging to secure in the up position.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,384 ✭
    1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited April 2023 #4

    Something I have dreded happening to me. I have always thought an HGV garage might be able to help, they are used to dealing with hydraulic systems, truck tail lifts, trailer jack's etc.

    Best of luck.

    peedee

  • wellmad
    wellmad Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited April 2023 #5

    Maybe contact Pirtek they specialise in on site hose replacement to plant equipment. Although not plant if it is only a hose it shouldn't be too difficult a job. Maybe have a look under van & see if you can see where leak is coming from.

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