The Lippert Ground Control® 3.0 LCD system is an advanced leveling solution designed for 5th Wheel recreational vehicles. It utilizes sophisticated level-sensing electronics and a series of heavy-duty jacks, each equipped with individual drive motors, to provide stable and precise leveling across the entire weight spectrum of 5th Wheels. This system is available in both 4-Point and 6-Point configurations, catering to different vehicle requirements.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Ground Control® 3.0 LCD system is to automatically level a 5th Wheel RV. This process involves extending and retracting the vehicle's jacks to achieve a perfectly level state, enhancing comfort and stability for occupants. The system also includes features for unhitching from a tow vehicle and a "Hitch Recognition" function that aids in reconnecting the 5th Wheel to the tow vehicle by returning it to the height at which the auto-level sequence was initiated.
Operation Modes:
- Basic Jack Operation: The system allows for both automatic and manual control of the jacks. Front jacks (landing gear) can be extended or retracted individually or together. Middle jacks (if equipped) are primarily operated in a special jack error code mode, while rear jacks can be extended or retracted individually or together in manual mode.
- Auto Level: After unhitching and parking the 5th Wheel on a reasonably level surface, the user can initiate the auto-level sequence by pressing the AUTO LEVEL button. The system then automatically adjusts the jacks to achieve a level state. During this process, it's crucial to avoid movement inside the 5th Wheel to ensure optimal performance. The auto-level sequence typically involves lowering the front slightly, grounding the rear jacks, performing a side-to-side leveling sequence, and then a final grounding touch for each jack. In 6-Point systems, middle jacks are grounded for stabilization but do not actively participate in leveling.
- Unhitching From A Tow Vehicle: This feature guides the user through the steps of preparing the front jacks, raising the 5th Wheel to disconnect from the tow vehicle, and then parking the tow vehicle safely.
- Hitch Recognition: This function, accessible via the "Auto Reconnect" option on the LCD screen, retracts the rear and middle jacks (if equipped) first, then extends the front jacks to raise the 5th Wheel to the height where the auto-level sequence was originally started. This simplifies the re-hitching process.
- Zero Point Calibration: The "Zero Point" is the programmed level state that the 5th Wheel returns to during auto-leveling. Users can manually level the 5th Wheel and then calibrate this position as the new zero point. This involves operating the jacks in manual mode to achieve level, turning off the touchpad, and then performing a specific button sequence (FRONT button five times, then REAR button five times) to enter calibration mode, followed by pressing ENTER to set the new zero point.
Troubleshooting and Error Codes:
The system provides detailed error codes displayed on the LCD touchpad to assist in troubleshooting. These include:
- Excess Angle/Excessive Angle: Indicates the controller is not properly secured or an excessive angle was reached during operation.
- Feature Disabled: Can occur if the front of the 5th Wheel is below level when initiating Hitch Recognition, or if the touchpad power wasn't cycled between leveling operations, or if the zero point is not set.
- Low Voltage: Battery voltage dropped below 10.8V DC.
- Out Of Stroke: Jack reached maximum stroke length or an unexpected high amp current stall occurred.
- External Sensor: Bad connection or wiring from the controller to the rear sensor.
- Jack Time Out: Time limit exceeded for an auto operation.
- Auto Level Fail: Unable to auto-level due to uneven ground or incorrect zero point setting.
- Comm Error: Communication loss between controller and touchpad.
- Bad Calibration: Sensor calibration values are out of range.
- Internal Sensor: Internal sensor problem.
- Function Aborted: User pressed a button during an automatic operation.
- Hall Effect Short: Short circuit detected in a hall effect circuit.
- Special Jack Error Codes (LF, RF, LM, RM, LR, RR Jack): Indicate an error at a specific jack, often related to hall signal issues (open, short, malfunction, or loss of communication) or open/short circuits between the controller and motor.
Manual Override:
In cases where manual intervention is necessary, the system offers two override options:
- Top of Jack Motor Override: Involves unplugging the 2-pin motor harness, removing a rubber plug, and using a 3/8" drive ratchet with an extension to manually extend or retract the jack.
- Bottom of Jack Motor Override: Similar to the top override, but uses a 5/16" socket inserted into a port on the bottom of the jack motor.
- Important Note: Impact drivers or wrenches should not be used for manual override as they can damage the motor. A 12-18 volt cordless screw gun or pneumatic screw gun is acceptable. After any manual override, the system requires servicing and the jacks need to be "homed."
Component Replacement:
The manual provides instructions for replacing key components:
- Landing Gear Replacement: Details how to remove and install new landing gear, ensuring proper mounting and harness connections.
- Hall Effect Jack Replacement: Outlines the process of replacing a hall effect jack, including marking the mounting location, disconnecting wires, installing the new jack with specific bolts and torque, and reconnecting harnesses.
- Rear Sensor Replacement: Describes how to locate, access, disconnect, and replace the rear sensor, emphasizing proper orientation and securing of the mounting plate.
- Controller Replacement: Provides steps for disconnecting and reconnecting all harnesses, mounting the new controller, and ensuring correct orientation.
- Touchpad Replacement: Explains how to remove the old touchpad face plate, unplug its harness, plug in the new touchpad harness, and snap the new face plate into the bezel.
- Jack Motor Replacement: Details how to disconnect motor cables, remove retention bolts, replace the faulty motor, and reconnect cables.
Homing Jacks:
After replacing any Landing Gear, Hall Effect Jack, Controller, or Jack Motor, or to clear special jack error codes, the system's jacks need to be "homed." This procedure involves introducing a special jack error code (if not already present by disconnecting a hall effect sensor wire), extending all jacks to allow for a minimum of 6" retraction, and then pressing and holding the RETRACT button until all jacks retract to their hard current limit. This process clears the error and homes the jacks.
Maintenance Features:
- Battery Maintenance: The system requires full battery current and voltage for optimum performance. The battery must be maintained at full capacity.
- Connection Checks: Regularly inspect terminals and other connections at the battery, controller, and jacks for corrosion, looseness, or damage. Clean, repair, or replace as necessary.
- Jack Cleaning: Remove dirt and road debris from jacks as needed.
- Lubrication: If jacks are extended for long periods, it's recommended to spray exposed leveling jack rods with a silicone lubricant every three months. In salty environments, this should be done every four to six weeks.
Technical Specifications (Implied/Derived):
- Power Requirement: 12V DC (battery voltage must be maintained above 10.8V DC for proper operation).
- Jack Motor Override Tooling: 3/8" drive ratchet with extension (no socket for top override), 5/16" socket (for bottom override). Cordless or pneumatic screw gun (12-18 volt) acceptable; impact drivers/wrenches are prohibited.
- Hall Effect Jack Bolt Torque: 90 ft-lbs for 1/2" - 20 UNF serrated flange Grade 8 bolts.
- Landing Gear Mounting Bracket Dimension: Must be less than 2 1/2" after tightening nuts on carriage bolts.
- Circuit Protection: Recommended 50 Amp Breaker (OEM Supplied) for the main power line. 6-Point controllers feature individual 35 Amp fuses for each jack.
- Wiring Standards: All electrical wiring harnesses must be loomed and secured according to RVIA electrical standards.
The Ground Control® 3.0 LCD system is designed for user-friendliness, with an intuitive LCD touchpad and clear instructions for both routine operation and troubleshooting, ensuring a reliable and stable experience for 5th Wheel owners.
Need help?
General
To Next Page