The Lippert Titan Leveling System™ is a four-point, four-valve hydraulic leveling system designed for E450 cab mount vehicles, utilizing four points of contact with jacks to level and stabilize the coach. The system is driven by a 12V DC electric motor that powers a hydraulic pump, moving fluid through a network of hoses, fittings, and jacks. While the system is primed and tested at the factory, it is shipped dry to comply with hazardous material restrictions. Mechanical components of the system are replaceable, and replacement parts can be obtained from Lippert.

Component Description:

Jacks: The system includes four 8K, 13" stroke, aluminum jacks. These jacks are rated for the coach's lifting capacity and feature a standard 9-inch diameter (63.5 square inch) footpad on a ball swivel, ensuring maximum surface contact on all terrains. They are powered by the 12V DC motor/pump assembly.
Motor/Pump Assembly: This assembly comprises a 12V DC motor, a hydraulic fluid reservoir tank, a control valve manifold, and a solenoid valve.
System Controls: The system is controlled electronically via a touchpad, which can be operated in either manual or fully automatic mode.
Fittings and Hoses: The system uses J.I.C. - Size 4 fittings and 1/4" I.D., 3000 psi - W.P. Rated hoses.

Installation:

Before installation, ensure the coach is parked on solid, level ground, and all jack landing locations are clear of debris. It is crucial to keep hands and other body parts clear of fluid leaks, as hydraulic system leaks can cause serious skin-penetrating injuries due to high pressure. The manual explicitly warns against lifting the coach completely off the ground or by its axles, as this creates an unstable and unsafe condition.

Hydraulic Power Unit Installation:

The hydraulic power unit should be installed as close to the center of the coach as possible, in accordance with RVIA Gas Codes, as its connections are not spark-proof. The recommended location is on the inside driver-side frame rail, behind the fuel tank, with the motor pointing towards the rear of the coach. Wires, hydraulic hoses, heat ducts, gas lines, water/holding tanks, and any other underbelly material secured to the frame or I-beams must be protected from potential fire hazards. The hydraulic power unit bracket is welded to the coach frame. The power unit is then secured to the bracket using two 3/8"-16 X 1" bolts and nuts, ensuring the motor faces the rear of the coach.

Hydraulic Hoses:

When installing hydraulic hoses, avoid areas of high heat (e.g., exhaust outlets) and sharp or abrasive materials. The manual provides a detailed hydraulic plumbing diagram for fitting placements. Hoses are labeled for specific functions (e.g., Left Front Extend, Right Front Retract) and vary in length by coach model. It is essential to measure hose distances between jacks and the hydraulic power unit, ensuring compatibility and secure crimping of fittings. Hoses should be bundled and secured with zip ties, and hose loops should be horizontal to prevent trapped air pockets. Before operation, the system must be purged of air introduced during installation.

Front Jack Bracket and Jack Installation:

The E450 chassis requires specific holes on the Titan Jacks for proper installation. A ground clearance of 6-7.5" between the jack footpads and the ground is recommended for front jacks. Obstructions like slide-out cross shafts or manual override connections must be checked and brackets modified if necessary. Wires and hoses must be moved to prevent damage during installation. The jack bracket is welded to the outside of the chassis beam. The Titan Jack is then fitted to the bracket, aligning specific mounting holes, and secured with 1/2″ – 13 X 3 1/2″ bolts, 1/2" split washers, and 1/2" - 13 lock nuts, torqued to 90 ft/lbs. Extend and retract port plugs are removed, and JIC 90-degree elbow retract fittings and straight/swivel elbow retract fittings are attached, followed by the pre-measured orange retract and black extend hoses. This process is repeated for the opposite side of the coach.

Rear Jack Bracket and Jack Installation (Inside Mount Option):

Similar to the front jacks, specific holes on the Titan Jacks are required. The jack bracket is welded to the inside of the chassis beam. The distance between the rear end of the chassis beam and the rear edge of the newly welded jack bracket is measured and replicated on the opposite side. The Titan Jack is fitted to the bracket, aligning its top mounting hole with the bracket's top mounting hole, and secured with bolts, washers, and nuts. The inner crossbar beam is slid into the outer crossbar beam, and this assembly is placed between the two rear jacks. Mounting holes on the jacks and crossbar bracket are aligned, and bolts, washers, and nuts are used to secure the assembly. All six nuts (one at the top, middle, and bottom of each jack) are torqued to 90 ft/lbs. The inner and outer crossbar components are secured with self-drilling screws. Retract and extend port plugs are removed, and JIC 90-degree elbow retract fittings are attached, followed by the pre-measured orange retract and black extend hoses. This process is repeated for the opposite side.

Rear Jack Bracket and Jack Installation (Outside Mount Option):

This option does not require a crossbar. The jack mounting bracket is aligned with the top of the frame rail, with holes facing the rear of the coach. The bracket is welded to the outside of the chassis beam. The Titan Jack is fitted to the bracket, aligning its bottom mounting hole and the third mounting hole from the top with corresponding holes on the bracket. The jack is secured with bolts, washers, and nuts, torqued to 90 ft/lbs. Retract and extend port plugs are removed, and JIC 90-degree elbow retract fittings are attached, followed by the pre-measured orange retract and black extend hoses. This process is repeated for the opposite side.

LED Touchpad / Controller Installation:

The touchpad/controller's front panel must be oriented along the X or Y axis. It is splash-resistant but not waterproof, so it should be installed inside the coach. A 4 1/4" square hole is cut for the bezel. The 9-pin harness connects the touchpad/controller to the hydraulic power unit, and the 6-pin harness connects it to the chassis harness, which provides ignition positive power and parking brake ground. The touchpad is then inserted into the cutout and secured with four #6 x 1" wood screws.

System Wiring Requirements:

Ground wires are OEM supplied. A battery power cable with an OEM-supplied breaker and a battery ground cable connecting the 12V DC battery to the hydraulic power unit motor's ground post are required. Lippert recommends connecting the ground cable directly to the battery. The leveling jack status input uses a pressure switch: closed to ground when jacks are not all up, open when jacks are all up. The six-pin chassis harness connects to the "Ignition On" wire (Red - 12V Ignition, Logic power) and the parking brake signal wire (White - Parking Brake, open = disengaged, GND = engaged).

Level Zero Point Calibration:

After installation and power supply, the Zero Point must be calibrated. This programmed point is where the coach will return during Auto Level operations. The control module must be fully secured in its final location. The parking brake MUST be ON to operate the leveling system. The LED touchpad controller is only ON when the coach ignition is ON, and leveling operations are not allowed without an ignition source.

From the Home screen, select the menu icon.
Select "Calibration" from the Menu screen.
On the orientation screen, select the arrow that matches the touchpad's orientation relative to the coach.
Place a level on the coach floor to establish a level reference point. Press "LEVEL VEHICLE" on the touchpad.
The system displays four extend buttons for pairs of valves, directional control valve, and solenoid. Use these buttons (EXTEND FRONT, EXTEND REAR, EXTEND DRIV SIDE, EXTEND PASS SIDE) to manually level the coach using a carpenter's level.
Once leveled, press "CONFIRM LEVEL." The touchpad is now in zero mode.

Prior to Operation:

The leveling system should only be operated when the coach is parked on a reasonably level surface, the engine is running, the parking brake is engaged, and the transmission is in park. Always keep clear of fluid leaks. Never lift the coach completely off the ground, as this creates an unstable and unsafe condition.

LED Touchpad Controller Operation:

The Home screen is the default when ignition is ON. The controller is only active with ignition ON, and the parking brake must be engaged. The menu icon provides access to:

MANUAL MODE: Extends jacks in pairs.
CONNECT APP: Allows syncing with a mobile phone via Bluetooth.
CALIBRATION: Used to program the control's orientation and define a level plane.
JACK LIGHTS: Turns on/off optional LED lights on the crossbars near the jacks.

Syncing the System to a Mobile Phone:

Download the "Lippert Titan Leveling" app from your app store (available for Apple® and Android™ devices).
Ensure the system (touchpad, controller) is awake and the vehicle ignition is off (Bluetooth is disabled when ignition is ON).
On the touchpad, select the menu button, then "Connect App." The pairing screen will display the Device ID.
Launch the app on your phone, navigate to the menu, and select "Connect App."
Select the device matching the Device ID from the list to connect. Both phone and touchpad will return to the home screen once connected.

Troubleshooting:

Manual Override - Jacks: If jacks fail to extend or retract, valves can be manually overridden using a 5/32" or 5/64" hex wrench. Turn clockwise to extend/retract, then counter-clockwise to close the valve.
Manual Override - Power System: In case of electrical or system failure, jacks can be extended/retracted using an auxiliary power device (e.g., electric drill). Remove the plastic cap, disconnect power cables, insert a 1/2" socket onto the coupler, and run the drill in reverse or counter-clockwise to retract.
Audible Alarm Modes:
- Parking brake alarm: Sounds if the parking brake signal is lost while jacks are down. It repeats until ignition is off or jacks are retracted.
- Leveling complete charm: A short series of chimes/beeps indicating successful leveling.

Preventative Maintenance Procedures:

Fluid Change: Change fluid in the reservoir ONLY when contaminated. Always fill the reservoir with jacks fully retracted to prevent overflow. Fluid level should be within 1/4" of the fill spout lip.
Fluid Check: Check fluid level monthly.
Electrical Connections: Inspect and clean all pump electrical connections every 12 months. Spray with WD-40 if corrosion is evident.
Jacks: Remove dirt and road debris from jacks as needed. If jacks are down for extended periods, spray exposed jack rods with silicone lubricant every three months (or every 4-6 weeks in salty environments).

Fluid Recommendation:

Type "A" Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is recommended, specifically ATF with Dexron III® or Mercon 5® or a blend of both. In colder temperatures (below 10°F), jacks may extend and retract slowly. Specially formulated low-temperature fluid may be desirable. Refer to TI-188 for approved fluid specifications.

Solutions to Possible System Errors:

The manual provides a table outlining common issues, their causes, and solutions:

System will not turn on: Coach ignition not in RUN position (turn to RUN), parking brake not set (set parking brake), controls timed out (tap screen or cycle ignition).
Touchpad turns on, but turns off when a jack button is pushed: Low voltage on battery (start coach to charge, plug vehicle in to charge house battery).
Touchpad turns on, coach will not auto level: Faulty pressure switch or low pressure (check parking brake, re-calibrate level position), little or no fluid in reservoir (fill with recommended ATF).
Jacks will not extend to ground, pump is running: Jack valve inoperative (clean, repair, or replace), electronic signal lost between controller and jack valves (trace wires for voltage drop/loss of signal, repair/replace wires or controller), hose damaged or disconnected (replace hose or reconnect).
Any one or two jacks will not retract: Return valve inoperative (replace), electronic signal lost between controller and solenoid (test for voltage drop, repair wiring or replace controller/valve).
Jack bleeds down after being extended: Valve Manual Override open (close override).
No power to touchpad: Tripped circuit breaker (reset breaker), ignition not on (turn on).

Lippert Titan Leveling Systems E450 - Notes

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