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07-01-2019, 01:08 PM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Martinez
Posts: 30
M.O.C. #23940
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Hydraulic Fluid
Hi. Pretty new Montana owner (3810ms). Noticed today there is only about 2 inches of hydraulic fluid in the tank. So.....
1) How much fluid should be in the tank? I don't see a "Full" mark on the tank.
2) What type of fluid do I use?
We are moving tomorrow from Northern California to Las Vegas and I want to know the RV is completely ready for the trip.
Thanks,
Rob
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07-01-2019, 02:08 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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First thing we need to know is are your legs down and your slides out or not. You check the level with everything retracted. The full line on mine is about 2" down from the top. Automatic Transmission fluid with Dextron 3 or Mercon 5 is currently recommended or a mixture of both.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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07-01-2019, 04:20 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
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There should be a max full line on the tank. Like Dick said you need to check it with everything retracted to check it. Overfilling would be messy.
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
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07-01-2019, 04:39 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,689
M.O.C. #12947
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From the Lippert Level Up Owners Manual:
Maintenance
1. Each month, check that the fluid level is within 1/4" of the fill spout lip while jacks and slide-outs are fully retracted.
Note: Always fill the reservoir with the jacks and slide-outs in the fully retracted position. Filling reservoir when jacks and slide-outs are extended will cause reservoir to overflow into its compartment when jacks and slide-outs are retracted.
2. Inspect and clean all power unit electrical connections prior to the first use of the unit of the season and prior to storing the unit. If corrosion is evident, clean all corrosion with a wire brush and apply dielectric grease to the connections.
3. Remove dirt and road debris from jacks as needed.
4. If jacks are down for extended periods, it is recommended to spray exposed leveling jack rods with a silicone lubricant every three months for protection. If the unit is located in a salty air environment, it is recommended to spray the rods every 4 to 6 weeks.
Fluid Recommendation
The Lippert Electronic Leveling System is pre-filled, primed and ready to operate direct from the manufacturer. Type “A” Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is utilized and will work. ATF with Dexron III® or Mercon 5® or a blend of both is recommended by Lippert Components, Inc. In colder temperatures (less than 10° F) the jacks may extend and retract slowly due to the fluid’s molecular nature. For cold weather operation, fluid specially formulated for low temperatures may be desirable. For a list of approved fluid specifications, see TI-188.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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07-01-2019, 06:22 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,408
M.O.C. #21044
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Fluid reservoir
Just to confirm where the fill line is (1/4” from the fill cap)...
That is about where I drew the line in red -correct?
(This pic was taken when all of my jacks and slide outs are extended)
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
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07-01-2019, 07:28 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Looks good to me.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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10-30-2019, 04:08 PM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Mesa
Posts: 131
M.O.C. #24052
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Fluid level ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikendebbie
Just to confirm where the fill line is (1/4” from the fill cap)...
That is about where I drew the line in red -correct?
(This pic was taken when all of my jacks and slide outs are extended)
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OK my 3811MS is only 6 months old. The fluid level is and has been only about 1/2 way full in the tank since new. If this photo is correct, my system is very much on the low side. Should I be adding fluid so it is closer to the top like in this photo. I want to add some Anti-Stiction fluid anyway so maybe I can add it without removing any fluid first. Where is the full mark on the tank? I'm not seeing anything. I was thinking there must be a reason for the indented section in the middle. Maybe thetop of the indent is the full mark !!!
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Rod & BJ
2019 3811MS , 2020 GMC 3500 Dually Denali Duramax, Anderson hitch.
Mesa, AZ
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10-30-2019, 04:59 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,356
M.O.C. #4831
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Retract all jacks and slides first. Then add fluid level toabout 1/2" from the fill hole is fine. You don't want to be too low on fluid. And don't fill with the jacks or slides extended. Either one will get you in trouble.
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Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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10-31-2019, 01:26 PM
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#9
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Established Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Bellevue
Posts: 37
M.O.C. #22834
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I believe on some newer models the fluid that mine has is AW 32 hydrolic fluid. Some may ATF, if it is red looking then it is ATF if it is brown it more than likely be AW 32 fluid!
__________________
2019 Montana 3120 RL
2017 F-350 DWD 4X4 Airsafe Hitch
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10-31-2019, 02:29 PM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 120
M.O.C. #24981
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Where is the reservoir
Ok I’m new to the Montana scene, I am wondering where the might find the hydraulic fluid reservoir on my 373RD.
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10-31-2019, 03:15 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,408
M.O.C. #21044
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Reservior
Should be front compartment - on the right...if you have a hydraulic system.
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
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10-31-2019, 03:17 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,689
M.O.C. #12947
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sdexte
Ok I’m new to the Montana scene, I am wondering where the might find the hydraulic fluid reservoir on my 373RD.
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You probably have the electric leveling system along with electric slides, and if so would not have a hydraulic tank or pump. This is only used when a rig has hydraulic leveling or slides or both.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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10-31-2019, 07:53 PM
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#13
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Site Team
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Omaha
Posts: 6,750
M.O.C. #7560
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On my 2013 Monte, I have the brown or hydraulic fluid in my reservoir and lines. I confirmed this with the Lippert/LCI reps a year ago at the 2018 Fall Rally in Goshen. So I use hydraulic fluid to replace mine if and when it gets low.
Bob R-- I know you quoted from the Lippert manual about the cleaning and maintenance of the hydraulic level-up jacks but when I had the reps at the unit in 2018 I had the problem of the front legs howling when retracting and extending. They asked me what I was using on them and I told them silicone spray as the manual tells me. They said to stop using the silicone spray because it has a tendency to dry out the gaskets that clean and lube the legs as they retract and extend. I asked them what to use and they told me to take a rag and put hydraulic fluid on it and wipe them down with it. This keep the legs/rams lubricated and will not dry out the gaskets at the base of the cylinders. I've done that since and no problems from that point on. Asked them again this year again at the Fall Rally and same answer came out of their mouths. Yes, the hydraulic fluid has a tendency to collect dust but this is why the legs should be wiped down prior to retracting them if they have been extended for any long period of time.
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11-01-2019, 06:20 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 663
M.O.C. #20906
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rondo
On my 2013 Monte, I have the brown or hydraulic fluid in my reservoir and lines. I confirmed this with the Lippert/LCI reps a year ago at the 2018 Fall Rally in Goshen. So I use hydraulic fluid to replace mine if and when it gets low.
Bob R-- I know you quoted from the Lippert manual about the cleaning and maintenance of the hydraulic level-up jacks but when I had the reps at the unit in 2018 I had the problem of the front legs howling when retracting and extending. They asked me what I was using on them and I told them silicone spray as the manual tells me. They said to stop using the silicone spray because it has a tendency to dry out the gaskets that clean and lube the legs as they retract and extend. I asked them what to use and they told me to take a rag and put hydraulic fluid on it and wipe them down with it. This keep the legs/rams lubricated and will not dry out the gaskets at the base of the cylinders. I've done that since and no problems from that point on. Asked them again this year again at the Fall Rally and same answer came out of their mouths. Yes, the hydraulic fluid has a tendency to collect dust but this is why the legs should be wiped down prior to retracting them if they have been extended for any long period of time.
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This is what I had heard too. I started using silicon spray, but have stopped. But it was a lot easier to use than wiping with ATF.
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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11-01-2019, 02:49 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,350
M.O.C. #9051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
I believe on some newer models the fluid that mine has is AW 32 hydrolic fluid. Some may ATF, if it is red looking then it is ATF if it is brown it more than likely be AW 32 fluid!
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Definitely hydraulic fluid on my 2008 3400 RL, but all I use is Hydraulic Jack oil, always have, and a fair amount until I got all the leaking crappy OE hydraulic hoses replaced ,now no more leaks or issues.
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11-01-2019, 10:17 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,689
M.O.C. #12947
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I stopped using the silicone spray on the jacks after we attended the fall rally in 2014, when the Lippert people said they were, at that time, recommending the use of CRC Power Lube spray that contains ptfe (Teflon). I don't spray the jacks very often but when I do I use this spray. https://www.amazon.com/CRC-Industria.../dp/B07C8HG1H5
Besides Amazon, I have regularly been able to find this at most Fastenal stores.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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11-02-2019, 07:51 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Willis
Posts: 896
M.O.C. #20587
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffrey
I believe on some newer models the fluid that mine has is AW 32 hydrolic fluid. Some may ATF, if it is red looking then it is ATF if it is brown it more than likely be AW 32 fluid!
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Red? Mine is mostly clear but in the manual from LCI, it says on page 9 "to use Type A (ATF). ATF with Dexron III or Mercon 5 or a blend of both is recommended by Lippert Components Inc. For use in cold weather (less than 10F), fluid specifically designed for low temperatures may be desirable. For a list of fluid specs, see TI-188". I have no idea what TI-188 is.
__________________
2018 Montana 3791RD (SOLD)
2017 Ram 3500 DRW 6.7 Cummins Aisin, B&W RVK3600 (SOLD)
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