Hydraulic Fluid

[gledhill]

Is there anything special we need to know about topping up the hydraulic fluid? What type, brand, etc.

Thanks for your help.

[DQDick]

Inexpensive ATF will work fine.

[Trailer Trash 2]

I used the same as DQDICK just a note on the fill spot I was told that with all the slides in that the fluid should be 1/2 inch from the top of the reservoir But That's my old unit I cant say that for the newer pumps.

[WeBeFulltime]

If your fluid is low and you are having "popping" in your leveling system, now would be a good time to add the appropriate fluid to stop that problem. Use your search to find info on that.

[rmthelen]

When topping off make sure all slides are in and leveling jacks are retracted if you have levelup.

[1retired06]

quote:Originally posted by WeBeFulltime

If your fluid is low and you are having "popping" in your leveling system, now would be a good time to add the appropriate fluid to stop that problem. Use your search to find info on that.

Any good quality ATF. For the leveling system, I used Forkoil. The Lippert webpage and/or manual provides acceptable brands.

[stengels]

15 weight on the fork oil. I used Maxim brand. Has improved the popping significantly. Relatively inexpensive.

[PSFORD99]

quote:Originally posted by DQDick

Inexpensive ATF will work fine.

I keep hearing this ATF, my 2008 3400RL came with hydraulic fluid, not ATF . Was told not to mix the two. IMO I would be careful as to what one has.

[rohrmann]

ATF is hydraulic fluid. The only difference from what Keystone uses and a Dexron fluid, is the red dye and some additives needed for transmissions. Lippert said in their literature that the system can be topped off with ATF. The only fluid you must not use is Type F. Below is the Lipsheet #0291 from Lippert on their fluid recommendation for their systems.

LCI HYDRAULIC OPERATION FLUID RECOMMENDATION
Operation Conditions
1. Above Freezing
NOTE: Operation at air temperatures routinely above 0°C (32°F). *
A. Dexron 3/Mercon ATF
B. Mercon 5 ATF
C. Dexron 6 ATF
D. PetroBlend (Mason City, IA) PHO 0022S (synthetic group 3 base blend)
E. Bellman all temp 22 (Bremen, IN)
F. Or any ATF or hydraulic fluid with a pour point lower than -42°C (-45°F).
*Covers most initial OEM fills
2. Below Freezing
NOTE: Operation at air temperatures routinely below 0°C (32°F).
A. Mobil 1 full synthetic ATF
B. Royal Purple full synthetic ATF
C. Valvoline full synthetic ATF
D. Amzoil full synthetic ATF
E. PetroBlend (Mason City, IA) PHO 0022S (synthetic group 3 base blend)
F. Bellman all temp 22 (Bremen, IN)
G. Or any ATF or hydraulic fluid with a pour point lower than -42°C (-45°F)
H. Multivis (all temperature) iso 22 hydraulic fluid
I. Or any ATF or hydraulic fluid (conventional or synthetic) with a pour point lower than
-46°C(-50°F).
3. Extreme Cold
NOTE: Operation at air temperatures routinely below -18°C (0°F).
A. Kendall Glacial Blue
B. Benz oil (Milwaukee, WI) Flomite 530
Or any conventional or synthetic ATF or hydraulic fluid with a pour point less than -57°C (-70°F) and viscosity
less than 2850 cP @ -40°C (-40°F ).
Do not use ATF-TYPE F fluid as it will not allow the seals to work properly.

[1retired06]

That's about as specific as you can get! good post

[dieselguy]

Like mentioned color is irrevelant in this case. What you are looking for is light weight oil that has additives that retard foaming which ATF covers. My 05 2980RL had the clear oil in it ... I topped it off with ATF when needed over 5 years of ownership and never had an issue.

[CORattler]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

That's about as specific as you can get! good post

x2