Hydralic Leveling System

[dandt]

We have a 2014 3402RL Montana and are wondering...anybody else out there also with one, that the hydraulics pop. Not just occasional but daily. More in the mornings and evenings, but it gets annoying. Has anybody found a solution.

[mazboy]

we have a 3402 too, just hear some noises sometimes...not a big issue.

I'd call lippert and ask them about what is going on....I also assume it is still under warranty so get it into a dealer for documentation.

[rohrmann]

Had the same problem. Lippert came out with this solution for the popping caused by stiction in the hydraulic system. We used the CAT fluid, but the fork oils are the same thing. Below is the copy of the Lippert Lipsheet 0295:

ADDING ANTI-STICTION FLUID TO LCI HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
Introduction:
If there is a popping noise in a Lippert Leveling system, Lippert has approved adding a quart of anti-stiction
fluid. Approved fluids are listed by brand name and fluid characteristics below:
1. Torco RFF Grade 15 (Fig. 1)
2. Maxima Fork Oil Grade 15 (Fig. 2)
3. Caterpillar Hydraulic Oil Additive 1U-9891 (Fig. 3)
For maximum results in the shortest amount of time, please follow the preparation and procedure exactly
as written below. Failure to follow the preparation and procedure may result in delayed resolution of the
audible disturbance.
Preparation:
1. Obtain a clean container (large enough to hold a quart of fluid)
2. Obtain a fluid extraction device (siphon, turkey baster, etc.)
3. Fully retract all hydraulic cylinders and jacks.
Process:
1. Using the fluid extraction device, remove one quart of fluid from the power unit reservoir.
2. Add 1/2 quart of the specified fluid.
3. Extend all hydraulic cylinders and jacks fully.
4. Add the remaining amount of the specified fluid.
5. Fully retract all hydraulic cylinders and jacks.
6. Run the Auto-Level feature on the Level-Up system per the instructions found in the Owner's Manual.
NOTE: If the noise persists, the addition of a second quart may be necessary. Follow steps 1 through 6.

[richfaa]

Fork oil will reduce but not eliminate the occasional popping sound.

[1retired06]

Fork oil, one quart, totally eliminated the noise in ours.

[DonandBonnie]

Part of what you are experiencing is normal expansion and contraction of the hydraulic fluid as temperatures change. The fork oil certainly helps reduce it, but probably won't totally eliminate it. We've noticed that our popping is most prevalent when temps change more than 10 degrees and usually occurs in the evening when it gets cooler and morning when it gets warmer. Before the fork oil we thought the jacks were failing, it popped so much. We checked our level and nothing had changed.

[bigskyjimmy]

Yep my old 2012 3402rl did the same thing when we first bought it but after time it just stopped doing it ,No big deal

[Tom S.]

I added two quarts of Torco to ours. I got the best price from Amazon. It didn't eliminate all the noise but drastically reduced it.

[K0LCB]

I found if I place plastic pads under the jacks most of the popping is eliminated

[DQDick]

We do use plastic pads and seldom have problems with the poping. If it happens it's gotten real cold in a hurry and we try to avoid that.

[jfaberna]

Fork oil solved our popping. I used the CAT version of the fork oil that LCI recommended. I didn't drain any oil because my tank was not near full, Had plenty of room for the quart of fork oil.

I also have been using wood or plastic pads under all jack pads because it keeps the jack arm from being too extended. That makes for a more stable trailer.

[Kris & Al]

On our last trip the following happened:
1. Retract rear caused the front (landing gear) to lower. Removed all power, waited a minute and all seemed well.
2. Next day, departure,hit right left on keypad to raise to hookup level and kitchen slide started to go in. Used knobs (valves under keypad) to manually isolate slides and brought in later.
3. Today, home, when we put it in storage, we autoleveled before putting our slides out to put things away. Leveler extended all rams to full and said “success”!

We have a date set in 9 days to take to CW. Anyone ever had this happen to them? Talked to Lippert for 15 minutes to a pretty fast talking tech and my head exploded. Always thought I was a pretty smart guy...