Hydralic SlideTank

[bkirk]

I have an 08 3465 SA Can anyone tell me how full the tank should be when the slides are in. I do not see a fill line on my tank ? Is there a specific hydralic fluid I should use ? Any advice will be helpful.

[awaywego]

I believe the owners manual says 1 inch from top.

[Art-n-Marge]

At last check it was 1/2" from the top. Your model is a couple of years older, and hopefully the vendor hasn't changed. When I did find out, I put a permanent marker there and haven't worried about it. After the initial discovery that it was low, I refilled it and it's been good ever since.

Make sure your slides are in all the way when you check. When the slides are out, the reservoir will empty somewhat so you don't want to fill at that time.

[seahunter]

I double-checked and this is from the latest Owner's Manual from Keystone's site:

"The pump uses type A automotive transmission fluid (ATF) and the see-through reservoir makes checking the level easy. For the best performance the fluid level should be within ½” of the top with the room retracted (closed)."

Again, as Art said it may be different for your year, so I would check your Owner's Manual to be sure.

I can't find it now, but how often does this fluid need to be changed? I could swear I read somewhere it said every three years??

[TLightning]

Be sure the slides are IN when you add fluid or you'll over fill it.

[CORattler]

It says 1/2 inch for my 2010 3150RL.

quote:Originally posted by awaywego

I believe the owners manual says 1 inch from top.

[CORattler]

That's great advice... otherwise you have a mess when you bring your slides in

quote:Originally posted by TLightning

Be sure the slides are IN when you add fluid or you'll over fill it.

[1retired06]

Type A ATF is getting harder and harder to find.

[Clemson1881]

Camping World sells the stuff in a black one quart bottle labeled for hydralic slide systems.

[Carl n Susan]

Hopefully MIMF will be a long shortly as he previously worked with the manufacturer. But in the mean time, *ANY* cheap inexpensive transmission fluid of any quality (I believe it comes in a yellow bottle at Wal-Mart) can be used. Color of the fluid is not important - red, clear, or whatever.

The have been numerous postings in the past on this topic and a simple "Search" should uncover MIMF's recommendations.

[maximo]

Not only do the slides have to be in but if you have the Lippert 6 Point Leveling system the jacks have to be retracted.

Frank

[DQDick]

Excellent point.

[seahunter]

quote:Originally posted by maximo

Not only do the slides have to be in but if you have the Lippert 6 Point Leveling system the jacks have to be retracted.

Frank

Good point Frank, I forgot about the Level-Up. That is where I got the three year fluid change from. Also it states 1/4" from top rather than 1/2".


PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES FOR LEVEL-UP

1. Change fluid in RESERVOIR ONLY every 36 months.
a) Check fluid only when jacks are fully retracted.
b) Always fill the reservoir with the jacks in the fully retracted position. Filling reservoir
when jacks are extended will cause reservoir to overflow into its compartment when jacks
are retracted.
c) When checking fluid level, fluid should be within ¼” of fill spout lip.

2. Check the fluid level every month.

3. Inspect and clean all Pump Unit electrical connections every 12 months. If corrosion is evident,
spray unit with WD-40 or equivalent

4. Remove dirt and road debris from jacks as needed.

5. If jacks are down for extended periods, it is recommended to spray exposed leveling jack rods
with a silicone lubricant every seven days for protection. If your coach is located in a salty
environment, it is recommended to spray the rods every 2 to 3 days.

6. If jacks are down for extended periods, it is recommended to spray exposed leveling jack rods with
a silicone lubricant every seven days for protection. If your coach is located in a salty environment, it
is recommended to spray the rods every 2 to 3 days.

[MIMF]

Here ya' go, gang! I don't have a problem telling this story, again.

Go down to your nearest Wally-World and look for their brand of transmission fluid. I think it still comes in blue bottles (1 qt) but, not sure. Anyway, on the label, it should say "Dexron/Dexron III-Mercon/Mercon5".

With the rooms closed and ideally all leveling a landing gear fully retracted when hooked to the tow vehicle, fill the tank to about 1/2" from the top or, the yellow fill cap. It doesn't have to be exact. Don't be concerned about the color of the fluid that you are adding. It is only a dye. At that point, use a black permanent marker to draw a line where the fluid level is at. It is a guage as to whether or not you may have a fluid leak. If you see the fluid line below the black line, you may have a leak. But, remember to check it only when you have the unit hooked to the tow vehicle with all rooms in and legs (jacks) up.

You can also do this when you have all rooms and jacks extended. Draw a line where the fluid level is. That way, you can guage the fluid level no matter how the unit is set-up. If the fluid level is below the line, you might have a leak.

Have a great day!