Hydraulic Fluid

[ebds2019]

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

[DQDick]

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.

[jeffba]

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.

[rohrmann]

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.

[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)

[1retired06]

Looks good to me.

[Rod Spohn]

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)

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 !!!

[Carl n Susan]

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.

[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!

[Sdexte]

Ok I’m new to the Montana scene, I am wondering where the might find the hydraulic fluid reservoir on my 373RD.

[Mikendebbie]

Should be front compartment - on the right...if you have a hydraulic system.

[rohrmann]

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.

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.

[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.

[Baldicon]

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.

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.

[PSFORD99]

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!

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.

[rohrmann]

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.

[masterdrago]

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!

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.