Front Landing Gear Sinking

[leemedic]

We were camping in Colorado over the summer for 5 1/2 months at one location. All was good until we noticed one day our front landing gears had dropped about 3"

At night we could hear a popping sound that sounded like it may be coming from the gears.

So now we are back home, and we took it to our RV Repair shop. Their diagnosis was the hydraulic lines are "corroded" and need to be replaced.

They want $2,000 for labor, then they would take the hydraulic lines off, and have new ones built for it. That $2,000 does not include the manufacturing of the hydraulic lines.

Has anyone else ever experienced this on their Montana.

Ours is a 2013.

[Mikendebbie]

Leemedic - I don’t know much about hydraulics - but I read a lot in this forum. Don’t do anything until the smart folks here can advise you better and explain a few things.

There are so many stories from those who have replaced their own lines and connections that you will come away (like me) thinking “I can do this!” and at a fraction of the cost you have been quoted.

I don’t want to comment about their claim of corroded lines - but it does not sound right to me. The “popping” sounds like stiction - which is an easy fix by adding some fork oil to your hydraulic fluid reservoir. Anyway - the smart folks will help you. I think today will be a better day for you than yesterday!

[RMcNeal]

I agree with Mike. Sounds like stiction. You can get several different anti-stiction additives approved by LCI. I specifically used the Maxima Fork Oil.
Here is a Lippert guide on the hydraulic fluids and additives.

[Arkware]

Leemedic,
First, I would call Lippert customer service.
My hydraulic lines are plastic/pvc. How do they corrode?

[Carl n Susan]

I am with the others, it sounds like stiction and the Fork Oil is the solution. Mine took two quarts before it finally stopped. Corroded lines sounds like somebodies guess.

[Todd & Mary]

If there is no oil visible anywhere and the hydraulic tan is not low, then thats not your problem. I agree with the stiction diagnosis, we have a 2021 and had to add fork oil as well because we had the popping sound. Been fine since then. If that is not the issue it could be an internal leak in one of your front cylinders. I would start with the fork oil easy enough to get on amazon and is a cheap fix you can try yourself. Just remember to take out as much oil as you plan to add before you add the fork oil, otherwise you may overflow the oil tank when you retract your cylinders.

[ChuckS]

First - the place you took your Rv to that says the hydraulic lines are corroded is trying to RIP YOU FOLKS OFF.. period..

Since this is a 2013 unit when is the last time you siphoned out the fluid from the reservoir and replaced with fresh fluid?

IN you case I would start with fresh fluid ( you can do this yourself ) and then cycle that leveling system about 5 times after putting fresh fluid..

I would then level the unit and further evaluate..

IF there are NO externa, fluid leaks and the front LG begins to slowly retract again then you could have an internal bypass on one of the two Front LG OR a Hydac valve on the front LG that is either not fully seating or the manual override screw on that Hydac valve is not fully tight/

Regardless.. I would remove my RV from that place telling you the hydraulic lines are corroded and either troubleshoot yourself or find a place that is reputable... ( That place is not.. period )

My 2014 has the six point hydraulic level up system as well as three hydraulic lines and they DO NOT CORRODE internally... The JIC37 fittings can get some corrosion on the outside and this is cosmetic .. nothing more

[AZ Traveler]

Darnell,

Chuck is giving you some good advice. It sounds like adding anti-stiction fluid will solve the popping issue. If you still have original fluid it is time for a change.

It is not unusual to have to relevel ever week or so.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by leemedic

We were camping in Colorado over the summer for 5 1/2 months at one location. All was good until we noticed one day our front landing gears had dropped about 3"

At night we could hear a popping sound that sounded like it may be coming from the gears.

So now we are back home, and we took it to our RV Repair shop. Their diagnosis was the hydraulic lines are "corroded" and need to be replaced.

They want $2,000 for labor, then they would take the hydraulic lines off, and have new ones built for it. That $2,000 does not include the manufacturing of the hydraulic lines.

Has anyone else ever experienced this on their Montana.

Ours is a 2013.

Ours will drop a bit over a months time. There can be an internal leak at the low pressure and high pressure side of the cylinders and you would never see the leak or loose fluid. Add a quart of LCI anti stiction fluid. The entire story about replacing the lines make no sense at all. If the system is going to fail it will be one or more of the seals or at the solenoid valve block.

[Frank64]

I have a 2019 3791rd that was having the same problem. I reached out to the forum and it was suggested to change the stiction fluid and add fork lift fluid. After doing this my front legs stayed in position no more popping noise. Don’t forget to cycle your hydraulic system several timrs after changing fluid

Frank