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Old 12-22-2010, 10:21 AM   #1
barmar
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Slide Hydraulic Fluid

Please confirm that I can use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)to top up the reservoir to about 1/2-1 inch of top, and all slides IN.
Thanks, B
 
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Old 12-22-2010, 10:42 AM   #2
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Thats what I use and it'ss in the manual for the pump too.
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Old 12-22-2010, 11:25 AM   #3
1Happycamper
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Don is right. Was told to find the cheapest transmission fluid and you'll be good to go.
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Old 12-22-2010, 01:17 PM   #4
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I put a line with a magic marker on the side of the tank indicating the fluid level with slides in and the level with slides out.
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Old 12-22-2010, 07:04 PM   #5
CamillaMichael
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Based on advice from this forum, we use AT fluid to top off ours....
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Old 12-22-2010, 07:35 PM   #6
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The book says ATF Type A (versus Type F). Type A was hard for me to find and now it's called Mercon or Dextron or something like that can be used. Check with the autoparts store experts for a suitable alternative to Type A then buy the cheapest one, nothing fancy is needed if you can't find Type A.

With the slides in fill to 1/2" of the top of the reservoir (not from the top of the cap). Make sure the cap area is clean before opening it to eliminate contaminants from falling in. The permanent marker at this 1/2" spot on the reservoir will make things easier for next time.
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Old 12-23-2010, 09:15 AM   #7
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Yes, use the cheapest transmission oil you can get at Wal-Mart. MIMF is a member of this forum and an expert on the slide mechanisms. That's what he recommended we use.

Orv
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Old 12-24-2010, 03:32 AM   #8
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Hey B, go down to your local "Wally-World" and back to the automotive section. Look for their brand of ATF. I think it is in blue 1 quart bottles. At least...it used to be.

What you are looking for is a label that says "Dexron/DexronIII-Mercon/Mercon5". When you open the bottle and start pouring it into the pump tank, you'll notice it is red in color. That does not matter. Pour it in anyway.

Add the fluid with all of the rooms in the closed position and fill it up to about 1/2" from the bottom of the fill cap in the top of the tank.

Any other questions, you know where to find me.

Dale
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Old 12-24-2010, 04:53 AM   #9
Captain Joe
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I thought I read on RV.net or someplace that using a synthetic ATF is better if you are operating your slides in cold weather. Comments?
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Old 12-24-2010, 06:22 AM   #10
jpkelpe
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Let me tell you at 13 degrees those slides move real slow--of course when I am that cold I move slow too
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Old 08-18-2011, 07:02 PM   #11
Nighthawk
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I thought I read somewhere that the hydraulic fluid (AT fluid) should be changed every 3 years or so. Has anyone ever done this? How to you drain the fluid in the reservoir?
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Old 08-19-2011, 08:38 AM   #12
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That's a good question. I've had my rig for 5 years and have never dchanged out the fluid and didn't think to read that it's required. I don't use my rig very often and suspect the fluid is not as "weak" as others, but all fluid gets old over time. The fluid is still pretty pink in my rig. Like in a vehicle, the fluid will discolor and age because of the heat associated with how it's used.

I could see pumping out the fluid in the reservoir and replacing that, but this does not cover the fluid remaining in the hoses. Kinda like changing the fluid in the braking system, it requires some kind of bleed system and this has been possible with my vehicles but I am not aware of a similar system in a slideout system.

I hope someone can suggest something and it isn't a major production and therefore very expensive.
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