Strange noises

[whitesub93]

My Big Sky makes popping and clicking noises from I do not know where, yet all seems to be working properly. Does anyone know what these can be???

[jsb5717]

There’s not much to go on. I know that sometimes the furnace ducts can pop a bit with the temp changes. In general different components can make some noises in temp changes…especially when it’s colder out and you’re heating up the trailer. Expansion and contraction.

[rohrmann]

If you have the Lippert hydraulic leveling system, Level Up, then the popping noise you are hearing is probably caused by stiction in the system. This is the link to instructions on how to fix this issue. https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd_0002091.pdf

[whitesub93]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

If you have the Lippert hydraulic leveling system, Level Up, then the popping noise you are hearing is probably caused by stiction in the system. This is the link to instructions on how to fix this issue. https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd_0002091.pdf

Yes this is what I have. Thanks for the link. I will try that and see what happens. Have a blessed day and thanks again!

[rohrmann]

I used the CAT fluid, but the others are supposed to work well also. I did end up using two quarts, but it stopped the popping and have not had any popping since.

[Todd & Mary]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

I used the CAT fluid, but the others are supposed to work well also. I did end up using two quarts, but it stopped the popping and have not had any popping since.

We encountered the same issue, it would pop and creak while just sitting there. I put a full QT of the fork oil in the reservoir and worked the cylinders up and down about a dozen times and it seemed to have solved the stiction issue. Just note it may take some time to get it mixed and into all of the cylinders on your rig. It is a cheap fix you can do yourself, just remember to remove a qt of oil before topping it off with the fork oil. Otherwise it will be a mess when you retract your levelers.

[whitesub93]

Originally Posted by whitesub93

Yes this is what I have. Thanks for the link. I will try that and see what happens. Have a blessed day and thanks again!

I'm guessing I will have to hook up to the truck ?

[AZ Traveler]

Originally Posted by whitesub93

I'm guessing I will have to hook up to the truck ?

You can complete it without hooking up to the truck. My fluid was low enough that I was able to add a quart without draining any.

[wed]

Hopefully some of the Big Sky owners can reach out

[DutchmenSport]

When we first got our Montana fifth wheel, we had some popping sounds coming from the bed room area (ours is in the rear). It happened most when the wind was blowing. I searched all over that camper looking for the source, and then I finally decided after several frustrating night to go outside and seew what was going on. It took a while, but when the wind blew at just the right angle, bottom part of the bed room slide, (you know, that aluminum part that hangs down and isn't connected to anything? Its the spacer to fill the empty gap so the slide wall looks solid top to bottom from the outside?).... well, that panel would flop when the wind hit it just right.

I looked at the other slides and that same panel had reinforced metal strips spaced about 3 feet apart to hold the bottom of the "skirt" stiff. On the bed room slide there were no supports, thus allowing the sheet of aluminum to bang.

I made my own "straps" out of some stiff aluminum flat type rods and bent them so they would force pressure (like a spring) against the aluminum. It indeed stopped the banging.

So, what you are hearing could easily be something banging in the wind under your trailer.

[ACKLM8]

The "popping" noise is a common complaint and the addition of anti-stiction fluid is the best solution (as covered by Lippert's technical bulletin). But just to add another wrinkle, I also am aware of a periodic "clicking" sound which I finally determined was coming from the hot water heater when the thermostats turned on or off. Knowing what it is makes it a lot easier to ignore!

[whitesub93]

Originally Posted by ACKLM8

The "popping" noise is a common complaint and the addition of anti-stiction fluid is the best solution (as covered by Lippert's technical bulletin). But just to add another wrinkle, I also am aware of a periodic "clicking" sound which I finally determined was coming from the hot water heater when the thermostats turned on or off. Knowing what it is makes it a lot easier to ignore!

My rig is sitting on my property, no power on, no water on and it makes this noise. Must be the levelers.
I'm waiting on the oil to come in. Found a liter bottle for $11 on Amazon.

[AZ Traveler]

Joe,

Looks about right if your slides are out and jacks down. A little low if everything is in. Slides and jacks are all the same system.

[whitesub93]

Originally Posted by AZ Traveler

Joe,

Looks about right if your slides are out and jacks down. A little low if everything is in. Slides and jacks are all the same system.

Slides in, jacks down. Do I need to add some, or take some out and replace with fresh. I have a liter coming tomorrow. That is only half full now.

[AZ Traveler]

Pull your rear 4 jacks up and check it again. If in doubt, take a little out as you can always put it back in.

[whitesub93]

I checked the Lippert system owners manual and it said the fluid level should be 1/2 inch from the filler cap. Should get the oil in tomorrow and I will fill it and run the jacks in and out a bunch of times and see what happens.

[Mikendebbie]

Here is your picture that I marked up. When I added fork oil - I sucked out a quart with a turkey baster, then added the quart of fork oil. I ran several cycles of the leveling system and ran the slides in and out a few times.

[whitesub93]

I will be playing with it tomorrow when tho oil gets here. Not sure what the weather will be like here in Waco.

[dieselguy]

I'd hook your truck up temporarily and pull in the slides if applicable and retract all your landing gear THEN check your fluid level and go from there. The front jacks are the largest bore and hold the most fluid so you won't really know where your fluid level unless they are retracted as well. Most all of us have had to take out a quart or so to get the CAT or fork oil in before cycling the system, so if you just guess and add the quart of CAT fluid, you may have a mess when you hook up to your truck to go to your next location. There may be no place for that quart to go except out the reservoir. The full level isn't an exact line on your reservoir no matter what you've been reading. Somewhere between 1" and 1/2" from the top with everything retracted will be fine.

[whitesub93]

I'm happy to say that after adding 2 liters of fluid and running the slides out and in numerous times, and sitting by the rig and listening for the last few day.......NO MORE NOISE !!!!! YAHOO and thank you all for the help.