hydraulic fluid

[hoffman1260]

We have a 2020 Montana 3791RD. I need to add fluid to hydraulic tank. It has the amber colored fluid in it now. I saw somewhere AW32 is the recommended fluid, is this still right?

[rohrmann]

This is the Lippert sheet regarding the use of fluids in their system. https://cglapps.chevron.com/sdspds/P...&docFormat=PDF It says automatic transmission fluid, but it also says hydraulic fluid with a pour point lower than -44 degrees F.



This is a chart from Chevron about their hydraulic fluids, https://cglapps.chevron.com/sdspds/P...&docFormat=PDF
and it only shows their AW32 with a pour point of -13 degrees F.


I converted my system over to ATF early on and have had no issues with it, so use what works for you. I've never thought to question the use of AW32, but I guess it works. My understanding is, ATF is hydraulic fluid with additives and dye, so either should be fine, except I can buy ATF in quart sizes which is easier to handle.

[DadsHemi]

I use Store brand Dexron automatic fluid, haven’t had any issues and it’s easy to get anywhere.

[Daryles]

Don't forget to add "anti sticktion fluid" per Lipperts TSB. I believe there is a copy of it in the files section of this website.
Download the MyLCI app from Google play store. It has all the manuals, specs and TSBs.

[hoffman1260]

Thanks to those who responded to my hydraulic fluid question.

[Montana Man]

You got good advice on the fluids. My question is why would such a new trailer need fluid already? And, make sure hydraulic cylinders are not extended when checking/adding fluid.

[dieselguy]

Like said, be sure all slides are in and all jacks are up when checking the fluid. As long as it's around an inch from the top of the reservoir, all is fine.

[Rondo]

BOB-- How did you convert your fluid from hydraulic fluid to ATF?

[rohrmann]

I just emptied the tank, installed ATF, ran the slides and jacks, drained the tank again and just refilled with ATF. Not enough hydraulic fluid left in it to make a big difference, especially since ATF is hydraulic fluid too.

[chessera2527]

in hydraulic fluid aw32 is a 10weight oil and aw46 is a 20weight oil and aw68 is a 30weight oil all used in different applications for hydraulics

[Baldicon]

Drained a quart out of my 2019 3121 to add anti sticktion fluid. Everything I had read indicated that it should have had ATF. But like the OP, it was a amber-colored fluid which I assume to be hydraulic fluid. I sent an email to LCI asking what I should use if I need to add any.

[Rondo]

Larry-- Let us know what Lippert/LCI has to say when you hear back from them. A lot of us would like to have the answer to that very question. Thanks!

[Baldicon]

Will do!

[dieselguy]

There's noting special about the hyd lines, seals, and orings in the hydraulic systems on our fivers. Either light weight hydraulic fluid (amber) or ATF fluid (red) will work fine. Keystone and other manufacturers have been switching back and forth between the two fluids for years depending on what they can get their hands on to supply the assembly lines. Basically you want a very light viscosity oil that will not foam. My 05 had hydraulic fluid ... my 11 had ATF. On the Gander RV lot here in Wichita, I see both while browsing the units.