Buying a used RV with hydraulic problem

[ThorPete]

I am looking at purchasing a 2018 Montana 3811MS at a dealer. It’s in great shape other than an apparent leak in the hydraulic system. I noticed fluid staining the concrete below the front jack on the passenger side just below the manifold where all the hoses connect. I opened the access door to inspect and saw a small solo cup placed in the corner to catch drippings. I also noticed the right side manifold with 4 hoses connected, but the 5th hose appears to be missing picture attached…notice fitting to the far right side. I touched the bottom of the fitting that looked like it should be connected to a hose find that it appeared to be the source of the leak. I did a quick search for a disconnected hose and did not come up with one. I should also add that the sales person could not get the auto level to work. The kitchen slide began to flex at the bottom when attempting to lower the front jacks. She stopped and said that they would check it out and address it before I bought it. It was almost closing time last night and service dept was already closed for the day.

It seems like this should be an easy fix, I’m just not sure to what extent I should be worried and how can I tell if it has been properly addressed other than the landing gear and slides working properly. Can anyone give advise on things I could look for to ensure that I don’t have related problems later? Also, is there some sort of shop manual that would tell me which hydraulic function would be affected by that missing hose?

 

[foldbak]

I'm sure a competent service center should be able to identify the problem and make repairs. I wouldn't be to concerned as long as the leveling system works and doesn't leak. Your slides are most likely hydraulic as well so check those cylinders and hoses.

 

[-fall-creek-bob]

I have had 3 major hydraulic issues regarding leaks on the crimps at the end of the hoses. This time one of the hydraulic rams needed to be replaced for leaking. Luckily this has all been covered by the extended warranty we purchased years ago, other wise $$$$ !

 

[Carl n Susan]

....I noticed fluid staining the concrete below the front jack on the passenger side just below the manifold where all the hoses connect. I opened the access door to inspect and saw a small solo cup placed in the corner to catch drippings. I also noticed the right side manifold with 4 hoses connected, but the 5th hose appears to be missing picture attached…notice fitting to the far right side. I touched the bottom of the fitting that looked like it should be connected to a hose find that it appeared to be the source of the leak...

Your manifold looks just like mine. There appears to be 3 Extend Hoses (orange) with solenoids and 3 Retract Hoses (black). Mine is capped off on the right side using a standard JIC37 cap. Yours has a weird looking fitting. If it is leaking just replace it with a standard cap.

 

[DutchmenSport]

If you have not purchased the camper yet, then any issue you identify with the camper, have the dealership repair it to your satisfaction before you take possession of the camper. If they say the repair will result in a higher cost, then you have to decide if the higher purchase price is worth it then.

But, you have the advantage. They have the tools, labor, and skills for any fix the camper needs. Use your advantage .... you want to purchase the camper, but you want everything "right" and "correctly working" before you take possession, or sign the final documents .... FIRST!

 

[Daryles]

I believe I read somewhere those quick connect fittings on the end of the manifold are for the installer for the initial hydraulic fluid fill.
Mine dripped. Hydraulic fluid pooled in the bottom of the compartment. I put small clear plastic bottles over the fittings to catch drops (expansion/contraction).
Nothing to worry about.
However...
Make sure they cycle ALL the slides in and out a few times. Check for binding. Look for drag marks on the linoleum floor. Inspect the gear teeth under the slide arms. Also cycle ALL jacks. You will need it hitched.
For Auto Level, I believe it has to start nose high before pushing the Auto Level button.
For the bedroom slide, if it's a Schwintek slide, when you start the slide moving do NOT stop until the slide is all the way in or out, then continue to HOLD THE BUTTON DOWN FOR 5 SECONDS AFTER THE SLIDE STOPS.
Failing to do this CAN cause the motors to get out of sync.

For the hydraulic system, make sure they put the hydraulic system on its own 80A circuit breaker per the Lippert TSB.

Download the Lippert NOW app from Google play store. Lots of good info, manuals, TSB, troubleshooting etc.
Lippert also has excellent help desk support.
Phone: 574-537-8900
Email: customerservice@Lci1.com

 

[R time soon]

The quick connect type fittings are for the oem to install the hydraulic fluid with fluid from a bulk tank and purge the air from the system while cycling the extend and retract cycles. Those fittings should be available from Lippert or could be replaced by solid fittings if they fail and leak. Lippert is very helpful. Contact them as above.