RV hydraulic leveling system maintenance, besides being a mouthful, is brand-specific, meaning each has its own maintenance requirements. Fortunately, most of the procedures are similar, with small differences here and there, usually in terms of spray lubricants and cleaning requirements.
Sure, it’s not the most entertaining topic to parse through online, but it is one of the most important aspects of your routine, RV maintenance. If your RV isn’t properly leveled, it tends to cause all sorts of issues, including issues with the fridge, puddling water in the shower, sticking doors, cabinet doors swinging open, a bad night’s sleep, malfunctioning slide-outs, and more.
Leveling your RV is a fact of RV life, as immutable in necessity as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. Regular maintenance not only leads to a happier camping life but also a cheaper one. Hydraulic leveling systems are costly to repair, and the damage an unlevel RV can cause is significant.
Your RV hydraulic leveling system requires routine maintenance for a reason. Though it’s a closed system by design, things tend to wear down over time. Understanding the basic function of an RV leveling system will help you identify potential issues well before they crop up.
Despite its name, an RV hydraulic system is part hydraulic and part electric. RV hydraulic leveling systems typically use Dexron or ATF fluid, but it’s always a good idea to check your manual and make sure. Don’t let the fact that hydraulic systems require more maintenance confuse you into thinking these systems are complicated.
A hydraulic system, though it sounds complex, operates on a straightforward principle and comprises a few key components:
- Fluid Reservoir: This is where the hydraulic fluid is stored. It serves as the starting point for the hydraulic pump to draw fluid, which is then circulated through the system.
- Hydraulic Pump: Powered by an electric motor, the pump’s role is to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. This energy is what enables the lifting action in the system.
- Electric Motor: The motor provides the necessary power to the hydraulic pump, enabling it to function and circulate the hydraulic fluid.
- Valves: These components regulate the system by controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid and maintaining internal pressure within safe limits.
- Hydraulic Cylinder: Positioned at the end of the system, the cylinder plays a crucial role in converting the hydraulic power back into mechanical energy, completing the cycle.
In essence, the hydraulic fluid is directed into the appropriate components to create pressure. It’s this pressure that activates the jacks, allowing them to lift or move objects. The valves ensure that everything runs smoothly, preventing the system from over-pressurizing and keeping the operation within safe parameters.
SIGNS YOUR RV HYDRAULIC LEVELING SYSTEM NEEDS MAINTENANCE
If you practice preventative RV hydraulic leveling system maintenance, the issues we cover in this section will be few and far between. Of course, that’s the entire idea behind preventative maintenance, making it one of the most important actions you can take throughout the life of your RV.
Though the system is simple, there are several components, and the more components there are in any system, the more potential there is for problems down the road.
Common issues include:
- Jacks won’t extend or retract: This is a common symptom of issues within hydraulic systems, often related to inadequate hydraulic fluid levels, air in the system, or mechanical failure of components.
- Jacks fail to hold their positions: This could indicate a leak in the hydraulic fluid system or failure of the valves that maintain hydraulic pressure.
- The leveling system is not working at all: This could be due to several factors, including electrical problems, pump failure, or severe hydraulic fluid issues.
- Excessive noise (grinding, whining, or creaking): Such noises are typically indicative of mechanical issues, low fluid levels, or contamination of the hydraulic fluid, which can affect the system’s efficiency and health.
- Signs of fluid on the ground: Leaks are a clear sign that the hydraulic system needs maintenance. Leaking fluid can lead to loss of pressure and system failure.
- A change in the smell of the hydraulic fluid: Changes in the odor of hydraulic fluid can indicate contamination, which is detrimental to the system.
- Hydraulic fluid is milky, pink, foamy, or dark: These are signs of water contamination, air in the system, or degradation of the fluid, all of which can compromise the system’s performance and longevity.
There’s no such thing as hydraulic fluid that never deteriorates over time. Like everything else, hydraulic fluid has a shelf life, especially if you are using the system a lot. The best way to determine that the fluid is bad is to test it. However, most RVers don’t have chemical labs inside their campers. Visual and smell comparisons have to suffice.
Bad hydraulic fluid will have a very different smell. In fact, hydraulic fluid can become infested with bacteria, especially if it just sits unused for a long period of time. This bacteria contributes to the overall chemical breakdown of the fluid.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TIPS
On the bright side, hydraulic system care is relatively simple. It’s just a matter of getting it done. You don’t have to go full-on Sherlock Holmes and break out the magnifying glass every time you park your RV. But you should have a routine or, at the very least, use your downtime to give the system a good look-through.
REGULAR INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF COMPONENTS
RV hydraulic leveling system maintenance begins and ends with visual inspections. After all, other than a malfunction, how are you going to know something is amiss if you don’t look? Before your first go-round, be sure to check over the manual associated with your system, whether it’s a third-party, aftermarket installation, or a part of your RV manual.
This will help you recognize the various components, and you’ll have a better understanding of how the system functions. Some manufacturers suggest a routine cleaning process and recommend specific RV maintenance tips. For instance, one manufacturer may recommend WD-40 post-washing. Others may recommend something different lubricant.
CHECKING AND TOPPING UP HYDRAULIC FLUID LEVELS
You should clean the cylinders periodically, but always make sure they are dry and well-lubricated after you finish. The lubrication brand will most likely be in the manual. Check the hydraulic fluid. It should be red, so any other color or a severe darkening of the fluid are causes for concern.
INSPECTING HYDRAULIC HOSES AND CONNECTIONS FOR LEAKS OR WEAR
Hoses and wiring degrade and absorb damage more often and quickly than metal components. All RV hydraulic leveling systems have hoses and wiring to some degree or another. Get your flashlight ready, even if it’s a sunny day. You’ll spend most of the time in the shade of the RV’s underside, and a good flashlight will provide you with a more detailed visual inspection.
