Does cooler weather typically effect hydraulics operation. Winterized my unit last week and when I tried to close the main slides (hydraulic operated) they would move about 6" and stop and the touch screen would say "Fault occurred" I could release the control and touch it again and it would move about 6" and do the same thing. I'm thinking it was just because the fluid was cold and a little thicker. Does this seem typical and if so, is there an additive to help with this issue?

Cold will make hydraulics work slow. Some hydraulic systems use various types of fluid which effects system operation.What system do you have and what fluid is in it?Some hydraulic systems, not nessesarily rvs, have screens on the intake to the pump that can become restricted.

I will say that my limited exposure to cold weather camping has been exactly that.My jacks would NOT completely go up the first time.. The first time it happened I was concerned, but after asking on forums found it was normal. I have NOT experienced a slide issue as of yet due to cold/thicker Hydro fluid

My Lippert system calls for Dextron ATF. I long ago removed it and refilled with AMZ/OIL Signature Series ATF with zero issues that many have experienced like popping.

Transmission fluid won't be effected by cold weather.

enblethen wrote:Cold will make hydraulics work slow. Some hydraulic systems use various types of fluid which effects system operation.What system do you have and what fluid is in it?Some hydraulic systems, not nessesarily rvs, have screens on the intake to the pump that can become restricted.My unit is a new KZ Durango Gold with an LCI system. Have no idea what type of fluid is in it. Haven’t looked into that yet. Was just here searching for clues.

hydraulics in cold weather | Good Sam Community

enblethen
Nomad
Dec 02, 2021
Cold will make hydraulics work slow. Some hydraulic systems use various types of fluid which effects system operation.
What system do you have and what fluid is in it?
Some hydraulic systems, not nessesarily rvs, have screens on the intake to the pump that can become restricted.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Dec 02, 2021
I will say that my limited exposure to cold weather camping has been exactly that.

My jacks would NOT completely go up the first time.. The first time it happened I was concerned, but after asking on forums found it was normal. I have NOT experienced a slide issue as of yet due to cold/thicker Hydro fluid
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 02, 2021
My Lippert system calls for Dextron ATF. I long ago removed it and refilled with AMZ/OIL Signature Series ATF with zero issues that many have experienced like popping.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Dec 02, 2021
Transmission fluid won't be effected by cold weather.
SUMRX4
Explorer
Dec 03, 2021
enblethen wrote:
Cold will make hydraulics work slow. Some hydraulic systems use various types of fluid which effects system operation.
What system do you have and what fluid is in it?
Some hydraulic systems, not nessesarily rvs, have screens on the intake to the pump that can become restricted.

My unit is a new KZ Durango Gold with an LCI system. Have no idea what type of fluid is in it. Haven’t looked into that yet. Was just here searching for clues.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Dec 03, 2021
SUMRX4 wrote:
enblethen wrote:
Cold will make hydraulics work slow. Some hydraulic systems use various types of fluid which effects system operation.
What system do you have and what fluid is in it?
Some hydraulic systems, not nessesarily rvs, have screens on the intake to the pump that can become restricted.

My unit is a new KZ Durango Gold with an LCI system. Have no idea what type of fluid is in it. Haven’t looked into that yet. Was just here searching for clues.

my LCI system uses Hydraulic Fluid... There was a bulletin out to add a quart of motorcycle fork oil, or CAT hydraulic fluid additive to help in removing Popping sounds that some were hearing.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 03, 2021
Tom/Barb wrote:
Transmission fluid won't be effected by cold weather.

Thanks, makes sense.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 03, 2021
SUMRX4 wrote:
enblethen wrote:
Cold will make hydraulics work slow. Some hydraulic systems use various types of fluid which effects system operation.
What system do you have and what fluid is in it?
Some hydraulic systems, not nessesarily rvs, have screens on the intake to the pump that can become restricted.

My unit is a new KZ Durango Gold with an LCI system. Have no idea what type of fluid is in it. Haven’t looked into that yet. Was just here searching for clues.

You should know where your tank is located and what the correct fluid is along with the correct fluid level and how to check it.
memtb
Explorer
Dec 05, 2021
We have hydraulic slides (not sure of manufacturer) and Big Foot Auto leveling. The coldest that we’ve used them was around a -10 F. The did seem to be a bit slower, but didn’t seem to have an issue!

If I were more motivated, I’d go out and see what brand of system we have for our slides. However, as old as our unit is, it’s probably not manufactured any longer! memtb
JRscooby
Explorer II
Dec 05, 2021
Cummins12V98 wrote:
SUMRX4 wrote:
enblethen wrote:
Cold will make hydraulics work slow. Some hydraulic systems use various types of fluid which effects system operation.
What system do you have and what fluid is in it?
Some hydraulic systems, not nessesarily rvs, have screens on the intake to the pump that can become restricted.

My unit is a new KZ Durango Gold with an LCI system. Have no idea what type of fluid is in it. Haven’t looked into that yet. Was just here searching for clues.

You should know where your tank is located and what the correct fluid is along with the correct fluid level and how to check it.

If you have any single acting cylinders in the system, you don't want to add fluid unless need it when fully retracted.

Strange fact about oil; Over the last few decades at least some of the guys that drill water wells have switched to vegetable oil like used for cooking in their hydraulic systems. Under high pressure, a leak can contaminate a large area, and sometimes underground. Clean-up cost from a broken line could bankrupt them.

What would you do in a state park?