Hydraulic cylinder protection...is it needed?
I have the HWH hydraulic leveling system and will have my 4 jacks fully extended and exposed to the elements for 1 or more months. Should I apply a spray lubricant or protective spray to the exposed c...
Forum Discussion
It all depends on the age of your coach. Back in 2001 we purchased a Winnebago Adventurer. At that time HWH was advertising the piston rods were made of stainless steel so no action was needed to protect them.
However around 2008 (not sure of the exact date) they changed to a nickel plated steel rather than the original stainless. At that time they started recommending that if the jacks were extended for long periods they should be wiped down monthly and sprayed with silicone.
It seems like they have changed their procedures frequently over the years, probably in response to the different materials used in the piston rods. Originally they said no WD40 because it attracts dirt. Later they said use WD40 first to clean off debris, then wipe them down and apply silicone as a protectant.
The best course of action would be to call HWH, give them the year and model of your leveling system, and ask what material the piston rods are made of. Different materials require different maintenance procedures.
However around 2008 (not sure of the exact date) they changed to a nickel plated steel rather than the original stainless. At that time they started recommending that if the jacks were extended for long periods they should be wiped down monthly and sprayed with silicone.
It seems like they have changed their procedures frequently over the years, probably in response to the different materials used in the piston rods. Originally they said no WD40 because it attracts dirt. Later they said use WD40 first to clean off debris, then wipe them down and apply silicone as a protectant.
The best course of action would be to call HWH, give them the year and model of your leveling system, and ask what material the piston rods are made of. Different materials require different maintenance procedures.
