Hydraulic hose lifespan?

ScottG wrote:
I'd replace them after 20 years as well. If you can't find them, some Napa's claim to be able to make them. (But it seems like everytime I bring one to them they say "Oh, we can't make that one".)
Maybe you'd have better luck.

Better yet, go to any Aerquip / Parker Hannifin retail store and have them make you up hoses and fittings to size. What I do for all my hydraulic equipment and Parker fittings are the best you can buy.

Hydraulic hoses, like tires, all degrade from ozone exposure. At 20 years you are on borrowed time.

First, aging hoses usually weep when they start to fail. Its easy to spot. Second, do a thorough inspection for chafing, rubber checking, and leakage. If didnt see any of that i would leave well enough alone. This is coming from a guy who has changed all the air bags on his 20 yr old coach and the hyd hoses that were exposed to UV.

What you heard was partially true but understand the rest of the story. If you have a catastrophic loss of hyd fluid the fan will cease to turn and the engine temp will start to rise if you are driving the coach hard. The engine will eventually shut down on high temp. If you keep your calm the coach can be gently driven to get you to safety.

But if you must change the hoses dont forget about the ones that run all the way to and from the steering gear box in the front.

I'd replace them after 20 years as well. If you can't find them, some Napa's claim to be able to make them. (But it seems like everytime I bring one to them they say "Oh, we can't make that one".)
Maybe you'd have better luck.

Replace them. As with your tires and all other rubber components there is a shelf life. Your pushing your luck so far.