Hello Everyone,I'm still a newbie and I have a question as to what is the best hydraulic fluid to use for my rig. We have a Class A 2007 Winnebago 33 ft Voyage. The leveling system is Level Best made by Kwikee. I have read not to use Dextron 111. I have the rear passenger jack that is leaking, I've checked the hoses,and they are good,so it must be a seal gone bad. (?) I purchased Lucas Hydraulic Oil Booster and stop leak. It's as think as jelly, so I don't want to use it. Also, I thought about replacing all 4 seals on the jacks, but I was told from Winnebago Parts that I need to purchase new jacks, etc at $800.00 each.... I'm sure there is an aftermarket seal kit that I can get, but I have no idea where to begin to search. I greatly appreciate any an all advise as to the best hydraulic fluid for my unit and any aftermarket seal kits to use. Thank You !!

Yeah, don't use the stop leak fluid.Try to find a repair shop that does automotive hydraulic lift repairs.They can take you jack and find a seal that works.

Farm equipment repair, ask around the local co-opI wish I had one close by, I could get my powergear curbside rear jack repaired

Hydraulics are used in many industries. Search for shop that specializes in that equipment. You might need to remove/replace it yourself, or hire somebody else to do it.

Stop thinking of this as an RV item that needs repaired. The cylinder is no different that that is used on a backhoe, front end loader, dozers and such. Getting it repaired shouldn't be a problem. Just keep in mind that shop service might cost around $100 an hour so there is a point when replacement is a more economical option but you won't know unless you try.When I had an internal leak by, jack would extend and retract but would not lift the coach, I open a Google Map of my area (southeaster Virginia) and search for "hydraulic cylinder repair". Returned a dozen of possible sources to investigate within a 45 minute drive.I removed the jack, four bolts and two hydraulic lines, drove down to the closest shop. They said no problem, shop service is $X per hour and shouldn't be more than 2 hours with $X for material. A few days later they call as the jack was ready. Reinstalled and cycled the jacks for full retract to full extent a few times to bleed any air and all was good.

WHERE did you read not to use Dextron 3. Motorhome Hydraulic Jack/slide systems ALL use Dextron 3. From the Kwikee owners manual. Doug 1. Be sure the leveling jacks are in the retracted position. Remove the breather capon the reservoir and check the fluid level in the reservoir. The fluid level should beapproximately 1" below the top of the reservoir. This standard provides an adequateamount of fluid for the levelers to operate efficiently. If the fluid is below this level, add asufficient amount to bring the level up to the operating standard. When filling thereservoir, use transmission fluid only. We recommend Dextron III. Do not mix fluids.

Proper Hydraulic Fluid to use? | Good Sam Community

murphys_law
Explorer
Nov 14, 2020
Thank you for all your responses. It is greatly appreciated !!
Sincerely,
Steve
Chum_lee
Explorer
Nov 15, 2020
murphys law wrote:
Hello Everyone,
I'm still a newbie and I have a question as to what is the best hydraulic fluid to use for my rig. We have a Class A 2007 Winnebago 33 ft Voyage. I have no idea where to begin to search. I greatly appreciate any an all advise as to the best hydraulic fluid for my unit and any aftermarket seal kits to use.
Thank You !!

I have no idea why this is such a constant perplexing issue. Start with your owners manual(s). READ THEM! What do they say? Use the fluid(s) they recommend. Not that hard. Do you really think that some anonymous voice on the internet knows more about your system than the people (engineers) who designed and built it and 10,000's of others like it? Really? Getting it repaired is a different issue.

You already have good advice about where to get the seal kits and where to have them installed.

Chum lee
dougrainer
Nomad
Nov 15, 2020
navigator2346 wrote:
"Motorhome Hydraulic Jack/slide systems ALL use Dextron 3"

Not ALL systems use what you mention. Some use a different hydraulic oil including mine. Besides, there is no such thing as "Dextron"; it is Dexron.

The Dexron fluid can be used but it will discolor anything it touches red. That is why some systems, including mine,use a colorless hydraulic fluid. Probably the same composition but who knows

SO, what Year/Brand/Model RV do you have and what Oil does it use????? I have 41 years as an RV Tech and have NEVER seen a Slide or HYD Jack system use anything but Dexron 3 or HWH clear fluid that IS Dexron 3 without the Dye. Doug
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
Nov 16, 2020
Dexron III is getting a little harder to find, but Dexron VI and Dex/Merc are commonly available even in convenience stores and are fully backwards compatible with Dex III. AW32 hydraulic oil will also work ok. In an emergency, even household vegetable oil will work as a jack oil but should be flushed out and replaced with Dex at the first opportunity. Never use AW32 or vegetable oil in a transmission though!
JRscooby
Explorer II
Nov 16, 2020
LOL. A guy was drilling near where I was unloading. I noticed a drum of vegetable oil on his truck. At lunch, I had to ask why. "Do you know what it costs to clean up after a leak of normal oil?"

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