Forum Discussion

5thWheel_of__Fo's avatar
May 08, 2018

Leaky Hydraulic Hoses

We have a 2005 Mobile Suites 36RE that has developed leaky hydraulic lines in the pump and battery compartment. Some are due to loose fittings but also directly through the hoses; the black rubber coating has completely rotted off and you can see seepage. No idea if lines are also leaking back to the slideouts, but we've seen no evidence. My question is how to troubleshoot this and replace any lines as needed. Is dropping the belly of the 5er the only option to trace lines and check for leaks?
  • Jerry B wrote:
    I have a mobile suites that has a right front jack hydraulic line connector leaking at its attachment. Anyone know the correct description (type/size etc) for the connector? I want to have a line made up before I remove the bad line. Thanks.


    You can get on Discount Hydraulic Hose website , and they have pictures ,and descriptions of all those fittings. As said in my previous post, I chose to just send a fitting to them to prevent a mistake. If I remember the one I thought it was, was correct, but once that hose is made up its yours. You want to be sure.
  • 5thWheel of Fortune wrote:
    We have a 2005 Mobile Suites 36RE that has developed leaky hydraulic lines in the pump and battery compartment. Some are due to loose fittings but also directly through the hoses; the black rubber coating has completely rotted off and you can see seepage. No idea if lines are also leaking back to the slideouts, but we've seen no evidence. My question is how to troubleshoot this and replace any lines as needed. Is dropping the belly of the 5er the only option to trace lines and check for leaks?



    Replaced all my hydraulic hoses last year, had one three years ago develop a leak, replaced it and then another last year. At that point decided to replace them all. Very cheap hoses to begin with.

    My hoses all have the same fitting both ends, lots of different style fittings. I don't know any other way to check them other then dropping the belly. Big problem is it can develop a leak run down the hose ,and drip several feet from the leak.

    I dropped the belly, pulled all the old lines off, cut off a fitting, measured all the lines for length . Sent the fitting to Discount Hydraulic Hose to take all the guess work out of what style of fitting, and a possible mistake by me picking a fitting from their chart. . They made them up, and shipped them to me. Great service, and a much better quality hose.

    Discount Hydraulic Hose is located in Philadelphia ,PA 800-535-1302 . Everything can be done on line. I sent them a fitting they verified which one it was ,and I ordered online. I found it much easier, a whole lot less expensive then hauling the lines to a local hydraulic shop.

    IMO you would be better off just replacing all those old hoses ,and be done. Dropping the belly is not the most fun thing to do. I have done it twice now, and hopefully replacing all the lines with a quality hose I'm done.
  • Jerry B wrote:
    I have a mobile suites that has a right front jack hydraulic line connector leaking at its attachment. Anyone know the correct description (type/size etc) for the connector? I want to have a line made up before I remove the bad line. Thanks.
    Take the rig or the hose to the store so you get the right fittings.
  • memtb wrote:
    Consider going to a reputable tractor dealer and have replacement hoses made from quality materials. Lippert “likely” used a lesser grade (cheaper) of hydraulic hoses. If you follow RV forums, or Facebook groups, there is a common denominator among auto leveling systems with problems...Lippert!
    X2 And I'd change likely to absolutely.
  • Consider going to a reputable tractor dealer and have replacement hoses made from quality materials. Lippert “likely” used a lesser grade (cheaper) of hydraulic hoses. If you follow RV forums, or Facebook groups, there is a common denominator among auto leveling systems with problems...Lippert!
  • I have a mobile suites that has a right front jack hydraulic line connector leaking at its attachment. Anyone know the correct description (type/size etc) for the connector? I want to have a line made up before I remove the bad line. Thanks.
  • Go to an owner's forum for Drv's and post this question. While these systems are not exclusive to Drv, owners have dealt with this issue. There's a group on Facebook and on 5thwheelforums.com.
  • The number one thing to NOT do is feel or run your hands over the lines. Hydraulic lines under high pressure can produce a needle fine leak and inject oil into your blood stream.

    Be sure any residual pressure is released before working on the system.
  • The inner tube is leaking and it can show up anywhere. Tie a rope to the hose and pull it through for the new hose. Or use a fitting to attach the new hose and pull it through. You will need to loosen any bindings and reattach when done. Use good hydraulic hose. Frankly I wouldn't use anything from Lipper.
  • Some of the lines run through the rounded area where the wall and the belly meet. I think it would be easier to leave the lines there and just run new ones as they are often attached to things and each other. It is possible that Lippert could be of help.