Level Up - recovery after disconnect hydraulic leg hose?

[twvette]

Picking up new 5th wheel with the Level Up system. One of my front legs has its hydraulic lines (two) going above one of my battery compartment and trying to squeeze in an oversized 6V battery into the compartment and they will likely be in the way to "get it in the door" but ok clearance after that. If I need to disconnect these lines (looks like AN4 fittings) temporarily what would I likely need to do to get them running again. I am a bit familiar with hydraulic systems and will certainly have the trailer supported by the truck/jacks up. Just try to minimize fluid loss, replace fluid, and let them self purge or more involved? I suspect there is still some pressure in at least one of the lines since they auto retract also.

[ramgunner]

Hint - just use the Cat 1U-9891 fluid the first time. More folks have best results using it first time. Folks that used the Torco fluid often have to go back and add more, or also add the 1U-9891.
http://www.lci1.com/images/support/lipsheet/0295.pdf

[MarkTwain]

twvette wrote:
Thanks everyone. I did try calling Lippert but they gave me the standard answer probably for liability reasons of basically don't do it.

Lippert also recommends removing a quart or two of hydraulic fluid and then adding 1 or 2 quarts of Hydrolic Oil additive 1U-9891 or Torco RFF grade 15 if you are experiencing any "popping sounds". Lippert reports that this is caused by tempeture changes.

[laknox]

twvette wrote:
Picking up new 5th wheel with the Level Up system. One of my front legs has its hydraulic lines (two) going above one of my battery compartment and trying to squeeze in an oversized 6V battery into the compartment and they will likely be in the way to "get it in the door" but ok clearance after that. If I need to disconnect these lines (looks like AN4 fittings) temporarily what would I likely need to do to get them running again. I am a bit familiar with hydraulic systems and will certainly have the trailer supported by the truck/jacks up. Just try to minimize fluid loss, replace fluid, and let them self purge or more involved? I suspect there is still some pressure in at least one of the lines since they auto retract also.

To relieve pressure on the system, disconnect the PUMP leads, but leave the valve leads hot. Actuate all the valves, in both directions, to relieve pressure. If the landing legs want to gravity drop, crib them up.

This is one of the things I don't like about hydraulic systems. I was raised to relieve pressure on the hydros whenever the implement was not being used. When moving implements, we always had collars for the cylinders or support straps/cables/chains to keep one from extending during transport. THEY took the stress, not the cylinder seals, hoses, fittings and valves. Of course, this =was= on a 3k psi system... 🙂

Lyle

[twvette]

Thanks everyone. I did try calling Lippert but they gave me the standard answer probably for liability reasons of basically don't do it.

[K_Charles]

don't use the jacks to hold up the trailer but hold the jack up with something. If you remove the line that makes the jack go up the weight of the ram might make the jack fall and you would loose fluid. If you leave the trailer on the truck and hold up the jack you are fine. If you loose a little oil in the line it will replenish the first time you use it

[dapperdan]

Definately have your trailer on your truck hitch, DO NOT rely on the front jacks to support your trailer during this procedure as you will lose hydraulic pressure when you disconnect those lines.

Carefully disconnect your lines, DO NOT operate anything hydraulic with those lines disconnected! Get your battery in the compartment and reconnect the hydraulic lines. The fluid loss should be minimal, make sure to check your reservoir for proper level. Be prepared to add more fluid if necessary.

This last summer our fluid level fell below the recommended level causing the front jacks to "drift" down with the trailer leveled, I was instructed by Lippert to check the fluid level, if low (which it was), add fluid and run the slides in and out a few times along with the leveling rams to work the air out as we had gotten air into the system. Worked great, no more troubles. You may or may not have to do this but by running the rams in and out a few times you should be good to go. Good luck. :W
Dan

[tinner12002]

I think I would contact the factory or a dealer and ask them what they would recommend.