Damaged hydraulic leveler hoses

[Mike_Schriber]

I've noticed that the hoses for my hydraulic leveling system are losing the outer rubber protective later. It's just cracking and falling away. Beneath I can see a woven layer that I imagine is what contains the pressure of the inner hose. The woven layer looks pristine.

Do I need to immediately worry about replacing these hoses or can I monitor them for deterioration of the now exposed pressure layer?

Thanks!

[dodge_guy]

I replaced all of my hoses last year, I also have hydraulic slides. Went to Pirtek where I got much stronger (higher psi) and better hoses.
Cost me $1800 but well worth it. You’ll want to do them ASAP because if a hose blows you will have fluid everywhere! On my failure it was after a very hard dip on the highway which pushed the slide out out a bit and ruptured what was probably a bad hose (blew at the pump). The pump ran for hours till I realized what it was doing. The. I learned that the system requires pressure for the pump to turn off.
This year the pump failed because of that failure. Pump is $1000!!!!!

Replace them all now with higher quality hoses and not those from LCI/Lippert!

[dougrainer]

He has a 2006 Damon Motorhome. Probably LCI(Lippert). The thing is, Just because you have LCI jacks DOES NOT mean you have LCI hoses. We ran into that same thing 15 years ago with Forest River Motorhomes. We had defective Hoses on a number of motorhomes, Splits but usually aneurism's(large bubbles) That then burst. When we tried to get warranty, thru LCI, they explained that FR and Other OEM's were using another supplier(cheaper) for the Slide and Jack hoses. So, we had to go back to FR and that took a LOT of calling and e mails because FR was trying to go back to THEIR supplier of hoses, which delayed for months getting the parts in to replace. So, the OP needs to make sure which hoses he has. IF LCI, then go back and order from LCI. LCI hoses are pretty reliable. IF he can find a local Hydraulic hose maker, I would go thru them. You just need to make sure they have the correct steel hose ends. Early LCI jacks used O rings instead of a flare fitting. If he has Flare fittings, that will make it easier for a local maker to get him his hoses. If he has HWH, then ALL HWH are flare fittings. AS others mentioned, HWH will usually have an AP number designating the length or even a taped on the end stating the length. Doug

If he has Powergear, LCI is also the hose supplier now.

[Horsedoc]

Have you determined it the woven material is fabric? Most likely it is steel, possibly stainless. Some of my tractor hoses are stainless inner with 'rubber' exterior

[Chum_lee]

Mike Schriber wrote:
I've noticed that the hoses for my hydraulic leveling system are losing the outer rubber protective later. It's just cracking and falling away. Beneath I can see a woven layer that I imagine is what contains the pressure of the inner hose. The woven layer looks pristine.

Do I need to immediately worry about replacing these hoses or can I monitor them for deterioration of the now exposed pressure layer?

Thanks!

The most important layer of your hydraulic hoses is on the inside where the fluid is. Which you CAN'T see. Nor can anyone else with the hoses in place. That said, often (not always) what's happening on the outside, reflects what's happening on the inside. Your flexible hoses are at least 17 years old. IMO, the hydraulic system for your levelers isn't critical, like it is for brakes/steering/cooling/lubrication. It's more of a convenience that, in a pinch, you can make do without. If it were mine, I wouldn't worry about it, BUT, I would source/price replacement parts, and be clear on the availability. If you plan on replacing the hose(s) yourself and the prompt availability is questionable, I would order the hoses now and keep them (along with extra hydraulic fluid) on hand for the impending moment. All hoses fail, . . . eventually. At the first sign of fluid seepage, bulging, or, lack of hydraulic pressure, IMO, the best time for hose replacement has arrived and passed. Your decision. IMO, it's more a matter of how much inconvenience you're willing to tolerate.

Chum lee

P.S.: When I say, "I wouldn't worry about it." That doesn't mean I wouldn't take action, . . . . . now. My mother (RIP) used to worry incessantly, doing nothing, as she watched her world fall apart. I'm not suggesting you do that!

[JRscooby]

Home Skillet wrote:
NAPA Auto supply can make hoses for you.

I have found this to be true in rural areas, but suburban it is hit or miss. Places that rent/service construction equipment is another source.

[Home_Skillet]

NAPA Auto supply can make hoses for you.

[CA_Traveler]

Mike Schriber wrote:
outer rubber protective later.

BTW This may suggest the cheap Lipper hoses...:(

[CA_Traveler]

Those hoses may have 2500 psi. Delay replacing them and they will fail at the worst possible time!

[enblethen]

It won't take long before the woven material rots!
My locally manufacturer hoses have a much better insulation. Them were done by local hydraulic shop.
If you have HWH system, there is labels giving length.