Forum Discussion

Mike3's avatar
Mike3
Explorer
Apr 01, 2016

Hydralift Owners

We are looking a first class installer to install a Hydralift on our new MH. Does anyone have experience with someone within a few hundred miles of Raleigh, NC? Thanks
  • Mike,
    Too bad you're just a bit far from us. We're in Lake Havasu City AZ and I've done the install of a Hydralift. I've been a fabricator all my life and, while that install was a tad challenging, it was also fun too. Not sure what you're planning on hauling, Harley, Wing, what? But, if a late model (2000 and above) Honda Goldwing GL 1800, there is some serious considerations to take concerning the lift arms on that lift, vs the Wings crash bars and right side foot peg. I won't go into detail here unless you ask.

    But, here's something to consider and tell your installer. I set that Hydralift up during the install so that, WHEN, (not if) there is maintenance on the rear of the coach, i.e. radiator, anything, that lift was totally off the coach in right at SIX minutes. And, likewise, if we knew we were not going need the Wing on any particular trip, I had that Hydralift off the back in minutes and, we hooked up our toad and we were off.

    To set that lift up so it's removable, it was incredibly easy. There are two components that need to be modified to accomplish this. First is the hydraulic line. I cut that line, right in the middle and installed a Hydraulic Quick release fitting. It's just like the fittings you use for air tools, blow guns, and all that, only for hydraulics. There is ZERO leaks when the line is un-coupled.

    The second component is the electric line that goes to the hydraulic pump. I installed a three-pin, "Weather pack" triple sealed connector in that line. The procedure for removing that lift, again is simple and, if you want to know, I'll explain it to you. If not, no biggie.

    But, I've told a few about this and, they had it installed and have really been happy that they did, if not just to perform periodic maintenance. But, in any case, good luck on finding an installer that's competent enough to handle that kind of thing.

    One more thing, DO NOT WELD THE MOUNTS TO YOUR COACH! I removed the 10,000 factory hitch and utilized the same bolt holes that held that hitch on. That way, if something changes in your life and, you no longer need or want that Hydralift, the entire thing is "Un-bolted" and, the factory hitch is re-installed, like the Hydralift was never on there.
    Scott


  • Tom Johnson RV Center in Charlotte and Marion, NC used to install them and were actually recommended by the Hydralift folks to me when I was pondering getting one to haul a golf car.

    However, TJ's was purchased by Camping World and I would not be comfortable recommending them at this point.

    Have you called Hydralift and asked about qualified installers in your area?
  • Thanks guys. Yeah I was sorry to see Tom Johnson go. I called the now CW but no one called me back.I would not let them install it anyway. Too much turnover in employees to give me confidence plus they are normally more expensive. I'll try Hydralift, thanks.
  • JoeH's avatar
    JoeH
    Explorer III
    While it's a bit further, Independence RV , in Winter Garden FL, has been doing installs for years.