Hydraulic cylinder protection...is it needed?

[Teeshot1939]

I have the HWH hydraulic leveling system and will have my 4 jacks fully extended and exposed to the elements for 1 or more months. Should I apply a spray lubricant or protective spray to the exposed cyclinders? If so, which would you recommend and why? Would it be better to operate the levelers every couple of weeks? Thanks...

[bobkatmsu]

Use silicone spray and not WD 40. it attracts dirt. silicone does not.

[ScottG]

Ordinarily those cylinders are not going to rust but we all know they make things as cheaply as possible on RV's.
It certainly wouldn't hurt to put a little something on them - just for insurance.

[Halmfamily]

My Kubota is nine years old and had sat in the weather for half it's life and now sits under a shed. Hydraulic rams look perfect and work perfect and never put anything on them. Same with my fifth wheel. They're designed for the elements.

[dougrainer]

1. Just make sure they stay clean. Just hose them down if blowing wet debris gets on the silver piston
2. You do need to cycle them twice a month. This keeps the seals moist and flexable.
3. You also need to cycle your slide rooms twice a month also. Hydraulic or electric. Doug

[Trackrig]

I think MH people worry too much, look at all of the heavy equipment and farm equipment sitting out there with exposed hydraulic cylinders that are never treated with anything - and yours are under the MH not sitting out there in the elements.

Having said that, I spray mine with silicone spray every couple of weeks and usually when raising them if they've been down for a couple of weeks. Makes me feel good and doesn't harm the cylinders.

Bill