Hydraulic leak

[sptddog]

I have a Keystone Fuzion 342. We just uncovered and opened her up today for next weekend's camping trip. Everything operated normally, though I noticed that my hydraulic fluid was getting low and that at first, the leveling system couldn't get moving. It finally did - auto-leveled and put the slides out.

Was checking and adding air to the tires on the kitchen side (curb side) of the camper. Noticed a wet spot on the ground about 5 inches in diameter - and clear hydraulic fluid dripping - but with the enclosed underbelly I couldn't really see where from. It's about halfway between the front axle tire and the middle leveling jack. It isn't the jack unless it's a hose going from that jack to the rear jack.

So, obviously I'll call the dealer, but some questions....can I continue to use (I'm sure the dealer won't get me in this week) as long as I ensure that the fluid doesn't get too low to operate the system? It's obviously a pretty good leak, so will it leak all the time now, or just when the slide is out? I believe it's the slide and not the jack, but I can't really tell). I don't know that I've ever noticed it leaking before in a puddle, but I did notice that my resevoir was getting low at the end of last season.

My only other interesting note is that I thought the camper looked un-level all winter. Like the front landing gear jack on one side was different than the other. So...that also make me think that if there is a leak, could that have something to do with it? Weirdly though, the leak is not at the front.

Inputs, thoughts appreciated...just particularly wondering if I should cancel next weekend. I have no desire to get stuck at a campground with slides out or jacks down and have to figure out the manual process.

I was tempted to see if I could find a mobile RV guy in our area, but that scares me more than the dealer.

[Gjac]

The two leaks that I had with my HWH system over the years were dripping off the hoses as you described. I followed the drips higher and saw a fitting which I tightened slightly and the leak went away. Hopefully yours will be that easy.

[agesilaus]

Well here are many different types of hydraulic fluid: Amazon

Three different 'H's'

[sptddog]

Dropped two bolts off the underbelly tonight. Think the puddle we saw was the pooled hydraulic fluid laying in the belly that rolled out when we leveled. There are two spots pooling, one front of the axles curb side and one back center between the axles. At some point someone had been under there because it's split and taped. I can't remember if it was done before to be honest, but I had the axle replaced last fall and the upgraded mor-ryde suspension done. If they had to split it, they should have seen the leak. For as much is pooled in there, it would have been there at that point. We opened the slides while looking in the underbelly, but can't find signs of a leak. It's not noticeably dripping anywhere as the slide moves nor once they are out. Guessing the leak is at a seal or a hose and it's running along the hose before dripping, and guessing that there is more than one based on the two areas pooling. I'd have to drop more of the under belly to look more.

Tried to find schematics to have a better idea of where to look, but having no luck.

Found an ad for a mobile tech, will have to see if I can find reviews. Perhaps posting on here will get some recommendations.

Where does one find clear ATF fluid? Auto store seemed to only have red. Dealer recommended clear in case of inside leaks. H something brand. Couldn't find anything. Is standard tractor hydraulic fluid acceptable?

As always, thanks for the inputs and advice!

[midnightsadie]

here in ohio we have a mobil tech listed in craigs list.

[Mandalay_Parr]

sptddog wrote:
The question is how to find a mobile tech Where do I look to get good reviews?

Go to a campground and ask them and others too.

[sptddog]

The question is how to find a mobile tech Where do I look to get good reviews?

[Mandalay_Parr]

Quit being scared of a mobile tech. Call one now.
Probably better and certainly faster than a dealer.

[DFord]

My 2001 Residency MH blew a hole in its hoses a few years ago. It made an awful mess when it happened. I was trying to level and it wasn't acting right. I got out to look and saw I huge spot of fluid all around the leak. Thank goodness my spot was gravel. If it had been concrete or blacktop, I'd would have been up a creek.

Since then, I've replaced all the hoses and all the leaks are gone. If one of your hoses has a leak and you're going to keep your unit for awhile, don't patch it, replace the whole length. Hoses don't last forever. If you're able replace them all and be done with it for several years.

The Residency had double acting Kwikee levelers and it took 200 ft of hose to run two hoses to each jack. Lucky for me, someone on eBay had several 50ft lengths and sold them to me a whole lot cheaper than I could have bought them for at NAPA. I was able to cut them to length and used the shorter pieces for the front near the pump and longer ones for the rear jack - there was no waste. I had NAPA crimp the ends on for about $100 in total - 8 hoses needed 12 ends. I was able to use 4 of the fittings on one end of the hoses I bought.

[agesilaus]

Without you doing some troubleshooting--removing the cover off the belly at least enough to find the hydraulic lines--you are stuck with getting someone else to do it.

I'd get online and try to find schematics for the hydraulic system so you'll have an idea of what you are looking for. Low pressure hydraulics aren't that hard to work on if you are mechanically apt.

[sptddog]

Unfortunately it was that size in an hour. 😞

[midnightsadie]

the mobil guy sounds good to me, a dealer could take weeks, and a big bill. MG guy might just find a loose connection and tighten it, a five inch circle all winter is a very small leak ,couple drops of oil looks like a lake.