Keeping your hydraulic jacks and slide-out mechanisms in tip-top shape
Hydraulic jacks and slide out mechanisms require a little extra care to keep them working properly – especially units that are parked for an extended period of time.
- Lubrication of the slide out and jack cylinders is essential! Running rooms in and out a few times will put a light coat of oil on the cylinder ram, helping to avoid rusting or pitting. This works with jack cylinders, too. You can also lubricate the rams by spraying or wiping them with a light coat of oil. Pitted cylinder rams are not covered by warranty – so keep them lubricated. And remember to use only Dexron III or equivalent oil in our hydraulic systems!
- Lubricate your gear packs, too, including those mounted below the slide out rams, and inside and outside of the frame. Running the rooms in and out while using a product such as WD-40 works great, and allows rooms to open with less effort.
- Make sure the battery in your coach is strong and reliable. Hydraulic systems require about 13.5 volts to energize the pump. A low battery or loose wire connections are the first suspects when the switch is activated and the pump won’t run.
- Keep your pump’s hydraulic fluid reservoir ¾ full. Overfilling can cause an oily mess in the pump compartment.
At the first sign of problems, call your selling dealer for assistance. If the dealership can’t help you, contact the Peterson Industries Service Department. Anything we can’t handle will be turned over to our hydraulic systems manufacturer.
And as always, if you have maintenance questions, call our Service Department at 1-800-368-3759.
