Changing Hydraulic Fluid in hydraulic reservoir

Hi All~

I have a 2012 Heartland Landmark that has a 4 point + 2 slide hydraulic level system. Our 5ver is experiencing the popping noise that addresses in other posts so I will be adding CAT fluid additive as suggested... After doing a bit of research I've been seeing in the LCI manuals that it's recommended to change the hydraulic fluid every 36 months. We purchased our trailer used and I can't find any documentation that the fluid was ever changed nor did the dealer advised if it was changed, so I can only assume that it has not.

Since I'm going to be removing and adding hydraulic fluid and the CAT additive I figured this would be a good time to go ahead and just replace all of the old fluid in the reservoir. In all of the LCI literature I see the suggestions on how to add small amounts of fluid but nothing that references how-to fully change the fluid... So I just want to make sure I do this right.

My questions is: When I change the reservoir fluid, can I simply just suck out the old fluid and replace with new fluid while all of the hydraulic stuff is retracted or are there anything additional I need to do? Like re-priming the entire system???

The whole process seems pretty straightforward but I just want to make sure I have all of my bases covered.

Thanks!
Ryan

RovingDomicile said:

My questions is: When I change the reservoir fluid, can I simply just suck out the old fluid and replace with new fluid while all of the hydraulic stuff is retracted or are there anything additional I need to do? Like re-priming the entire system???

Thanks!
Ryan

Click to expand...

That's the way I would do it.

Peace
Dave

Hi Ryan,

I'm not aware of any way to empty the tank other than using a bulb to suck the fluid out. When the tank is empty, there's probably still a bit of fluid in the pump and in the hoses. I think you'll be leaving that old fluid which will eventually mix with the new. Given that you aren't purging the entire system, I don't see where any priming is needed. But you probably need to cycle things a few times to mix the new fluid with the old.

I used a manual transfer pump..or, siphon pump as I recall it's about $10 at auto parts store

Great, Thanks for the responses, it's much appreciated! Figured I probably just need to siphon out the old fluid and just replace but just wanted to double check around.

Cheers!
Ryan

cookie said:

That's the way I would do it.

Peace
Dave

Click to expand...

I'm getting ready to do mine,and I wasn't sure if there is a special type of fluid or a special kind you would recommend?

bbdoneau said:

I'm getting ready to do mine,and I wasn't sure if there is a special type of fluid or a special kind you would recommend?

Click to expand...

Any synthetic or blend ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) will work. You can use Dextron III or Mercon5.
I would substitute a quart ATF with Torco RFF15 fork oil. Or add some Caterpillar 1U-9891.
Follow this link to a Lippert Lipsheet for instructions on additives. [LINK]

Peace
Dave

The LCI Leveling system fluid for a 2015 Road Warrior 390, it appears the recommended fluid is Automatic Transmission Fluid, correct?


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Nsternberg said:

The LCI Leveling system fluid for a 2015 Road Warrior 390, it appears the recommended fluid is Automatic Transmission Fluid, correct?


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Click to expand...

That is correct.

Pace
Dave

cookie said:

That is correct.

Pace
Dave

Click to expand...

Thanks


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you only have 1/2 the oil out...