Failure of multiple Lippert Auto Levelling Jacks

[callcentertiger]

I bought a Keystone Montana 3731FL 2019 5th wheel rv, in December 2021, ( checked with Keystone factory, , date of manufacture is October 2019, one previous owner, less than 200 miles, and had it permanently docked in an RV park in E Texas. 3 of the 6 leveling Lippert jacks are leaking oil and losing presure, eveen though I got a clean bill of health, 250 point rv inspection prior to purchase from one top Rv dealers in the country, Fun Town RV out of Cleburn Texas. Any recourse or advice you can provide, to resolve the situation, RV was sold as-is, no warranty ?

Thanks In Advance, Paul L

[bsmith0404]

A couple things, first change your font back to the normal and don’t bold it. Not sure about the full version of the forum, but your post is difficult to read on the mobile version.

As for the jacks leaking, it happens. My belief is that it’s from jacks being retracted with dirt and sand on the legs tearing up the seals. I clean and lube mine every time before retracting them, still have original jacks on a 10 year old Alpine. Yours has been set up and not moved, seals can also dry out. The damage could have occurred at anytime, they have 2000 psi internal pressure, if there’s a weak spot, the fluid will find it.

Also, your build date is listed on the stickers on the road side (drivers side) front corner. Near your auto level control pad, no need to call Keystone for that.


Jacks are easy to replace, definitely a DYI job with a few hand tools (electric impact makes it easier). They’re just not cheap. You won’t get the dealer to replace them, can’t prove when they damage happened.

[xrated]

Even though some of us on here are getting on up in years....and maybe wear glasses, that print is large enough for me to read from my neighbor's house while looking through a dirty window!

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by callcentertiger

I bought a Keystone Montana 3731FL 2019 5th wheel rv, in December 2021, ( checked with Keystone factory, , date of manufacture is October 2019, one previous owner, less than 200 miles, and had it permanently docked in an RV park in E Texas. 3 of the 6 leveling Lippert jacks are leaking oil and losing presure, eveen though I got a clean bill of health, 250 point rv inspection prior to purchase from one top Rv dealers in the country, Fun Town RV out of Cleburn Texas. Any recourse or advice you can provide, to resolve the situation, RV was sold as-is, no warranty ?

Thanks In Advance, Paul L

Might try hooking to your truck them manually extend them til they touch ground, wipe them.with a clean rag then spray liberally with a silicone spray, NOT WD40, then retract, then repeat several times to possibly soften the seals. I was told by the factory techs that if extended for long periods they should be wiped, sprayed & retracted at least every 30 days if not more often.
If that doesn't work find your local hydraulic shop & have them rebuilt for about a 1/4 of the price of replacements.

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

Might try hooking to your truck them manually extend them til they touch ground, wipe them.with a clean rag then spray liberally with a silicone spray, NOT WD40, then retract, then repeat several times to possibly soften the seals. I was told by the factory techs that if extended for long periods they should be wiped, sprayed & retracted at least every 30 days if not more often.
If that doesn't work find your local hydraulic shop & have them rebuilt for about a 1/4 of the price of replacements.

I clean and spray mine with a silicone spray every time before I retract them. Been working for 10 years now. Hopefully the OP can get the seals to work again, but I have my doubts.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

I clean and spray mine with a silicone spray every time before I retract them. Been working for 10 years now. Hopefully the OP can get the seals to work again, but I have my doubts.

I also wiped & sprayed mine before retracting every time.

[spicercars]

Welcome from northern MN. Hope you fix your problem.

[dutchmensport]

I don't have hydraulics, mine are electric. I'm currently at a campground and my front landing jack (fifth wheel) broke. I was able to get the trailer (somewhat) level and have a few days here before we move on. Meanwhile, I reached out to the nearest RV dealership and they have on order for me a new front jack. Mine is the Lippert 6 point 3.0 system. My camper is 4 years old now, definitely out of warranty. I removed the old jack pretty easy (it really was easy), and waiting for the new one now. By the way, that new jack (with motor and foot pad, complete - $700.00) And this is just 1 jack.

If you can, get them fixed rather than buying new. It will be a lot cheaper. Better yet, use your head, watch a few YouTube videos and do it yourself. You'll be better off, save some money, and have the satisfaction knowing how the work was done and the fact it was done right. (and a lot cheaper).

Even if warranty did covered the repair, you'll have to take the camper to "them" and the wait time for ANY RV repair is currently 2 to 4 months. RV shops are that backed up.

[callcentertiger]

I agree that for a 30 -40 years old it would be a simple project, but I am 70, with both shoulder rotator cuffs torn, bad knees and severe tightens on L2 on the spine, I do have an extended warranty contract for 5 years that I purchased and they already pre-approved, to be performed by a mobile RV tech, as long as they are certified on RV Jacks repair.
Warranty will pay for both labor and parts except for a $100 deductible for each tech on-site visit.

Much Obliged,
Paul L
Lindale TX

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by callcentertiger

I agree that for a 30 -40 years old it would be a simple project, but I am 70, with both shoulder rotator cuffs torn, bad knees and severe tightens on L2 on the spine, I do have an extended warranty contract for 5 years that I purchased and they already pre-approved, to be performed by a mobile RV tech, as long as they are certified on RV Jacks repair.
Warranty will pay for both labor and parts except for a $100 deductible for each tech on-site visit.

Much Obliged,
Paul L
Lindale TX

Certified on RV jack repair. That one might be an issue with many mobile techs. There’s a lot of techs at dealerships that aren’t certified, just know how to do the work since it isn’t difficult. Good luck.

[foldbak]

I was a hydraulic mechanic for years. Rule #1 if hydraulic cylinders don't get used they leak! The seals will dry out believe it or not. Clean them, run them in and out several times and see. If the chrome shafts are pitted they will have to be rebuilt or replaced. Also a cylinder under pressure for a long period of time will allow fluid to seep past the piston seal into the passive side of the cylinder. Lippert does off reseal kits. Of course if it's warrantied, replace! Good luck.

[Mikendebbie]

Paul - I did a google search for mobile RV techs in Tyler (I am a former Tylerite!) and it looks like the are several in the area. Shirley’s (north of Lindale) and ETX way south on 69 looked interesting to me. Both had a number of good current and older reviews. ETX listed hydraulics as one of their services. Best of luck getting this taken care of and please come back with an update.

[dutchmensport]

Originally Posted by callcentertiger

...but I am 70, ... shoulder rotator cuffs torn, bad knees and severe tightens on L2 on the spine,....

Ah, I see your point. But it also sounds like you've got the problem covered at the moment with the Mobil Tech approval. That's great!

I'm 67 now myself, had knee replacement 5 years ago, and still refuse to let this old body get the better of me. Don't let the old body win, though. Push it through and whip it into subjection. You've got too much living to do!