Correct Way of Changing Hydraulic fluid?

[bobbecky]

This is the Lippert fluid recommendations for their hydraulic systems. Notice that the fluid recommendations only say do not use Type F ATF, as that fluid will not work with their seals:

https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd_0002088.pdf

This is the Lippert instructions for adding stiction fluid to their hydraulic systems. Notice that they recommend adding a second quart of stiction fluid if one quart does not solve the problem:

https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd_0002091.pdf

[ctbruce]

The best advice on this whole thread was Jim's advice and the posted Lippert service bulletin: FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY!

[ChuckS]

I just do not concur with “following Lipperts service PDFs” when it comes to what fluid to put in your hydraulic fluid reservoir.. Neither does Lippert..

The system is made by them but installed by different vendors..such as Keystone and Jayco.. Neither come from factory with ATF fluid in the reservoir. It is AW32..

Chat today with Lippert Support .....

John (10/21/2019, 1:51:14 PM): Hello Chuck Steed. How may I assist you Today? -- Tech

Me (10/21/2019, 1:53:15 PM): I currently have a 2014 Alpine with all hydraulic slides and six point level up... The fluid that is in my reservoir is NOT ATF fluid.. it is AW32 honey colored and came that way from factory.. All the Support Lippert PDFs I can find say to service with ATF BUT iM NOT FOND OF THE IDEA OF mixing fluid types.. I am wanting to extract the fluid from reservoir and re-service with fresh fluid

John (10/21/2019, 1:54:01 PM): Just use Hydraulic fluid AW32 weight. Jayco and Keystone will use Hydraulic oil which is completely fine

Me (10/21/2019, 1:54:56 PM): OK so just curious as to why all the support docs state ATF? I gather its because you folks make the hydraulic system and then the RV builder installs it and services with what they prefer to use

John (10/21/2019, 1:55:21 PM): You are 100 % correct Chuck

Me (10/21/2019, 1:55:37 PM): OK that's all I needed to know and thanks for your time

John (10/21/2019, 1:55:56 PM): No problem! Enjoy your days

Mixing fluid types IS NOT a smart idea and they have different qualities ...ATF being high detergent..

Your hydraulic cylinder actuators, seals, etc will most likely last much longer by staying with the “original” type of fluid it was initially serviced with..

AW32 is specifically designed to operate at high pressure.. the typical pump pressure in the Lippert Hydraulic system is well over 2000psi...

ATF is designed for lower operating pressure but higher temperatures..

Seal swelling can be incurred if you mix the two types of fluid in your system
YMMV

[Brantlyj]

As someone who was in the hydraulic industry for over 20 years I can tell you with complete confidence that with a properly operating system you do not have to replace the hydraulic fluid.

Also generic ATF is perfectly fine. I have had customers using it on snow plow applications in excess of 3000 psi and are a much higher duty cycle than operating a few little cylinders a few times a month. In fact in this application I would prefer ATF over hydraulic fluid as it’s a lighter weight than standard hydraulic fluid. Also it has additives that could help prevent the sticktion that was mentioned. In systems where there is very little usage such as an RV hyd oil can oxidize and cause the rod and piston seals to adhere to the rod and bore.

[Pugtracker]

I wanted to change my fluid but now I think I'll just leave it alone.
Did anyone ask Keystone what they put in the system or did I miss it?