Hydraulics not holding pressure the top is resting on the pins...

[docalex]

Hydraulics not holding pressure.....the top is resting on the pins...

Is this to be expected ??? after 2 hours , 2 days etc.....

Is this a situation that needs immediate attention ?

I do not see any leaks in the rams or the hydraulic lines... ie... no oil on the ground...

What would you recommend I do next to diagnose, remedy the problem....

Thank you
... and pardon my newbie..ness

docalex

 

[ntsqd]

No idea what is normal bleed-down for an Alaskan, but where life safety is involved hydraulics are never, ever trusted to hold the load up. There is always a structural block, like the pins, to prevent closing/collapsing.

 

[Taku]

Seems like if they are not holding pressure, it is leaking somewhere. Might have to dig deeper.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

If you’re not losing fluid, my guess is it’s bleeding back through the pump into the reservoir. Maybe a worn seal or o-ring. Probably not a real difficult job, bu one that could be messy.

 

[PackRat]

I have an 8' CO and it takes about 35 complete range of motion pumps to get the top up. It will stay there while I get all four pins into place and then I open the return valve and let the top rest on the pins. Are you having to pump much more and find that the top won't stay up long enough to insert all four pins even with it all the way up?

With the top DOWN....check the level of oil in the reservoir...should be down from the top just a tad.
Bleeding the system starting at RR, then RF, then LF and then LR may remove air in the lines.
As noted above, checking for a split tube, or a cracked oil line or loose fitting should be first on your checklist.

 

[Rdy2Roam]

I thought once you put the pins in you were to drop the top to rest on the pins. Least thats what I was instructed to do.

 

[ntsqd]

All hydraulics, not just these systems, are notorious for bleeding down.

 

[docalex]

Thank you for the replies.....
I can raise and lower the top with a little balance assist here and there and get the pins in problem. The system will bleed down and the top resting on the pins had me worried. I did not know what to expect.... and then what happens when I get a foot of wet snow piled on top etc.....

OK ... bleed down of the system is expected. The top is expected to rest on the pins. and I don't think it would be a good idea to drive any distance with the top up the rams in my '76 are not straight, but have a slight bow to them....

Thank you again.....

Happy Trails... DocAlex

 

[PackRat]

Doc....

NEVER drive with the top up on an Alaskan!!!!!

Once you have raised the top to the point where it tops out, you can insert the four pins and then open up the valve to allow the top to settle on the four pins which is how this system was designed. When you are going to go home, close the valve and raise the top again, remove all four pins and open the valve at least one full turn and let gravity bring the top down all the way. DO NOT close the valve when the top is in lowered position!

There is a copy of the 1969 Alaskan which covers raising and lowering of the CO and NCO types of campers which you should download and printout as it is going to cover the issues you mentioned.

 

[docalex]

Thanks for setting me straight ..... Packrat