I think I may be low on Hydraulic fluid?

[JoeKan]

Whenever I raise my camper it raises perfectly except for the last 2-4 inches. I don't feel any pressure on the pump as I'm pumping it. I'm thinking I'm low on fluid but not sure? Does anyone have any advice? If I'm low then what type of fluid do I need and where does it go? I pray that my pump isn't going out!!!

 

[JoeKan]

I'm wondering if I can use "any" hydraulic fluid?

 

[PaulT]

Use your favorite search engine to look for “alaskan camper lift cylinder fluid”

Paul

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I believe they use mil h 5606 type of fluid, which can be purchased over the internet and at local aircraft maintenance facilities. I use it in the boat for the hyd steering. It typically has a dye, but you can get it without dye. Teleflex Morse sells it under the Sea Star name, but it’s a lot more expensive than the fluids with dye, like 4x...

Do check with Alaskan.

 

[JoeKan]

Thanks to the both of you!

 

[Keith in Co]

I use ATF-4 synthetic automatic transmission fluid. A friend of mine who has been a fork lift mechanic for 30 years recommended it to me, and says it has conditioners in it which help the seals, etc. Works fine for me.

Back in the day, Alaskan said to use the mil spec fluid. The operating instructions on my ‘60s Alaskan says this. However, lubricants have improved during the last half century.