Expert RV Hydraulic Repairs: Contact Good Sam RV ProCare!
Owning an RV allows you to pack up and leave on adventures on short notice. You get to enjoy the marvel of nature in the comfort of your mobile home, and the last thing on your mind is a mechanical fault spoiling the fun.
A broken RV hydraulic system can be tricky to correct without the proper tools and expertise. Here is an insight into how it works, common causes of damage, and how the pros can help with RV hydraulic system repairs.
How Does Your RV Hydraulic System Work
An RV hydraulic system utilizes a pressurized fluid to balance and level your RV. The key components of your hydraulic system are an oil reservoir, hoses, a pump, valves, and actuators. The oil reservoir stores the hydraulic fluid while the pump draws the hydraulic oil from the pool to ensure it flows to other system parts.
The hoses transfer hydraulic fluid from the pump to the actuators. Valves control the direction and flow of the fluid and release excess pressure buildup that may damage the hydraulic system. The actuators convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy.
What Can Damage Your RV Hydraulic System
Lack of proper routine maintenance may contribute to the failure of your hydraulic system. Understanding the possible system breakdowns that may arise can help you detect the cause early.
Some features that indicate a damaged system include exceptionally high fluid temperature, strange noises, slow operation, and low-pressure readings. Things that can damage your RV hydraulic system include:
Temperature Problems
Temperature fluctuations during summer and winter can alter the hydraulic fluid. High temperatures and insufficient cooling can cause the system to fail. The hydraulic fluid evaporates and becomes less dense, which increases pump leaks and friction. This reduced lubrication causes noise and wears down the components of the system.
Extremely high temperatures can also oxidize the hydraulic fluid and cause it to be more viscous. The thicker the liquid, the harder it is to flow around the system. The result is sticky deposits that attract dirt on the valves and the pump, which reduce the system’s efficiency.
Cold temperatures also thicken the hydraulic fluid. The high viscosity slows down the cooling process of the fluid and decreases lubrication, leading to minimal flow.
Water and Air Contamination
Water contamination arises from faulty seals and condensation of air in the system. The presence of water in the hydraulic fluid alters its viscosity which in turn affects its compressibility and lubricating properties. Water contamination also corrodes the system’s components.
Air contamination can occur in two ways: aeration and cavitation. Aeration occurs when atmospheric air finds its way into the system through cracks, leaks, or faults. In cavitation, the air gets generated internally when the pump fails to draw adequate oil, and bubbles form in the vacuum at the pump inlet. You need hydraulic repairs when the bubbles collapse on the pump’s pressure side, producing noise.
Abrasion and Hose Tears
With frequent use, hoses tend to wear out and tear. Abrasion occurs when hoses come into contact with sharp objects or other system-moving parts. Further abrasion leads to hose tears which are hazardous as they can cause leaks.
Poor installation can also cause tears. Torsion of hoses reduces the flow of the hydraulic oil, which can cause it to weaken and tear in the long run. To avoid these tears, ensure that there are no twists on the hose during installation.
Human Errors
Lack of proper expertise during RV hydraulic system repair and maintenance can lead to severe parts damage. For example, if the hose is not tightly fixed at the fitting, it can lead to leaks, and the fluid will not flow to the actuators.
Poor maintenance practices that can increase breakdowns include: running the system when it’s too hot, mixing different types of oil, and generally not following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Why Do You Need the Help of Good Sam RV ProCare?
The cause of your RV hydraulic system failure can be tricky to identify without expert assistance. The team of professionals at Good Sam RV ProCare uses a few troubleshooting steps to narrow down the problem. When looking for the source, we carefully check the hydraulic’s motor, pump, valves, lines, and fluids.
In addition to RV hydraulic system repair, we also offer other mobile RV services to help correct faulty components such as:
- A/C Units and Thermostats
- Heating and Furnace
- RV Awnings
- Roofing, Vents, and Sealing
- Slide Outs, Ramps, and Doors
- Refrigeration
Contact us today to enjoy convenient, stress-free, and trustworthy RV repair and maintenance services.
