synthetic transmission oil for jacks?

[melvonnar]

Has anyone used synthetic oil in their jacks?

[Rick Long]

My tranny uses Mercon V which is what my jacks call for and it IS a synthetic.

[melvonnar]

Rick Do you have HWH jacks?

[Rick Long]

I have Power Gear... HWH recommends only their hydraulic fluid, but you can call them for a substitute if you can't find their oil.

[JOMARFL (FMCA 401058)]

Ok I have power jacks and wipe them down and spray with silicone now and then but didn't know about fluid. Where do I check the fluid on these things? Don't see anything in the Power Gear manual about it, unless I missed it. Thanks

["007"]

Give this LINK a try not sure its your system but info you maybe able to use.


Or hunt thru this one http://www.powergearus.com/

[melvonnar]

Quote:
I have Power Gear... HWH recommends only their hydraulic fluid, but you can call them for a substitute if you can't find their oil.

my manual says to use transmission fluid; thats the reason for the question.
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[BigSkyBob]

My Power Gear jacks call for tranny fluid as well.

[RVDude]

In talking to HWH tech line they told me their fluid is plain 'ol Dexron w/o the red dye. Give them a call to confirm...

[JOMARFL (FMCA 401058)]

Thanks 007, I guess mine are electric and don't have that requirement for fluid. Never even thought to look, good to know. Another reason to pull out the manuals and "read" the literature

[Rick Long]

Robert.. Then YES... and I use Mobil 1 in both my tranny and jacks.

[melvonnar]

I was wandering; would synthetic make the jacks work easer? or quicker?

[Rick Long]

Quicker... No. Might be a tiny less friction on the seals but not really significant. The synthetic will not heat up or change viscosity as fast but thats not even a factor unless your in very cold/hot conditions... you don't run your jacks all day long. The ONLY reason I used it was so I can use one type of fluid and I already had it so I didn't have to go buy it again.

I should also mention... your system holds 2 or 2½ gallons of fluid and at $5 a quart (ouch!) it's expensive to change over.... About double the cost of standard trans fluid.

[melvonnar]

thanks for the reply

I ordered a replacement for the jack thats sticking; as soon as I get it on I'm all ready to go.
Just one more thing to go, My poor wife is going in tomorrow for a complete hip replacement (her second) after she heals; Its hit the road time, boy I am so ready, I've been setting since October and setting here has almost got me I'll. In the 25 years I've been RVing this is the longest I've ever set in one spot.