Community Forums

Resist · 03-04-2013, 03:26 PM

Where is the location of the hydraulic fluid tank for the levelers on a 2007 National RV Dolphin?

I think the system may need more fluid. I got the rears are down, but now I can't retract them. I also can't extend the fronts. When I start the MH, and turn on the Power Gear control panel it shows the jacks are down. Pressing "Retract All Jacks", does nothing.

I found the hydraulic pump in front of the engine, but I can't find where to fill the hydraulic reservoir.

Resist · 03-04-2013, 04:29 PM

Found it, connected to the hydraulic pump....duh.

96 Wideglide · 03-05-2013, 09:50 AM

You dont want to fill the tank while you have jacks extended. It will be overfilled when you do get them retracted. Dont know whats causing your rear jacks not retracting, but it's not low fluid level.

tropical36 · 03-05-2013, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resist

Where is the location of the hydraulic fluid tank for the levelers on a 2007 National RV Dolphin?

I think the system may need more fluid. I got the rears are down, but now I can't retract them. I also can't extend the fronts. When I start the MH, and turn on the Power Gear control panel it shows the jacks are down. Pressing "Retract All Jacks", does nothing.

I found the hydraulic pump in front of the engine, but I can't find where to fill the hydraulic reservoir.

Get the jacks up first with a floor jack and you may have to loosen each hyd. fitting to do so. May be messy as well, but have never had to do it, so......

Resist · 03-06-2013, 08:13 PM

Finally got the levelers up! Had to run the generator for a few minutes, then I could retract them.

Oddly, I wasn't able to get the awning or steps to move either, until I ran the generator for a few minutes. But after a bit with the generator off, I couldn't move them and had to start up the generator again, to get them operating.

So I'm thinking that the house batteries didn't have enough power, even though they easily were able to open the slides and some other house lights. They are two 6 volt batteries in series and registered over 12 volts combined with a voltmeter. I'm guessing the amps were low? So the generator or even shore power provides more power to operate the levelers, steps and awning?

KIX · 03-06-2013, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resist

.................................
So I'm thinking that the house batteries didn't have enough power, even though they easily were able to open the slides and some other house lights. They are two 6 volt batteries in series and registered over 12 volts combined with a voltmeter. I'm guessing the amps were low? So the generator or even shore power provides more power to operate the levelers, steps and awning?

You should read the voltage at the batteries with a digital voltmeter. 12.1 volts is 50% discharged. To prolong the life of the batteries they should not be discharged lower than 50%. The symptoms you report sound like a battery issue.

tropical36 · 03-07-2013, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resist

Finally got the levelers up! Had to run the generator for a few minutes, then I could retract them.

Oddly, I wasn't able to get the awning or steps to move either, until I ran the generator for a few minutes. But after a bit with the generator off, I couldn't move them and had to start up the generator again, to get them operating.

So I'm thinking that the house batteries didn't have enough power, even though they easily were able to open the slides and some other house lights. They are two 6 volt batteries in series and registered over 12 volts combined with a voltmeter. I'm guessing the amps were low? So the generator or even shore power provides more power to operate the levelers, steps and awning?

Most likely the battery voltage dropped off to nothing when applying power to the levelers, even though you might have had 12+ without a load. Something doesn't sound right with the slides working though and wondering if the hyd pump motor or other is drawing excessive current. A new set of batteries will tell the story without extensive trouble shooting, if you choose to go that route.

Resist · 03-07-2013, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX

You should read the voltage at the batteries with a digital voltmeter. 12.1 volts is 50% discharged.

I did read the voltage with a digital voltmeter. The reading was around 12.6 volts, but I don't get how 12.1 volts means 50% discharged. The coach batteries are several years old and probably need replacing anyway.