Community Forums

**CLIFFTALL** · 10-09-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68

Jacks down. I Leave it that way all winter long, in Chicago.
A wipe with ATF when I park it, and another prior to raising the jacks in the spring, takes care of any potential corrosion problems.

I leave my jacks down for extended periods during storage, however I have power gear electric jacks and they say no to lubricating the jack legs. Just needed to add that for others with similar jacks.

Wayne M · 10-09-2011, 07:48 PM

Wow! So many different answers.

I personally go by what the manual for my Kwikee Hydraulic leveler states. Neither it or the Winebago manual states to store with the jacks down. At least I have found no reference.

PowerGear/Kwikee specifically states to NOT use WD40. They state to use a silicone lubricant.

Think about it. WD40 is more of a penetrating oil than a lubricant. But in either case "oil" is detrimental to rubber. The seals of the hydraulic jacks are rubber. I recently had a technician at the Winnebago Service Center in Forest City state to use WD40. He made this statement in front of a supervisor and was not corrected. I did my homework, reported to the supervisor what I found regarding the manua and he stated he would talk to the technicians.

Trust me! Technicians do not know everything. They should, but they don't.

So what does your manual/manufacturer say? Those are the only people I would 99% trust in the right procedure - if it is in writing.

Cat320 · 10-10-2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clifftall

I leave my jacks down for extended periods during storage, however I have power gear electric jacks and they say no to lubricating the jack legs. Just needed to add that for others with similar jacks.

My Powergear manual says to lub the chrome rods every 5 to 7 days with a silicone spray if the jacks are down for extended periods.

**CLIFFTALL** · 10-10-2011, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

My Powergear manual says to lub the chrome rods every 5 to 7 days with a silicone spray if the jacks are down for extended periods.

Chrome rods would indicate hydraulic. Correct me if I'm wrong. As stated in my post , power gear says not to lube electric jack legs.

Snoopkat · 10-11-2011, 07:19 AM

Here is a site that says don't lube jacks with WD-40.....use silicon!
FAQ: Leveling Systems - Power Gear

Wayne M · 10-11-2011, 09:31 AM

Also, consider this.

They hydraulic system uses a specific type of fluid. In most systems it is Dexron III ATF.

So, wet a small area on a rag with ATF and wipe down the piston if you don't have silicone spray on hand. After all, isn't that what the piston gets when it is retracted?

Monacoach · 10-11-2011, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Also, consider this.

They hydraulic system uses a specific type of fluid. In most systems it is Dexron III ATF.

So, wet a small area on a rag with ATF and wipe down the piston if you don't have silicone spray on hand. After all, isn't that what the piston gets when it is retracted?

Thats a good question. I'm not sure of the answer but I don't believe the jack leg is exposed to the ATF when retracted.