Bad roads and hydraulic leaks

[RayDK]

I can’t believe how bad some of the roads are.

Driving on I-70 from western Missouri to New Jersey, I found the MO Interstate was pretty good. When we got to Illinois they started to get bad with a lot of rough spots. We came to Indiana and the road was absolutely horrible, bouncing, pitching, and the concrete over bridges had pieces missing. When we got into Ohio it improved somewhat but then my level control panel started beeping. The ‘jacks down’ light was lit. We stopped at a truck stop and found all the hydraulic had leaked out of the tank. I’m convinced that it was caused by the Indiana Interstate.

Fortunately the jacks weren’t down so we were able to find an RV Supercenter a half hour away that could fix it. They took the old line off and sent it to someone 15 minutes from them that made up new lines and fittings. It was fixed in a couple of hours to the tune of $387 then we were on our way again.

It’s funny but we have seen signs in some places that they are going to be resurfacing the roadway but as we were driving on it, we remarked that it was pretty smooth already and why don’t they spend their money on the roads that were really bad..

When we finally got to our destination, we found the slides were acting up and jamming. We did get them open but I’m sure all the bouncing and twisting screwed the alignment up or something like that.

I think the people who decide which roads should be fixed should drive them in a motorhome, especially a gas model. rather than in their autos or pickups where you don’t notice it as much.

[gvjackson]

Thanks for the warning! We round tripped through Indiana last fall on 80/90 and it was 'troublesome', so for a trip later this year I was going to try further south. Sounds like no need to bother. Sad. I assume that the state primarily decides how and where to use the federal highway dollars for the interstates. Seems like Indiana is running short, or, diverts those dollars elsewhere.

Glad you found some quick service.

[BFlinn181]

I think politicians deserve the credit for the bad roads, they promise to 'cut taxes' but never explain how our infrastructure will be maintained.

Also, the blame should be laid at the feet of the installers of the leveling systems. Many folks report that they have hydraulic lines damaged because they weren't properly secured and routed away from sharp edges. Since so many systems keep the lines pressurized, any leaks can cause the pump to engage and put all the fluid on the road.

With systems like that, combined with poorly maintained roads, it's surprising the highways don't become bumpy skating rinks with all the leaking fluids.

[Sandy Swede]

Sorry to hear about the possible damage to your coach from the rough roads. We traveled through Indiana about 10 days ago heading west and the stretch of I-70 east of Indianapolis is horrible (we take I-74 through Illinois after Indy which is basically one long construction zone). Had to slow down to 45mph in many places. Another bad stretch is on or just pass the Penn Turnpike before you get to Ohio. Bounced off a hubcap on that one last week. Another section to avoid is I-90 from Albert Lea Minnesota going west until you are about 10 miles west of Fairmont. I watched my side mirrors and drove in the left lane as many truckers do. Difference was night and day. I do not know about the section east of Albert Lea.

[AFChap]

I have been on some extremely rough roads all over the US and to Alaska and back. A few times the coach has almost been airborne. In my motorhome and other vehicles I have had both rubber & metal lines worn to the point of leaking when something was rubbing against them. The only two ways I can think of a rough road causing the problem you describe is a poor installation where something that should be solid is moving, or a rock or other road debris hit that line and/or connection.

[twinboat]

In not convinced that rough roads cause hydraulic leaks. Poor installation is most likely the cause.

Have you ever watched a hydraulic pavement breaker work.

Even your factory installed brake lines, coolant hoses and steering hoses hold up against the pounding.