Proper RV Maintenance

Proper RV Maintenance

Ensure optimum RV performance with proper transmission and hydraulic system maintenance.

Small contaminants within an RV’s transmission and hydraulic systems can hold a spool valve open and prevent pressure from reaching the power steering gear, cooling fans and transmission shifter. With the RV season just around the corner, understanding and performing proper fluid and filter maintenance will ensure efficient and trouble-free operation throughout the entire season.

Normal wear and tear of transmission and hydraulic system parts introduce harmful contaminants into the oil. When hoses and housings flex, they create shock and pressure that cause particles of metal and casting material to break free and enter the lubricant stream. Further contaminants enter the hydraulic reservoir through the air, and the system is subject to tainting whenever a line is cracked to service a component.

Proper filter maintenance is one of the most effective methods to combat contaminants.Changing transmission and hydraulic system filters at the proper intervals can save significant repair expenses. The RV operations manual should be consulted to determine the quantity, locations and recommended change intervals of the various system filters. Many applications recommend the main transmission filter be changed after the first 5,000 miles and the hydraulic filters for the power steering and cooling fans be changed each year or every 15,000 miles.

Maintaining proper fluid levels is also important to ensure peak performance. Whether using a dipstick or the transmission shift pad, transmission fluid levels should be checked when the RV is parked on a level surface and running at normal operating temperature.

Lubricant top-off is usually required following a filter change. After changing the filter, start and run the engine on a level surface and once the transmission reaches normal operating temperature, check the fluid level and add more as needed. Because it picks up debris, avoid reusing fluid that falls in the drip pan.Regular weighing of an RV is an important part of protecting the transmission. Keeping the front axle within the recommended weight rating helps prevent the possibility of excess weight overloading the steering gear and negatively affecting how the vehicle handles while driving.RVs equipped with analog temperature gauges sense the temperature of the converter,the hottest point of the transmission oil. Maximum temperature on an analog gauge is about 300 degrees F. RVs equipped with an Aladdin system make use of a more accurate digital temperature reading. When it senses overheating, the transmission seeks a lower gear in order to increase RPM, which in turn increases air, water and oil flow that will help cool the transmission.

AMSOIL offers premium lubricants and filters to keep RVs operating trouble-free through the most severe summer operating conditions. AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers second- to-none protection and performance for extended drain intervals, while Donaldson and WIX transmission and hydraulic filters available from AMSOIL offer industry-leading filtration efficiency.

Proper filter maintenance is one of the most effective methods to combat contaminants. Changing transmission and hydraulic system filters at the proper intervals can save significant repair expenses.

Request an AMSOIL Catalog

Your information is kept confidential. Data is never sold or given to anyone.

form mail