Well I was wondering, since your coach is listed as a 2004, if you occasionally lubricate (monthly or depending on salt air/dirt/dust situation where camping) the jack rams....especially if they are steel. My jack rams are aluminum, but I lubricate them with silicone spray to keep them and any exposed seal lip as clean as possible (especially for extended camping). The other thing is if your system uses return springs (not hydraulics) it is not impossible for springs to lose some steam (like the rest of us) with age. Might be worth trying some silicon spray first (or something that will not attack seals) and see if the rams operate more easily afterwards.
Regarding the fluid reservoir.....I would follow the pump motor noise as they are usually co-located.
Regarding the fluid change......I have never done it, but often thought it should be done. I would probably just remove some fluid with a turkey baster (the DW needs a new one anyway) to a low level in the reservoir and then top up again with new transmission fluid. I am not sure if getting air into the pump/lines is an easy fix (like cycling the rams a few times) or if the hydraulic system would then have to be bled like brakes.
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