Blown hydraulic line on leveling system

Torch-THOR

New Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2023
Messages
2
Location
Valencia
2018 Thor Windsport 29M

Hydraulic line to one my rear leveling jacks blew when started to level. Made quite the mess before I could shut down the system. Lots of fluid on the ground. The hose blew apart about 2/3 of the way back.

I crawled underneath, bent and zip tied both frayed ends to prevent dripping.
All jacks are in the up position and I secured them with heavy duty bungee straps to prevent sinking.

Am I correct in thinking that I need to disable the pump so that it doesn’t automatically turn on when I start the engine and release the parking brake?

Can this be accomplished by unplugging he multi wire connector that goes into the pump or do I need to disconnect the power?

Is it safe for me to drive in this condition. Obviously I won’t be trying to use the leveling system or extend the slide. We’re two nights from home.
 
When you start up the motor home, the hydraulic levelling system will energize but should not come on(pumping) unless you turn it on and try to use it. You should be ok until you get home and get a new hose and fluid. I see you tied up the jacks which is a good thing because they could work their way down while driving.

Good luck
Paul
 
Trip the breaker to the leveling system pump to be safe. Mine automatically retracts the jacks when I start it up and engage the transmission.

The retract sensor will call for the pump to run since the pressure sensor won't be closed.
 
2018 Thor Windsport 29M

Hydraulic line to one my rear leveling jacks blew when started to level. Made quite the mess before I could shut down the system. Lots of fluid on the ground. The hose blew apart about 2/3 of the way back.

I crawled underneath, bent and zip tied both frayed ends to prevent dripping.
All jacks are in the up position and I secured them with heavy duty bungee straps to prevent sinking.

Am I correct in thinking that I need to disable the pump so that it doesn’t automatically turn on when I start the engine and release the parking brake?

Can this be accomplished by unplugging he multi wire connector that goes into the pump or do I need to disconnect the power?

Is it safe for me to drive in this condition. Obviously I won’t be trying to use the leveling system or extend the slide. We’re two nights from home.

Post #3 applies to your RV, not Post 2.

The 100 amp DC breaker looks like this and is near your house batteries:

71I0Sa56E7L.__AC_SX300_SY300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg


Push the button to trip it. The flag should pop out. Push the flag back in to reset it once repaired.
 
Just be aware that, if you trip the beaker for the pump, you will also disable the generator starter on the '18 29M. If the generator is needed, then a different way of disabling the hydraulic pump is needed.
 
Thanks everyone.
We made it home with no further issues with the leveling system. I tripped the breaker as suggested to keep the pump from automatically trying to retract when I released the parking brake. The control panel did beep and flash, but only for a minute.
 
You should be able to fix it yourself as you sound like a DIY guy by removing both ends and taking them to a hrdraulic shop and have them make a new one.

Reinstall the hose, fill up the hydraulic fluid reservoir beyond full as the level will drop as it fills the hose.

Start it and check to see that it works and fill the reservoir to its full line.

David
 
I was able to fix this, had one blown line at a Wendy's, and another leaking at the fitting while fixing the blown one. So I replaced 2 lines, took the bad ones to a hydraulic place. Got higher rated lines. Gotta be careful on the install: make sure the o ring is in place, hand tighten and then one quarter to one half turn. Fill reservoir to one inch below top. Run up and down 3 or 4 times and tip off. Take your time, the pump heats up quick, don't toast it.
 
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Hydraulic Line Casing Peeling

You should be able to fix it yourself as you sound like a DIY guy by removing both ends and taking them to a hrdraulic shop and have them make a new one.

Reinstall the hose, fill up the hydraulic fluid reservoir beyond full as the level will drop as it fills the hose.

Start it and check to see that it works and fill the reservoir to its full line.

David

I have a couple of my hydraulic lines where the red outer plastic casing is peeling off and the fiber wrapped inner lining is visible.

Has anyone had this experience and determined how much is it deteriorates the lines' durability? I plan to replace them but I want to know how long I've got before one may rupture.
 
Hydraulic Line Repair

You should be able to fix it yourself as you sound like a DIY guy by removing both ends and taking them to a hrdraulic shop and have them make a new one.

Reinstall the hose, fill up the hydraulic fluid reservoir beyond full as the level will drop as it fills the hose.

Start it and check to see that it works and fill the reservoir to its full line.

David

Can hydraulic lines be splice repaired - spliced?
 
I have a couple of my hydraulic lines where the red outer plastic casing is peeling off and the fiber wrapped inner lining is visible.

Has anyone had this experience and determined how much is it deteriorates the lines' durability? I plan to replace them but I want to know how long I've got before one may rupture.

Mine as well. I don't think the outside plastic cover provides any functionality except maybe as an abrasion shield.
 
Can hydraulic lines be splice repaired - spliced?

I do not believe you can do it yourself with a fitting by crawling under there and screwing it on. The hydraulic line would need to be removed so a powerful crimping tool could do so. If you need to remove the hose to splice, why not just replace with a new line? The integrity has already exposed itself, on the old hose, by blowing apart or creating a leak.
 

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