alaskan camper problem
- Thread starter KELLEVRA
- Start date
fluffyprinceton
Adventurer
Uneven front to back or side to side?
Does it evenout when it reaches the top of the lift stops?
Does it lower evenly or get hung up?
Either it's hanging up on an obstruction, one of the lifts is weak (and would show visible leaking) or the lifts aren't in sync because 1. the equalizer valves need adjusting (yours may not have them) or 2. one of the hydraulic hoses (or copper tube depending on year) is crimped or otherwise inhibiting flow.
The fit between upper & lower is pretty loose & forgiving - as long as it doesn't hang up due to extreme angles you may not have a problem - they often don't raise evenly & it's "normal" if it's not binding up - at least in the two older ones ('68 & '74) I've had - Moe
Does it evenout when it reaches the top of the lift stops?
Does it lower evenly or get hung up?
Either it's hanging up on an obstruction, one of the lifts is weak (and would show visible leaking) or the lifts aren't in sync because 1. the equalizer valves need adjusting (yours may not have them) or 2. one of the hydraulic hoses (or copper tube depending on year) is crimped or otherwise inhibiting flow.
The fit between upper & lower is pretty loose & forgiving - as long as it doesn't hang up due to extreme angles you may not have a problem - they often don't raise evenly & it's "normal" if it's not binding up - at least in the two older ones ('68 & '74) I've had - Moe
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While you are learning the hydrolic lift system (or adjusting/fine tuning it):
Have your camping partner or DW push the "up button", or open the "let down valve" while you add weight (you) to the high side going up, or your weight to the high side when letting it go down. Your partial (but significant) weight will make a difference. Also you can PUSH up on a low corner to help level the process.
BTW, it is ok to stop the process (button or valve lever) so you can move to a better position to add the weight, and then continue the process. Or, reverse the process, and start over with more of your weight where you need it.
Yes, that is the reason I carry a few(?) extra lbs. of body wt. around!
With time and attention you can fine tune the process where it is (usually) an easy and predictable process if your on near level ground-if your system is working well and reasonably well adjusted.
Like a lot of things, practice makes it easy.
I admit, when I was learning the process I considered adding some stout grab handles to hang myself by an arm to help with the procedure, but I think now I mostly have it tamed.
Have your camping partner or DW push the "up button", or open the "let down valve" while you add weight (you) to the high side going up, or your weight to the high side when letting it go down. Your partial (but significant) weight will make a difference. Also you can PUSH up on a low corner to help level the process.
BTW, it is ok to stop the process (button or valve lever) so you can move to a better position to add the weight, and then continue the process. Or, reverse the process, and start over with more of your weight where you need it.
Yes, that is the reason I carry a few(?) extra lbs. of body wt. around!
With time and attention you can fine tune the process where it is (usually) an easy and predictable process if your on near level ground-if your system is working well and reasonably well adjusted.
Like a lot of things, practice makes it easy.
I admit, when I was learning the process I considered adding some stout grab handles to hang myself by an arm to help with the procedure, but I think now I mostly have it tamed.
arktrekker
Adventurer
One of the ones I bought had a similar issue, ok actually a couple of the ones I have owned.
1. The problem was that one of the previous owners had thrown what was probably motor oil into the system which caused offside and all sorts of lift problems that were slightly different each time. Drained the system and went back with a good gear oil and that problem went away.
2. Had one that would bind on one side and then suddenly pop loose or raise if I went over and helped it. Problem there was that one of the screws in the track was sticking out catching the outer track and stopping the lift until the pressure (or me) popped it loose.
I'm not sure if the 58 even has valves to fine tune the system. I have been giving serious thoughts to replacing my hydraulics with linear actuators when I tear it down for the co to nco build
1. The problem was that one of the previous owners had thrown what was probably motor oil into the system which caused offside and all sorts of lift problems that were slightly different each time. Drained the system and went back with a good gear oil and that problem went away.
2. Had one that would bind on one side and then suddenly pop loose or raise if I went over and helped it. Problem there was that one of the screws in the track was sticking out catching the outer track and stopping the lift until the pressure (or me) popped it loose.
I'm not sure if the 58 even has valves to fine tune the system. I have been giving serious thoughts to replacing my hydraulics with linear actuators when I tear it down for the co to nco build
arktrekker
Adventurer
Have done a little research, but i'm waiting until I get the top pulled off and rebuilt to the final size. I have some scales left over from racing days so I can get an accurate weight at each corner. Then it is just a matter of getting the throw needed to get to full lift.
