Proud new owner of 1999 21TD, stuck down

Hi everyone- We just got a 1999 21TD that needs a new hydraulic cylinder (and related parts). Besides being stuck down, it's in pretty good shape. Looking forward to getting it up and moving! We're in Quincy, CA, up in the Eastern Sierra mountains.
-Alex and Stacy

Welcome, Alex and Stacy. Are you sure the cylinder is defective? Have you tried raising the top manually?

If you hear the lift motor running, you have battery power and the lift motor is probably OK, but, the hydraulic fluid may be low/gone due to a leak. You can check the level of the fluid in the reservoir with the top down using a "dipstick" you can make out of a straw or wire that you can bend into an "L" shape, so that it will fit down into the opening. With the top down, the fluid should be within 1" of the top of the filler opening. You could probably add fluid using a funnel and vinyl tubing.

If the battery is dead, the top will not raise electrically until you replace or recharge the battery or jump it with a known good battery. It will NOT raise on "shore power".

If the battery is good but you don't hear the motor, the solenoid may be bad.

In other words, there are many reasons for the top not raising. Do some troubleshooting before you spend money on parts.

- Jack

alexz said:

Hi everyone- We just got a 1999 21TD that needs a new hydraulic cylinder (and related parts). Besides being stuck down, it's in pretty good shape. Looking forward to getting it up and moving! We're in Quincy, CA, up in the Eastern Sierra mountains.
-Alex and Stacy

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Welcome to the forum, Alex and Stacy!

You've come to the right place for advice, lots of good folks and knowledge here! The trailer looks good from the outside but what is the green stuff on the ground in front of it?

Luckydog671 said:

Welcome to the forum, Alex and Stacy!

You've come to the right place for advice, lots of good folks and knowledge here! The trailer looks good from the outside but what is the green stuff on the ground in front of it?

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It's a strange, fungus-like growth that occurs in the presence of water. Fortunately, some of us don't have to worry about it.

- Jack

The threaded end of the shaft is broken and the guide for is bent. Can't wait to get it fixed!
Our grass won't stay green for too long, we just actually had rain recently.

alexz said:

The threaded end of the shaft is broken and the guide for is bent. Can't wait to get it fixed!
Our grass won't stay green for too long, we just actually had rain recently.

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That sounds like the guide rod hadn't been maintained, cleaned and lubed, and that led to the damaged cylinder. That's the most important part of the lift system maintenance.