Lifting mechanism problem mystery

[PatriotProud1776]

Hello all,

I have a 2006 Towlite 24 which I’ve recently had a broken lift cable replaced by a professional shop. The first 2 or three times the lift mechanism worked fine but started to lift very slow as molasses and takes a second person pumping the manual hand jack and a few minutes for it to get it to lock out at position at top. I added the proper type fluid, checked for any leaks and have lifted it about three times. The hydraulic pump sounds and appears to be working fine. I called Midget RV of Ohio where I bought the cable for tech advice but sadly they are no longer in business. I’m desperately seeking a knowledgeable technician or someone who can figure out the problem. I thought it was possible air trapped in the lines but to my understanding it self purges? I’m reside in South East Missouri. I’ve read most the threads seeking a fix. Any help would be greatly appreciated. God bless and enjoy the camping season! I’m of course grounded. I will see if I can attach a short video of how it’s malfunction by lifting at a snails pace.

Andrew

 

[JackandJanet]

You don't mention the battery. Is it fully charged? Your post sounds like the battery voltage is low.

- Jack

 

[PatriotProud1776]

Yes I’ve even swapped the deep cycle batteries with new ones

 

[JackandJanet]

Apply wax to the guide tracks that the guide blocks ride on? If the battery is good and the lift motor is running at a normal rate, possibly you have some friction resistance there.

If there's no friction resistance, you possibly have a bad impeller in the hydraulic pump.

I suppose you MIGHT have a slightly open lowering valve too, that would prevent full pressure at the hydraulic ram, but if you can lift the top with the hand pump, that would not seem likely.

- Jack

 

[PatriotProud1776]

Apply wax to the guide tracks that the guide blocks ride on? If the battery is good and the lift motor is running at a normal rate, possibly you have some friction resistance there.

If there's no friction resistance, you possibly have a bad impeller in the hydraulic pump.

I suppose you MIGHT have a slightly open lowering valve too, that would prevent full pressure at the hydraulic ram, but if you can lift the top with the hand pump, that would not seem likely.

- Jack

Thanks I will try checking the slide block lubrication and go from there otherwise internal impeller is bad? I guess I’d have to contact the company that services monarch hydraulic pump. Thanks again for the suggestion and help.

 

[97towlite]

Good Morning.

I had a similar problem a few years back. It turned out to be the pump intake strainer inside the reservoir. Apparently after years of age and temperature change, a scummy film can build up restricting the flow. I cleaned mine with some brake parts cleaner, dried and reinstalled and took care of the issue. I of course put new fluid in at the same time and wiped out the tank as well.

Good luck! Let us know what you find.

 

[JackandJanet]

Good catch, 97! That should certainly cause the symptoms Patriot is describing. I really doubt there's any problem with the pump in his case or with any of the seals in his system, since the top seems to raise normally if it is done by hand. The lowering valves being open would probably make it hard to raise the top manually as well. So, that leaves friction, a weak battery, or, a restriction in the supply of hydraulic fluid (which is what you had).

 

[Mbradshaw061960]

Hello all,

I have a 2006 Towlite 24 which I’ve recently had a broken lift cable replaced by a professional shop. The first 2 or three times the lift mechanism worked fine but started to lift very slow as molasses and takes a second person pumping the manual hand jack and a few minutes for it to get it to lock out at position at top. I added the proper type fluid, checked for any leaks and have lifted it about three times. The hydraulic pump sounds and appears to be working fine. I called Midget RV of Ohio where I bought the cable for tech advice but sadly they are no longer in business. I’m desperately seeking a knowledgeable technician or someone who can figure out the problem. I thought it was possible air trapped in the lines but to my understanding it self purges? I’m reside in South East Missouri. I’ve read most the threads seeking a fix. Any help would be greatly appreciated. God bless and enjoy the camping season! I’m of course grounded. I will see if I can attach a short video of how it’s malfunction by lifting at a snails pace.

Andrew

We have a 2008 Towlite and have been experiencing the same issue, I will push the button and my husband will aide by pushing up. Needless to say he is very tired by the time we get it raised.