Where Is The Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir? (Helpful Guide)
This is one of the many frustrating things about owning an RV. The RV makers have at least 1001 places to locate the components. Due to different floor plans, even the same model series may not have all the components in the exact same place
One location can be in your engine compartment, depending on the Class of your RV. Another location can be under the second step of your RV entry steps. It is a matter of luck to find the reservoir the first time you go looking for it.
To learn more about the location of the hydraulic fluid reservoir, just continue to read our article. There may be more than one reservoir as hydraulic fluid is used for leveling jacks and other components on your RV.
Where is The Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir?
Some locations that will be given here will be strictly for the leveling jacks. But if you find that one, do not stop there if your RV has other hydraulic fluid uses. There may be at least one more in some cases.
For the Seneca 5 2018 model, it is supposed to be attached to the pump and be one unit. The pump and reservoir are located between the rails in front of the axles on the M2 units.
The 2021 Greyhawk has its reservoir located on the left side of the drive shaft about 4 feet back of the generator. The 2003 Marquis and 2003 Patriot may be similar in their location and that would be behind and to the left of the battery door. You will probably have to remove another door to get to them.
Also, a second one is found among all the hoses on top of the pump for the leveling jacks. It is supposed to take a flashlight and a mirror to find them. We have given you two locations earlier, the second step under the entry steps and the engine compartment.
Tips To Find The Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir
One owner suggested turning the pump on and tracing the location by the noise. The reservoir is usually located next to the pump. That is a good tip[ as once you find the pump you should be able to find the reservoir.
On one model, as you just read, the reservoir is on top of the pump so bring a mirror with you when you do your search. A flashlight will help as well as some of these locations can get quite dark.
Another tip would be to follow the hydraulic lines. You may get a shock when you see where the reservoir is. Sometimes the access door to the reservoir is in a weird location making it almost impossible to see the fluid level and refill the tank.
The following is from one owner on the RV Life Pro discussion forum: “On my Bus, the whole hydraulic power unit is held in position by 2 studs at the bottom that pass through a piece of steel channel that has slots in it. by loosening the studs (nuts) I can slide the whole hydraulic unit forward in its compartment, and can then get a light, mirror, and a hand up to check fluid level and fill as needed.”
What is The Hydraulic Tank Reservoir?
To put it bluntly and not to insult anyone, the hydraulic tank reservoir is the plastic bottle that holds all the hydraulic fluid different components need. These may not be shared hydraulic tank reservoirs.
In most cases, there will be one for the leveling jacks, one for the slides, one for any hydraulic fluid you need in the engine compartment, and so on. As you have read, the location for these tanks depends on the model series, floor plans, available space, and the whim of the RV mechanic who installed them.
You will notice that the locations already mention making it difficult for the average owner to find. That is par for the course for many RV components. One location in one RV may not be the same location in another, even if they are the same model of RV.
Some owners have gone to using syringes, turkey basters, and little pumps you can get at Walmart to fill these tanks. The refill opening is also in a very peculiar spot. It is not easy to maintain these reservoirs.
What is a Reservoir For Hydraulic Fluid Also Called?
We have only come across 3 names for this vital component for any machine that relies on hydraulic fluid to work. The first name you already know and that it the reservoir.
Like a water reservoir, the hydraulic option holds enough hydraulic fluid to keep hydraulic operated parts working normally. The second name we came across, is easier to say and probably used most often.
That term is ‘tank’ and that word is used to describe many different containers that hold large reserves. An oxygen tank is one that comes to mind as you need those when you go scuba diving.
The final term we came across is a very technical term. It is an ‘accumulator’ and this term describes a hydraulic reservoir that is under pressure. These accumulators can be very large.
The first two terms will be the ones you will run into most often. Especially when you are talking about hydraulic fluid for RVs. Most people find the easiest word to use when they are talking to someone else.
Some Additional Words
The first challenge that comes with hydraulic fluid reservoirs is hunting its location. But there are more challenges once you find them. Those challenges include figuring out how to see the fluid level and refilling the tank.
While there are easy components to find and maintain, the hydraulic fluid reservoir is NOT one of them. The locations of these reservoirs will be just about anywhere the RV maker has enough room to place them.
Just look for the pump and the reservoir will be close by. That is the one sane thing RV makers have done.
