We have been hearing a popping sound in the floor of our 5th wheel. This occurs mainly during the cooling of the night and warming of the mornings. We first noticed this last Sept when we were in CO. We have been in the pan handle of FL the past 3 months and hear this daily.
What is causing this?
Thank you in advance for the help!

Leveling jacks creaking, retract all slides & jacks, remove 1 quart of fluid from the reservoir, replace/top off reservoir with 1 quart of 15w motorcycle fork oil, then extend/retract slides/jacks a few times to mix oil in, then add blocks under each jack to minimize the length to about 8-10" & that should take care of the popping/creaking noises. It doesn't hurt anything, but sure gets annoying.

It's probably in the technical library, but here is a sheet from Lippert stating what Danny already stated with reference to brand names of fluid recommendations.
http://www.lci1.com/images/support/lipsheet/0295.pdf

Chris.

Here is the answer from the library:
Popping Noises From Level-Up System
Edit
Problem
Many Redwood owners and owners of other brands, with the LCI level-up system, report a popping noise from the jacks. This is most noticeable during periods of hot days with cooler evenings.

Solution
Lippert has an approved modification, which involves replacing a quart of the existing fluid with an anti-stiction fluid.
Refer to the Lippert technical fix, LIP Sheet – 0295
Select the link to view the Lippert Sheet - http://www.lci1.com/images/support/lipsheet/0295.pdf

Introduction
If you experience a popping noise in the Lippert (LCI) Leveling system, Lippert has approved replacing a quart of the existing oil with a quart of anti-stiction fluid. They approved the following fluids:
Caterpillar Hydraulic Oil Additive 1U-9891 (Note – many owners indicate this is the most effective option)
Torco RFF Grade 15
Maxima Fork Oil Grade 15

For maximum results, in the shortest amount of time, please follow the preparation and procedure exactly as written below. Failure to follow these steps may result in delayed resolution of the audible disturbance.
Preparation:
Obtain a clean container, with at least a one (1) quart capacity
Obtain a fluid extraction device - siphon, turkey baster, etc.
Hitch RV to the truck and fully retract all leveling jacks and hydraulic slides
Purchase one of the three replacement fluids
Fluid Exchange Procedure:
Using the fluid extraction device, remove one quart of fluid from the power unit hydraulic reservoir
Add 1/2 quart of the replacement fluid you selected
Extend all hydraulic slides and leveling jacks fully
Add the remaining amount of the replacement fluid
Fully retract all hydraulic slides and leveling jacks
Run the Auto-Level feature on the Level-Up system, as per the instructions found in the Owner's Manual.
Note: If the popping noise persists, the addition of a second quart may be necessary. Repeat the steps under Fluid Exchange Procedure, in the same order.

A number of owners also report that adding blocks below the feet of the hydraulic jacks also assists in reducing the popping noise. The popping most likely results from expansion and contraction of the jacks and coach structure, where there are large temperature swings from day to night.

Redwood Owners Group, Inc. * 5753 Hwy 85 North #3057 * Crestview, FL 32536

we have had this experience since the first day we owned our Redwood. We found that the caterpillar fluid worked better than the other recommended anti-stiction fluids. However, the best solution that cures the problem is to place 4 inch wooden blocks underneath of the Jack feet. The problem seems to be caused by expansion and contraction of the Jack legs from temperature changes. There's no question that the problem is worse when the Jack legs are extended to the full length

I also used the CAT fluid, as did Ozzie, my neighbour at Borrego Springs, it helped but did not eliminate the popping. I'm going to try the blocks next.

Please don't discount the possibility that you may have some broken welds on your cross members between the frame rails. We had three broken welds on ours. You need to take the belly pan down and check the cross members. So if after you do all the other recommended stuff and you still have the issues, time to crawl underneath.

Please don't discount the possibility that you may have some broken welds on your cross members between the frame rails. We had three broken welds on ours. You need to take the belly pan down and check the cross members. So if after you do all the other recommended stuff and you still have the issues, time to crawl underneath.

You too? That's four I learned of in the last few months from folks on the forum that bought when we did or before. I think I had the problem as well, as I developed a new creak in the floor in front of the TV, but never got the chance to look before we sold it. Even bought a fiber optic camera to do that. Hopefully it was a painless repair for you
🙁

I have proven to myself that adding wooden blocks beneath the leveling jacks substantially reduces the popping noise and slight shaking of the redwood from large temperature fluctuations in the ambient air. When we arrived at Borrego Springs four weeks ago I leveled the redwood with the leveling jacks contacting the concrete pavement. The temperatures are in the low 90s during the day and drop to the low 50s at night. Our unit has 2 quarts of the caterpillar anti-stiction fluid added to the hydraulic reservoir. Even so, we have had substantial popping noises and slight shaking, especially as the ambient air cools during the late afternoon and evening.

Last week I had need to move the redwood for some service work and return later the same day. This time I placed 4 inch high wooden blocks beneath each of the six leveling jacks. Shaking and popping have been reduced about 90% from the previous placement of the leveling jacks directly on the concrete pad. I attribute this to less extension of the jacking legs as well as the ability of the jacking feet to have slight movement on the wooden blocks as the metal parts expand contract during the days temperature swings. :cheer:

I have proven to myself that adding wooden blocks beneath the leveling jacks substantially reduces the popping noise and slight shaking of the redwood from large temperature fluctuations in the ambient air. When we arrived at Borrego Springs four weeks ago I leveled the redwood with the leveling jacks contacting the concrete pavement. The temperatures are in the low 90s during the day and drop to the low 50s at night. Our unit has 2 quarts of the caterpillar anti-stiction fluid added to the hydraulic reservoir. Even so, we have had substantial popping noises and slight shaking, especially as the ambient air cools during the late afternoon and evening.

Last week I had need to move the redwood for some service work and return later the same day. This time I placed 4 inch high wooden blocks beneath each of the six leveling jacks. Shaking and popping have been reduced about 90% from the previous placement of the leveling jacks directly on the concrete pad. I attribute this to less extension of the jacking legs as well as the ability of the jacking feet to have slight movement on the wooden blocks as the metal parts expand contract during the days temperature swings. :cheer:

Good to know, but Popping and creaking indicates that the hydraulic fluid is leaking by somewhere. Otherwise, why would I have to re-level every other day? Did you not experience the same "creep"? If a hydraulic crane had this problem, this could cause serious damage or get someone hurt. The seals are apparently not holding with the designed fluid. I would suggest another engineering problem as we all seem to suffer some form of this. Is it the fluid, is it a seal or is it defective valves where we have to use a heavier fluid to prevent leak by of a valve?

BTW...I personally get tired of reflecting negative comments. I would love nothing more than to promote and share the positives of a well built coach. There are times that I do have positive things to say about Redwood. I just wish I did not have to bring these negative issues to the attention of every one else. Redwood either believes in their product or they don't. Obviously, 2nd owners (even though we bought when the unit was only 3 months old by the first owner) are not a priority regardless whether or not the unit is still less than 4 years old. So in fairness, if we don't discuss it, who is the next person to get burned by it? I didn't buy a "weekend" unit. The marketing literature states that this is a full time unit. Did they mean full time in the shop? I'm sure beginning to see that.

I appreciate your ideas to reduce 9not eliminate) the problem and will try that right away. Thanks for sharing.

I have never had to relevel in the four years we have owned the coach nor add hydraulic fluid. We sit in the same place for 6 weeks in the winter. The noise only occurs during periods of temperature swing. I am convinced it is expansion and cotraction of the leveling jacks which are constructed of dis-similar metals having different rates of expansion and contraction. It is worse when they are extended full stroke. The pistons are aluminum and the barrels are steel. Any way, wooden blocks have cured my problem

If you've ever been around hydraulic equipment it's just the nature of the beast to creak & groan as it cools down after using all day. If it were leaking you'd find a mess somewhere & be adding oil every time you move. The fluid is expanding from heat & leaking past the system check valves causing the popping. It's not a design flaw unless ALL hydraulic systems have the same flaw.
I added 1 quart of the Maxima motorcycle oil (because it cost A LOT less than the Cat oil) when unit was about 6 months old & have always used the Lynx Levelers (they're A LOT lighter than wood blocks) & have not had ANY of the popping/creaking since adding the oil.

If you've ever been around hydraulic equipment it's just the nature of the beast to creak & groan as it cools down after using all day. If it were leaking you'd find a mess somewhere & be adding oil every time you move. The fluid is expanding from heat & leaking past the system check valves causing the popping. It's not a design flaw unless ALL hydraulic systems have the same flaw.
I added 1 quart of the Maxima motorcycle oil (because it cost A LOT less than the Cat oil) when unit was about 6 months old & have always used the Lynx Levelers (they're A LOT lighter than wood blocks) & have not had ANY of the popping/creaking since adding the oil.

I am proposing that in at least our case (since the one sides drifts) that it is a valve leaking back into the reservoir. Not out on the ground. It can't hold the pressure.

Quite possible you have a valve leaking internally. I know I have one of my front ones doing that ~ I have to hit the "up" button for about 2 seconds every week or so. Doesn't bother me enough to tear apart the 2 front jack legs to check into it. And in any case, this wasn't a Redwood problem, thousands of coaches use this leveling system. Nature of the beast. Still beats the crap out of a manual system.

As for the popping, like Danny, I added Fork Oil to ours and always try to make the stroke 6" or less if we are setup for any length of time. I carry a plastic tub with 2x12x12 Blocks of Pressure Treated wood in the truck bed. Between doing that and the additional stabilizers I added at the back by the hitch, I can't remember the last time I got a Popping noise out of ours.

Quite possible you have a valve leaking internally. I know I have one of my front ones doing that ~ I have to hit the "up" button for about 2 seconds every week or so. Doesn't bother me enough to tear apart the 2 front jack legs to check into it. And in any case, this wasn't a Redwood problem, thousands of coaches use this leveling system. Nature of the beast. Still beats the crap out of a manual system.

As for the popping, like Danny, I added Fork Oil to ours and always try to make the stroke 6" or less if we are setup for any length of time. I carry a plastic tub with 2x12x12 Blocks of Pressure Treated wood in the truck bed. Between doing that and the additional stabilizers I added at the back by the hitch, I can't remember the last time I got a Popping noise out of ours.

Greetings Piperguy,

Gotta say that this is still a Redwood item since Redwood is the manufacturer of the Rig. I can't go back to every separate manufacturer to deal with the issues. It would be like buying an automobile or boat and going back to every part manufacturer for every repair or warranty item. All I can suggest is to pick suppliers carefully.

But like you, I have been putting off the jack repairs. That will be a cluster to deal with and until I have to jack it up every day, I'll let it go. So for now, I'll try the fluid change and additional blocking first (as a work around. Not permanent fix). Thanks for that suggestion.

Ah my Winnebago pops too, and when one of those big jacks pop holding 30,000 lbs it wakes you up! :). It's a Lippert thing - the three things I have that are Lippert are the only three things that annoy me.