Hydraulic fluid requirements

[saflyer]

My 2005 HR Ambassador manual says to use Dexron 3 transmission fluid in the leveling jacks hydraulic system. They continually upgrade these fluids over the years and are now up to Dexron 6, 3 is no longer available. Am I correct in thinking any Dexron with a number 3 or higher is OK for the hydraulic system? Also, an RV mechanic told me Mercon 5 is acceptable. Is that true?

Thanks

[Oregon04Windsor]

I recently went down this road.  Supposedly Dexron 6 is backwards compatible in transmission applications but not necessarily in hydraulic applications.  I didn't want to risk it and found that Dexron III is still readily available at most parts houses and tractor supply companies.  I found mine at Carquest for $80/5 gal of Dexron III/Mercon.  Walmart also carries Dexron III in gallon jugs.

 

Edited February 19, 2022 by Oregon04Windsor

[saflyer]

Thanks, I’ll look around. 
 

Interesting thing I noticed shopping for Dexron 3 on Amazon. Some of the brands just say Dex/Merc. Probably the latest spec but not sure. Might say in the fine print of the label what the number is.

Edited February 19, 2022 by saflyer

[vito.a]

I used Valvoline Dex/Merc.  

Valvoline DEX/MERC Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 1 GA - Walmart.com

 Recommended for use in the following applications: MERCON*, DEXRON*-III, Ford M2C138-CJ and M2C166-H, Allison C-4 and TES-389, and Caterpillar TO-2.

• Formulated with premium base stocks and advanced additive technology to meet the challenging demands of automatic transmissions
• Engineered with a proprietary blend of base oils and advanced additives to provide better oil flow at low temperatures and greater film protection at higher temperatures
• Formulated with advanced additives to resist fluid breakdown and thickening at high temperatures
• Flows easily at low temperatures providing good cold-start shifting
• Greater friction stability to help maintain consistent shift performance
• Enhanced anti-shudder protection for smooth shifting and maximum power transfer
• Developed with anti-wear technology to help improve transmission durability
• Minimizes sludge and varnish deposits
• For use where DEXRON*-III or a MERCON* fluid is specified

If you want synthetic, then this will work:  Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 1 GA - Walmart.com

[Calvin Morse]

I contacted "Bob The Oil Guy" Regarding Dextron III . He said to use Transynd TES-295 in my Nelson Hydraulic Reservoir to add or replace Dextron III. Its a TES-295 synthetic transmission fluid and It's fully compatible. You can also mix it with the existing Dextron III if just topping off.

[Fasthobie16]

What Vito says. Valvoline ATF Dex/Merc .Recommend for the Liberty trans  too 

Jim

2000 Dynasty/ 2004 Liberty Toad 

[saflyer]

Thanks, I’ll look around for the Valvoline Dex/Merc. I think I saw the same label on a Fram bottle. I’ll read the fine print.

[saflyer]

9 hours ago, saflyer said:

Thanks, I’ll look around for the Valvoline Dex/Merc. I think I saw the same label on a Fram bottle. I’ll read the fine print.

I found a qt. of Ace brand at Ace Hardware. Label says Dexron-3/Mercon. Going to use it.

[96 EVO]

On 2/19/2022 at 10:14 AM, Calvin Morse said:

I contacted "Bob The Oil Guy" Regarding Dextron III . He said to use Transynd TES-295 in my Nelson Hydraulic Reservoir to add or replace Dextron III. Its a TES-295 synthetic transmission fluid and It's fully compatible. You can also mix it with the existing Dextron III if just topping off.

That's pricey fluid to use in a simple hydraulic system!

[Calvin Morse]

I agree. I had extra. My understanding is that Monaco eventually went to synthetic.