Hydraulic leveling system

[Jim Keaty]

Hey, guys
I am replacing my hydraulic leveling system. Does anyone have any recommendations for a new hydraulic leveling system? What’s the best one out there?

[bobmiller1]

Is yours not repairable ???? If you are talking about your 345, it is not a leveling system, it is a stabilizer system, there is a difference, most guys try to use the stabilizers as levelers and end up twisting the frame so the door won’t open or close. In any event if you require any advise let me know either way you decide to go. Regards, Bob

[GMFL]

I installed a Bigfoot system on my Dads 30’ Lazy Daze class C. It was a four pump system with automatic level sensor. Was not to bad to install and works like a champ. Super cool to watch, one button push and boom! LEVEL.

http://www.thebigfootleveler.com/

[Jim Keaty]

The stabilizer system on my 345 does not go strait down they fold down the extend and the ground has to be perfectly level for the jacks to go down correctly. It also tends to move off of the jacks unless all tires are blocked.

[Jim Keaty]

Originally Posted by bobmiller1

Is yours not repairable ???? If you are talking about your 345, it is not a leveling system, it is a stabilizer system, there is a difference, most guys try to use the stabilizers as levelers and end up twisting the frame so the door won’t open or close. In any event if you require any advise let me know either way you decide to go. Regards, Bob

Hey Bob, should I Not install a leveling system on the 345?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Rong Bob here....

Jim,

You could, they are pretty common equipment on many MH's.
They can get expensive and complicated.🤔

Bob
🇺🇸

[bobmiller1]

In my opinion the P30/32 is not strong enough for a leveling system like the leveling system in a 370LE, completely different frame. The stabilizer system in the P30/32 Airstreams was designed to stabilize and take the ricking motion out while you were camping, where a leveling system could actually lift a corner off the ground to level the motor home. Why don’t you post a couple of pictures of your system and maybe we can help you out. Regards, Bob

[Smartstream]

I must disagree, after I level my 280 the wife has to go around and make sure all 4 jacks are on the ground. The frame/shell structure is rigid enough that one corner can be up with no indication in the coach.

I assume with the folding jacks you have a HWH system. If you have the older 4 individual valve control the instructions tell you to operate 2 valves together, front or back or left or right side to avoid twisting the frame. The problem is because of the condition of the jacks and length of tubing runs, they don't always come down evenly.

There are lube points on the jacks and there are adjustments to make sure the jacks land vertically rather than at an angle. A little maintenance can make a big difference.

The newer HWH systems have more automated controls to keep the jacks even and I believe some can be retrofitted. From the pump back to the jacks doesn't change. One additional thought, don't raise the rear too high because with the parking brake on the driveline if one rear tire looses traction you have no parking brake and as the coach moves the jacks will fold. Once the jacks fold, the coach is on the ground and the brake holds again but the move will get your attention.

I can't speak for the 345 because I haven't had the chance to use mine yet but with all the 345s around I don't hear many problems so I imagine when used properly they should be fine.

My 345 has 6 jacks which appears to be a rarity but playing with the jacks in the driveway I was surprised to put the jacks down and find a rear jack 3" off the ground. I was sure I felt the bump when the jack went down so I went in and tried it again with the same result. I noticed a shadow behind the generator and found 2 jacks in front of the rear axle. They are mounted between the frame rails so you can't see them until they come down. One lever controls both rear jacks on each side and you can watch the middle jack come down fully before the back jack moves. The system is in need of some maintenance.

[dadstoy]

I have a three jack system on my '82 280. Two behind the rear axle and one just behind the front bumper. It isn't original equipment. They work well, but I can not use them to level the MH because it will twist the frame, probably front to rear, enough that I can't close the door properly. I have to level the MH with blocks or whatever first then just use the jacks to stabilize the MH. Very disappointing!

[Smartstream]

I would guess that the limited travel of the front suspension is the cause of your frame twist. I always try to park with the front end down. By raising the front a couple of inches you can level side to side without running into a bind in the front suspension on the low side. There is a lot more travel in the rear suspension but on any kind of slope it's too easy to loose your parking brake. I have parked many times with the front wheels well off the ground and never had a problem with door bind.

We spent about 10 days here with no problem.