A look at the various types and configurations of motorhome leveling and stabilizing systems available today.
By Lazelle Jones
May 2004
Although some folks still do so, the days of lugging around two-by-fours to level a coach at a campsite are becoming a thing of the past. Over the last decade the technical advances in RV leveling systems have made the effort and process of leveling a home on wheels almost transparent. With the lion’s share of the state-of-the-art leveling systems being installed by coach manufacturers (OEMs) in the early stages of building a motorhome, when the chassis is easily accessible, coach users have begun to take those systems for granted, which is exactly the way it should be. However, not all motorhomers currently have a leveling system on their coach. For those who now want this convenience, there is good news. Most leveling system manufacturers offer their products in the aftermarket. The most important caveat with aftermarket systems is that installation should be done only by a qualified technician.
And you may not want to throw out all the wood just yet. With each of the following systems, you may wish to enlarge the “footprint” of the systems’ foot pads with squares of plywood. Just remember to use plywood of a sufficient thickness, a minimum of 3/4-inch, to support your motorhome’s weight.
Leveling Systems, Their Components, And How They Work
Leveling systems use as the motive force air pressure, hydraulic pressure, or electric motors. In an air leveling system, the suspension air bags are inflated/deflated to achieve a level condition. In a hydraulic system, hydraulic fluid is directed through valves. With an electric system, electric motors and gearing provide the power.
On a hydraulic leveling jack system, the pump can be configured in two different ways. One is to use a centralized pump and valves to service all the jacks; the other features jacks with individual pumps and valves. For an aftermarket installation, this can be an important consideration, depending upon the location of each jack and the room available for installation.
In today’s designs, leveling jack systems employ either a three-point or a four-point configuration (the number of jacks used on a coach). A three-point system typically locates one jack up front and two in the rear. Proponents of the three-jack system say that the expense and the added weight of a fourth jack can be saved. Proponents of the four-point system, where a jack is located at each corner of the coach, say that four jacks prevent the chassis and house portion of the coach from undue twisting during the leveling process. However, three-point advocates also say that twisting is minimized with a three-jack configuration.
There are three types of mechanical jacks: straight-acting, kick-down, and scissor. Straight-acting jacks articulate in and out (extend/retract only). Kick-down jacks are hinged but also articulate in and out and are designed to provide drive-off protection. Scissor jacks, as the name implies, have jaws that open and close (extend and retract).
Electric jacks are typically straight-acting jacks with power retract. They include an electric motor for each jack with gearing on the motor shaft and on the piston to extend and retract the jacks. Scissor jacks are also electric and use gears and motors to open and close (extend and retract) the jaws. With electric jacks it may be possible to leave the jacks down when the coach is in storage, and, in some cases, it’s possible to use only the rear or front jacks if the stop is going to be a short one.
There are two different methods for retracting jacks. They can be power-retracted, using the same power source that extends them, or they may be spring-retractable, using springs that are tensioned or stretched when the jack is extended. Spring-retractable jacks feature either one or two springs per jack. Once tensioned, the spring becomes the motive force for retracting the jack. Straight-acting or kick-down jacks can be either spring- or power-retractable. Scissor jacks are retracted by their electric motors.
The discussion surrounding these two different methods for retracting a jack goes something like this. Spring-retractable advocates explain that their jacks will retract even if the power source that’s used to extend them fails. Advocates of power-retractable jacks say that should the jack foot become mired or stuck in a soft surface such as mud, the power retract will pull the foot pad out. Each coach enthusiast must decide which type is more applicable to his or her style of RV camping.
Foot pads are the devices attached to the end of the power pistons that extend when the jack is actuated. It is the pad that makes contact with the ground. The larger the coach, the larger the foot pad should be to support that vehicle. Foot pads can range in size all the way up to 12 inches by 12 inches, or 144 square inches per pad.
Control panels also vary, with most leveling system manufacturers offering a choice of several different panels. Choices can include a manual joystick-type control that the operator moves in the direction the coach needs to be raised or lowered. Typically, a light on the control panel will indicate which corner of the coach is not level. Manual control panels can also feature a touch pad with buttons or switches.
There are also fully automatic control panel systems. The operator simply turns the system on and with the push of a single switch or button, all of the jacks actuate simultaneously. On this type of system, a computer chip processes input from level sensors and directs the opening and closing of valves (on a hydraulic jack system) or the actuation of the motors (on an electric jack system) accordingly. Fully automatic control panels may also allow the operator to actuate individual jacks by themselves.
The sensing module(s) for an automatic air-leveling system detects any deviation from a level condition and responds through a control module by opening and closing valves in the compressed air system. Compressed air is delivered to the appropriate air bag to inflate it, or a bleed-off valve is opened to deflate (as required). With some automatic air-leveling systems, a computer chip periodically monitors for a level condition (for example, every 30 minutes) and inflates or deflates the air bags accordingly. Air-leveling systems include an air compressor (often the same one that is part of the coach’s air-ride suspension), and sometimes a receiver (an air tank that stores compressed air) is incorporated into the system, which pre-empts the air compressor from turning on and off.
Safety And Other Issues
Never use the leveling system to raise the coach when changing a tire. Never crawl underneath a coach that is supported only by leveling jacks. Avoid jacks when they are being cycled.
When using blocks to level a coach, the wheels should also be chocked and the parking brake set to prevent the vehicle from rolling off the leveling blocks. Do not stack blocks unless the directions so indicate.
Determine how much weight will be added by the aftermarket leveling system you’re considering. If cargo carrying capacity is an issue, you will want to take this into account.
Maintenance
As with most other systems and components on a motorhome, leveling devices may require some kind of maintenance. This will be spelled out in the leveling system’s operating manual. For hydraulic systems, the typical kinds of maintenance required may be to periodically change the hydraulic fluid. For all types of leveling systems, a thorough visual inspection on a regular basis is a good idea. Periodically check the mounting bolts on the foot pads. It’s also important to operate and exercise the leveling system on a coach (the valves, pumps, motors, etc.) when the coach is in storage or sitting idle.
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Buyers Guide: Motorhome Leveling And Stabilizing Systems
Bigfoot By Quadra Manufacturing
Equalizer Systems
H&H Outrigger by Barker Manufacturing Company
HWH Corporation
Kwikee Level Best
Lippert Components Inc.
Power Gear
PowerPlus by Mechanical Systems Inc.
RVA Company
Trueline by Valid Manufacturing Ltd.
Bigfoot By Quadra Manufacturing
Designed and built for type A and C coaches and bus conversions, the Quadra Leveling System is a four-jack hydraulic leveling system that can be configured with each cylinder having its own pump and reservoir for remote mounting capability. The system can be transferred from one coach to another. Quadra Bigfoot jacks are straight-acting (both power extension and retraction). Individual jack lifting capacities can range from 12,000 pounds up to 17,000 pounds. The foot pad area is 10 inches by 10 inches per jack to provide 100 square inches of surface area against the ground. Control systems offered include a manual-control touch-pad panel and an auto/manual-control touch-pad panel. Required maintenance includes periodically checking the mounting bolts on the foot pads. Factory installation is available.
Quadra Manufacturing Inc., 305 U.S. 131 S., P.O. Box 536,White Pigeon, MI 49099; (800) 752-9815, (269) 483-9633; (800) 699-6680 (Lakeland, Florida); www.bigfootleveler.com
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Equalizer Systems
Equalizer builds both hydraulic and hydraulic/air leveling systems. The Auto-Level is the hydraulic system, which features four two-way (extend/retract) hydraulic cylinders that power straight-acting jacks. The SL/12 and SL/16 series are designed for use on type C and type A motorhomes. The SL/18 is a taller design that offers greater lifting capacity for larger diesel motorhomes.
Both manual and automatic touch-pad control panels are available. A feature called adjustable null gives the operator the ability to set the point in the motorhome where the level condition is determined. This precludes the need to adjust the sensor mounted under the coach.
The Auto-Air provides the operator the choice and convenience of leveling the coach using chassis air bags. The air-bag system may be preferable for short stops or when the ground is wet and not capable of providing a surface substantial enough to use the hydraulic jacks. The control panel features touch-pad selections for either hydraulic or air. The Auto-Air System includes a compressor, a tank assembly, and valves.
Equalizer leveling systems are OEM-installed on larger gas-powered and diesel-powered type A motorhomes. However, the company can install its systems on any size coach, including a system designed specifically for type Cs.
Equalizer Systems, P.O. Box 668, 55169 C.R. 3, Elkhart, IN 46514; (800) 846-9659, (574) 264-3437; www.equalizersystems.com
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H&H Outrigger by Barker Manufacturing Company
H&H Engineering, a division of Barker Manufacturing Company, offers an aftermarket leveling device for small type C motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers called the Outrigger. The jacks are powered by 12-volt-DC motors that draw 20 amps at maximum lifting capacity and perform “out and down” lowering directly under the RV’s perimeter. Each jack is capable of lifting 1,500 pounds, and each foot pad measures 4 inches by 4.5 inches. Outrigger jacks are constructed of heavy-duty powder-coated steel and rustproof aluminum. Two jacks come in a 72-pound carton that also includes mounting hardware, switches, and installation and operating instructions. Four models are available, each incorporating a different frame-to-ground distance (16 inches, 19 inches, 21 inches, and 23 inches). The jacks are guaranteed for one full year against defects in materials and workmanship.
Barker Manufacturing Company, 730 E. Michigan Ave., P.O. Box 460, Battle Creek, MI 49016-0460; (800) 537-9940, (269) 965-2371; www.barkermfg.com
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HWH Corporation
HWH offers three leveling systems for type A, B, and C motorhomes and certain bus conversions. HWH builds a four-point system for the aftermarket that features its Bi-Axis control. Bi-Axis is a computer-chip-controlled leveling procedure that is said to reduce chassis/structure twist or flexing during the leveling process by actuating pairs of jacks simultaneously. All HWH systems feature the Leveleze leveling indicator light system, which shows the corner(s) of the coach that are low. Jacks that need to be extended are indicated by yellow level lights on the panel, and red warning lights indicate jacks that are extended. A level condition is indicated when all yellow level lights are off and all red warning lights are on. HWH jack capacities range from 6,000 to 24,000 pounds per jack, and both kick-down and straight-acting jacks are available, depending on coach specifications.
HWH 200 Series “” Allows for joystick control of the leveling system via an above-floor-mounted console for type C motorhomes.
HWH 300 Series “” Features electronic touch-panel controls that can be mounted near the driver’s seat. For use on type A, B, or C motorhomes.
HWH 600 Series “” Computer-controlled system available only as an OEM-installed product for use on type A and type C motorhomes that are 27 feet or longer.
HWH New Generation Lightweight Bolt-On Leveling System “” Designed and engineered to bolt into place using factory-punched mounting holes. Models fit the Ford F-53 chassis and the Workhorse P-Series and W-Series chassis. Jack cylinder kits come in a 6,000-pound or 9,000-pound lifting capacity.
HWH Corporation, 2096 Moscow Road, Moscow, IA 52760; (800) 321-3494, (563) 724-3396; www.hwhcorp.com
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Kwikee Level Best
Kwikee offers four Level Best hydraulic type A and type C motorhome leveling systems for OEM and aftermarket installation. All Level Best systems are hydraulic (extension/retraction) and feature a four-jack configuration. The LB2000 and the LB2010 are knee-acting systems, while the LB3000 and the LB3010 are straight-acting jacks. Both the knee-acting and straight-acting jacks are offered with two system lift capacities: 42,400 pounds and 68,000 pounds. Knee-acting jacks come with either a 36-square-inch or 64-square-inch foot pad. Straight-acting jacks feature 78-square-inch foot pads. The Level Best is available with a manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic push-button control panel. The control system can be quickly upgraded without changing jacks, pump, or hoses. For maintenance, Kwikee recommends that even when the coach is not being used, the leveling system needs to be operated on a monthly basis. When adding hydraulic fluid, use the kind indicated in the owners manual.
Kwikee Products Company Inc., 230 Davidson Ave., Cottage Grove, OR 97424; (800) 736-9961, (541) 942-3888; www.kwikee.com
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Lippert Components Inc.
Lippert supplies three-point and four-point leveling systems for type A motorhomes built on Freightliner, Spartan, Ford, and Workhorse chassis and for those constructed on type C Ford chassis. The hydraulic system features straight-leg-style jacks with foot pad sizes that are 9 or 12 inches in diameter. Both power-extend/retract and spring-return systems are available and can be enjoyed with fully automatic and manual controls. Maintenance tips include changing hydraulic fluid every two years. The systems currently are OEM-installed only, but Lippert expects to have aftermarket kits available within the next 12 months.
Lippert Components Inc., 2766 College Ave., Goshen, IN 46528; (574) 535-2085, (239) 571-1401; www.lci1.com
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Power Gear
Power Gear features hydraulic straight-leg jack assemblies with lifting capacities that range from 6,000 pounds to 24,000 pounds. These jacks include two-speed control spring returns, with the 12,000-pound, 16,000-pound, and 24,000-pound jacks featuring internal return springs. Drive-away protection automatically retracts the jacks and provides an audible sound and warning light should the driver attempt to move the coach while the jacks are down. Control panel choices include manual push-button, semi-automatic, and fully automatic all-jacks-down push-button control, with manual push-button override capability. An all-jacks retract button is included. Power Gear levelers are OEM-installed.
Power Gear, 1217 E. Seventh St., Mishawaka, IN 46544; (888) 339-2537, (574) 254-5265; www.powergearus.com
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PowerPlus by Mechanical Systems Inc.
PowerPlus electric leveling systems for the aftermarket offer either a three-point or a four-point leveling configuration that can include kick-down, straight-acting, or scissor jacks. The straight-acting jacks have a foot pad area of 48 square inches and are rated to level coaches with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 20,000 pounds. Swing- or kick-down jacks are recommended for use on type C motorhomes and can be combined with the use of scissor jacks on the front. The four-point swing-jack system is rated for coaches weighing up to 20,000 pounds, and the four-scissor jack system can handle a coach with a GVWR of 15,000 pounds.
Because the system is electric, PowerPlus says that deployment (extension) of the jacks during long periods of storage will not harm the system. The basic control system includes a control panel with individual switches (one per jack). Any combination of jacks can be manually manipulated. The standard control system also features a control panel with switches, as well as a level sensor. The automatic control system provides one-touch leveling.
Mechanical Systems Inc., 1006 Auburn Drive, Auburn, IN 46706; (800) 934-6585, (260) 920-1266; www.powerpluslevelers.com
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RVA Company
RVA builds the JII three-point hydraulic leveling system for type A motorhomes, which is available in five models: 16A (16,000-pound GWVR), 22.5A (22,500-pound GWVR), 32 (32,000-pound GWVR), 35 (35,000-pound GWVR), and 45 (45,000-pound GWVR). The RVA JII is a spring-retractable system that features swivel foot pads with areas that range from 50 square inches up to 75 square inches each. The JII control panel is a push-button manual device that includes an on-off switch and push-retract switches for the left, front, and right sides of the coach. An all-jacks-retract feature can be activated by pressing a single switch. For safety, an alarm sound coupled with a flashing red light indicates a jacks-down warning. Each JII system comes with an adjustable, dash-mounted lighted bubble level indicator. An optional fully automatic system is also available. RVA jack systems are available OEM-installed and also as aftermarket equipment.
RVA Company, 320 N. Market Place, Escondido, CA 92029; (760) 746-5732
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Trueline by Valid Manufacturing Ltd.
The Valid Trueline Leveling System is an automatic leveling system that can be used to level any RV that is equipped with an air-bag suspension system. The system consists of leveling sensors, a leveling controller, and two control valve manifolds (one mounted at the front and one at the rear of the coach). Two Trueline System sensors measure along three different axes “” across the front axle, across the drive axle, and longitudinally (along the length of the coach) “” to determine the amount of deviation from level and the amount of twist in the coach frame. Fully automated, the system includes a touch-pad level controller that is also capable of comprehensive manual leveling, low-speed maneuvering in the manual mode, and adjustment for entry door height after the leveling process is complete. Features include a power-saving sleep mode to minimize parasitic current draw between leveling cycles. The system is set to awake at preset intervals to monitor for a level condition and adjust accordingly, or if the operator requests a level check. The Trueline system can be installed into many existing air-bag suspension systems; contact Valid for its qualifying specifications.
Valid Manufacturing, 5320 B 48th Ave. S.E., Salmon Arm, BC, Canada V1E 1X2; (250) 832-6477; www.validmanufacturing.com
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Leveling Systems
Powered by
1. air pressure (air bags inflated/deflated)
2. hydraulic pressure (hydraulic fluid directed through valves)
a. individual pumps and valves at each jack
b. centralized pump and valve
3. electric system (electric motors and gearing)
Configuration
1. three-point system (one jack up front, two in rear)
2. four-point system (one jack at each corner)
Types of jacks
1. mechanical
a. straight-acting
b. kick-down
c. scissor
2. electric
a. straight-acting with power retract
b. scissor
Ways to retract jacks
1. power-retracted
a. straight-acting jacks
b. kick-down jacks
c. scissor jacks (retracted by their electric motor)
2. spring-retracted
a. straight-acting jacks
b. kick-down jacks
Control panels
1. manual
a. joystick control
b. manual touch pad with buttons or switches
2. semi-automatic
3. fully automatic
a. on/off with single switch or button to activate all jacks simultaneously
b. activate jacks individually