Hydraulic leveling: Pros and cons?

Mole · 05-31-2016, 02:02 PM

Wife and I are planning on full timing in a 5er when we retire in a few years. Some of the units that would seem to fit our needs and wants have hydraulic leveling. Looking for any pros or cons about these units. BTW, I work industrial maintenance so hydraulics operation and repair is part of my tools that I bring to the table. Thanks in advance!

ATCguy · 05-31-2016, 03:00 PM

Cons: it adds weight. The system is heavy.

Pros: ease of use, push-button operation.

I have it... I love it... and since I travel alone, I wouldn't have a rig without it. Period.

When a friend & I travel occasionally travel together in our rigs, I'm already set up... level, with power, water, and sewer connected... while he's still fiddling with his blocks & jacks.

donzinger · 05-31-2016, 03:02 PM

Also makes changing tires or suspension maintenance a breeze!

**wahoonc** · 05-31-2016, 05:38 PM

I have hydraulic leveling on my current motor home and L-O-V-E it! Who knew that life could be so easy.

Aaron

Thom · 05-31-2016, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wahoonc

I have hydraulic leveling on my current motor home and L-O-V-E it! Who knew that life could be so easy.

Aaron

My Tiffin has air bag leveling.......... Who knew life could be so easy

**wahoonc** · 05-31-2016, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thom

My Tiffin has air bag leveling.......... Who knew life could be so easy

Yup... I am in the cheap seats.

Aaron

wildwest450 · 06-01-2016, 12:00 AM

Prolly easier to crack walnuts with hydraulics.

Mole · 06-01-2016, 01:13 AM

Other than the weight factor, has anyone had problems with the system? Any problems with either the electronics used with leveling or hoses being laid in closer than minimum bend radius. A specific manufacturer's cylinders having problems with shaft seal leakage?

**wahoonc** · 06-01-2016, 01:57 AM

I don't know about the LCI system. That seems to be what is used on most fivers. I am very familiar with the BigFoot and HWH systems. They are both good systems and if installed correctly are all but trouble free.

Aaron

dougs2 · 06-01-2016, 02:29 AM

I think the LCI is an excellent system. I did get all my hydraulic hoses replaced under warranty because the fittings on the end of the hoses weren't crimped on correctly and every one of them leaked, even the return low pressure lines. My dealer said he was told there was a bad run of them and you might know I got one. The good thing is I got all high quality agriculture high pressure hoses now. Other wise I like the way this system works and would hate to be without it. The fact that it's a heavy system I think is a good thing, it needs to be! I can't imagine trying to level a coach of this size manually.

ATCguy · 06-01-2016, 02:58 AM

Going on 3 years with mine (LCI)... so far, no issues.

jeffwelsh · 06-01-2016, 02:35 PM

I had a leaky seal replaced under warranty on one of the cylinders. I would not have an RV without the autolevel.

Middlesb4 · 06-02-2016, 02:01 AM

Never go back to anything less. Auto level is great!

azdryheat · 06-02-2016, 05:06 AM

Set up a fifth wheel trailer that doesn't have auto leveling on ground that isn't level. It's a real pain.

Once you've done the above you're ready to push the Auto Level button and walk away to hook up the water, cable or get a beer. The Auto Leveler will beep when it's done and your trailer will be perfectly level. I wouldn't be without it.

chasmatt · 06-02-2016, 01:50 PM

Our last Fifth Wheel was our first one with auto level. The first time I used it I was in love. I checked it with a level and the bubble was perfectly centered in all directions. We just downsized from a 41 footer to a 31 footer and part, no a lot, of the decision of which of 3 choices to buy came down to an included auto level system. I won't be without one again.

HornedToad · 06-03-2016, 12:29 PM

CON

I already had a leak in the same line repaired under warranty??? Now it looks to be ruptured. Maybe it was the nine months of being leveled up while full timing stationary. That rear off door jack is the first up/down and must get the most pressure from the pump?

Will not repair at a dealer or use my extended warranty. I have a friend that rebuilds directional drilling motors and he is going to help me replace it with a braided line.

Even with the problems with the leaks... I think the level up is a great feature and I wouldn't buy a trailer without.

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dougs2 · 06-03-2016, 01:13 PM

It shouldn't matter how long your jacks were down, that won't cause a break in a hose, unless there is a bad spot from a cut or rubbing. You're on the right track by replacing the bad hose with a high quality braided one.

HornedToad · 06-05-2016, 01:43 PM

Surprisingly... Even with the leak the trailer leveled up and held over the weekend and didn't bleed any ATF onto the ground!!!

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Denviola · 06-05-2016, 11:17 PM

Every time I use the auto level up or down it pushes some fluid out onto the battery cover. Taking the 3970 back to the dealer for this and a few other things. Does not appear to be overfilled.

lcv800 · 06-06-2016, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denviola

Every time I use the auto level up or down it pushes some fluid out onto the battery cover. Taking the 3970 back to the dealer for this and a few other things. Does not appear to be overfilled.

With jacks stored, you should have 2" or so of space in the tank.
Rusty

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