Shortly after purchasing our Carriage Cameo, we had the Big Foot Levelers installed. Although an expensive modification (and now standard on Carriage fifth wheels), it has been one of our best upgrades.
Not only does the system self-level the fifth wheel without the use of boards etc. it's also helpful in making tire changes. Today we picked up a nail and had a slow leak. I jacked the trailer up with the Big Foot Levelers after the tire mechanic experienced difficulty getting his jack in place. It worked as advertised.
Luvglass said
07:03 AM Mar 4, 2010
I'm so sorry I didn't know about them when we purchased our Cameo. Everyone raves about them.
Bill and Linda said
11:19 AM Mar 4, 2010
We love ‘em.We likewise had them installed after the trailer was purchased. They sure do make it easier, especially if you want to stay connected during an overnight stop.Funny, we pay little attention now to comments on RV Park Review.com about “site level conditions.” J
As a reminder, these are really powerful hydraulic jacks and you want to make sure you don’t run only one trailer corner up, or down, and twist the frame.The automatic system won’t allow that to happen. But if you’re in the manual mode, which is sometimes necessary if you’re still connected to the truck, it is possible.‘Just a word to the wise.
Safe travels.
Bill
Terry and Jo said
11:19 AM Mar 4, 2010
While we haven't gotten our Mobile Suites yet, which will be equipped with the Level-Up system containing 6 hydraulic stands, I have heard that it is still good to use wood blocks under them. From what one or two have posted on the forums is that they tend to be more stable if the hydraulic cylinder doesn't have to be fully extended.
For that reason, I will have a number of good heavy wooden blocks to put under the cylinder foot.
Perhaps some others that have had them for a while can comment as to whether what I have heard is true.
Terry
Bill and Linda said
11:34 AM Mar 4, 2010
Terry I agree somewhat about the blocks.The longer the “arm” the more the “bend.”
But we sort of cheat a bit. I still have the “old” landing gear and rear stabilizers on the rig.So when we’re going to be there a while I put all 8 “things” down and that locks the rig in place. (4 Big Foots – 2 old landing gear legs – 2 rear stabilizers.) However, at least in my case, I really haven’t had to use blocks and don’t bother with the extra stabilizers if we’re just there a couple of days.The front Big Foot’s move “just a little bit.” A lot less than the traditional landing legs.The rear ones, they really don’t move.
BTW, Quadra Manufacturing (I.e. “Big Foot”) is offering a stabilizer bar set for the front Big Foots now.They say you don’t need them for the back ones although they will be glad to sell you a set.Based on our experience I don’t think they are needed.
If anyone who will be at the Rally is interested in a front pin box aluminum tripod stabilizer - speak up.I’ll bring it and we’ll work something out. JWe just don’t need it anymore.
We love ‘em. We likewise had them installed after the trailer was purchased. They sure do make it easier, especially if you want to stay connected during an overnight stop. Funny, we pay little attention now to comments on RV Park Review.com about “site level conditions.” J
As a reminder, these are really powerful hydraulic jacks and you want to make sure you don’t run only one trailer corner up, or down, and twist the frame. The automatic system won’t allow that to happen. But if you’re in the manual mode, which is sometimes necessary if you’re still connected to the truck, it is possible. ‘Just a word to the wise.
Safe travels.
Bill
For that reason, I will have a number of good heavy wooden blocks to put under the cylinder foot.
Perhaps some others that have had them for a while can comment as to whether what I have heard is true.
Terry
Terry I agree somewhat about the blocks. The longer the “arm” the more the “bend.”
But we sort of cheat a bit. I still have the “old” landing gear and rear stabilizers on the rig. So when we’re going to be there a while I put all 8 “things” down and that locks the rig in place. (4 Big Foots – 2 old landing gear legs – 2 rear stabilizers.) However, at least in my case, I really haven’t had to use blocks and don’t bother with the extra stabilizers if we’re just there a couple of days. The front Big Foot’s move “just a little bit.” A lot less than the traditional landing legs. The rear ones, they really don’t move.
BTW, Quadra Manufacturing (I.e. “Big Foot”) is offering a stabilizer bar set for the front Big Foots now. They say you don’t need them for the back ones although they will be glad to sell you a set. Based on our experience I don’t think they are needed.
If anyone who will be at the Rally is interested in a front pin box aluminum tripod stabilizer - speak up. I’ll bring it and we’ll work something out. J We just don’t need it anymore.
Bill