Does anyone have a big foot leveling system on their fifth wheel. looking at maybe adding it to ours and was interested in any advice or comments. Thanks
Stay Safe
Bill and Linda said
11:31 AM Sep 13, 2010
Yep, sure do - love 'em!
We have them on our Escalade 5’er (39’) and wouldn’t be without them now.(Any new rig we purchase will have them.)Our rig didn’t come with them and we had them installed in 2009 before traveling to the RV-Dreams rally in Kerrville.The system is great!
After our trip to Alaska (some 11,500 towing miles,) setting up and tearing down many times over a 100 day period, we know they are well worth the money although not cheap.
We have the automatic system which works fine if the truck is disconnected.But many times when we’re stopping just for the night I can still level the rig manually with the Big Foots even with the truck connected.
We pay little attention to the level of the rig when we park.We park where the trailer is optimum to trees, patios, satellite signal, etc. and just let the Big Foot take care of the leveling; push the button, watch the blinking lights, and in about 20 seconds we’re level.
The system is perfectly capable of lifting all four wheels off the ground at the same time, safely, although that’s not necessary just to level.However, changing a tire, or tires, is a snap; a real safety issue in my opinion.I’ve never had a flat, but I did change tires using the system.Boy is that easier than a jack – and a LOT safer.
I‘m happy to provide more info if you’re interested; however, I would have the people at MOR-ryde install them based on experience.
Safe travels
Bill
Paul and Jo said
12:07 PM Sep 13, 2010
Was wondering if these were neccessary on a 2011 Montana since it has hydraulic front jacks and powered stabilizers in the rear. Yes, it's not automatic but I think the only other thing I need is a spirit level.
On the changing tires ... can't recall seeing a jack on the Montana so, not quite sure how I'm going to be doing that.
Finally, and it's off-topic but I'm saving posting space, where do boondockers get their water? I've not seen faucets at gas stations. :)
Paul
Denise said
01:10 PM Sep 13, 2010
Thanks Bill, they sound almost too good to be true. Thanks for your input.
Stay Safe
-- Edited by Denise on Monday 13th of September 2010 01:11:26 PM
Bill and Linda said
02:00 PM Sep 13, 2010
Paul and Jo wrote:
Was wondering if these were neccessary on a 2011 Montana since it has hydraulic front jacks and powered stabilizers in the rear. Yes, it's not automatic but I think the only other thing I need is a spirit level.
On the changing tires ... can't recall seeing a jack on the Montana so, not quite sure how I'm going to be doing that.
Paul
Paul:
Excellent point and question: "Necessary" - probably not. However, "powered stabilizers” are just that – they help keep the rig from “rocking.”They, however, can’t actually lift the rig, in most cases, enough to level it side to side; especially if you need more than about a inch or so.We had two sets of “heavy duty” stabilizers on the rig. They wouldn’t “level” the rig; just not strong enough – either by lifting specification or in reality.
Yea, you can change tires with a jack, or by running the "good" tire up on a block thus trying to raise the one with the flat off the ground. But either way, it isn't very easy or - in some cases if done wrong - safe - even if we've all "done it for years without trouble."
If you didn't travel much, or if physcial issues for someone were not a problem (they're not for me,) you probably wouldn't go to the expense of Big Foots. But a lot of motorhomes have "real" leveling systems and 5'ers are getting them now - some now OEM provided.
Again, just my 2 cents and experience "depending" on what works best for each RV'er and thier specific situation and desires.
Bill
Gary said
02:16 PM Sep 13, 2010
Yet another item on the "wish list" for when we get the 5er.
Thanks!
53 Merc said
08:00 PM Sep 13, 2010
The type of suspension will sometimes keep you from using the drive on Trailrsaver as a tire changer. MorRyde suspension has too much travel to get a flat off the ground. Gotta go with a bottle jack under the spring hanger to change a flat.
Racerguy said
08:46 PM Sep 13, 2010
53 Merc wrote:
The type of suspension will sometimes keep you from using the drive on Trailrsaver as a tire changer. MorRyde suspension has too much travel to get a flat off the ground. Gotta go with a bottle jack under the spring hanger to change a flat.
Same with the Trail Air Equaflex.
Bill and Linda said
06:54 AM Sep 14, 2010
George and Ken:
Yea, you’re kind of proving my point as far as safety is concerned when you change a tire on the side of the road.MOR-ryde’s Independent Suspension has even more travel than the Trail-Air and MOR-ryde’s rubber between the springs system.So you have to use a bottle jack, and that means boards, crawling, sort of, under the rig to position the jack, etc.Just not something I would care to do on the side of the road – especially if the rig where not level.
Safe travels
Bill
mailman01 said
07:07 AM Sep 14, 2010
You can use a bottle jack under the spring hangar? That would make access a little easier, however, I have been advised that the ONLY acceptable placement for the jack is under the frame. The hangar location does look very tempting but I am just a little apprehensive about putting the weight of the trailer on that hangar...Just a thought. Bigfoot would certainly make lifting the unit a lot easier and safer.
Bill and Linda said
10:17 AM Sep 14, 2010
mailman01 wrote:
You can use a bottle jack under the spring hangar? That would make access a little easier, however, I have been advised that the ONLY acceptable placement for the jack is under the frame. The hangar location does look very tempting but I am just a little apprehensive about putting the weight of the trailer on that hangar...Just a thought. Bigfoot would certainly make lifting the unit a lot easier and safer.
Right, you “can” put a bottle jack under the spring hanger, but IMO you shouldn’t.That’s just tempting a bigger problem when the rig somehow slides off the jack – especially if the flat tire is off the lugs. The frame should always be used.If you understood me to say anything other than a bottle jack under the frame, that was not my intention.
I think we would all agree on this: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean it is particularly safe.
Safe travels
Bill
Hamshog said
01:17 PM Sep 14, 2010
Hey Denise,
What Bill said! We love our BigFoot system. Don't have to drive on blocks to come close to level. Just push the Auto button and go about hooking up water, sewer, dish, whatever.
I also installed the PlugItRight stabilizers on the front of our Carri-Lite. Took most of the movement out...
Regards, Howard
kcaravelli said
01:29 AM Oct 2, 2011
HI Bill,
I realize this is an old post but hopefully it will still reach you. I was wondering about how your Big Foots are doing with only 4 points supported on your rig? These Escalades are quite heavy and long. We do have the 18" frame. You also mentioned getting them installed by someone who knows the MORryde system. I will have to check and see who that might be out here in the Seattle area.
We just purchased a beautiful used 2007 40' Escalade REB and although we don't move much I am looking for more stability and a safer way to get the tires off full the full weight load. We are full timers but we won't be moving more than once a year since I don't have a truck and we are not yet retired.
The Level Up System is only installed back east so they are out.
I was thinking of putting some JT Strong Arm Stabilizers on the front and rear but the front underbelly is fully enclosed so I don't see how they would install. I could put them on the rear which were we get most of our movement.
Anyway, we just love our new Esclade. We are coming from a 33' Itasca Suncruiser which is a great coach but this is like moving from a van into a luxury one bedroom condo.....sweet!
Keith and Elaine -- The Caravellis
Delaine and Lindy said
10:49 AM Oct 2, 2011
Big Foot is a excellent system have been to their factory. However there is now another Level Up system whick Drv has used since it came out but you now have it installed on other Manufactors. The system uses 6 hydraulic vs the Big foot system which uses 4. I just had our tires balanced and raised the Suites off the ground and removed all the tires and rebalanced them. In some parks the tires are off the ground because the site is un-level. If you get a chance in Jan at the Tampa RV show there will be Suites there on display with the tires removed and people are surprised to see it with lots of people looking around inside. After spoting the 5er on a site its takes less than 5 minutes to have the Suites leveled side to side and front to rear. And I have the, manuel system. You can get the fully automatic if you like. If you ever get a level up system you want go back to the electric system. This is our second Suites with the level up system.... Good Luck on your choice. Happy Trails...
Bill and Linda said
11:49 AM Oct 2, 2011
Keith:
Yep, I got it, and welcome to the Escalade club.Too bad these wonderful and extremely well built rigs are no longer available in the same form your 2007 was built.18” frames indeed; very strong according to the unsolicited comments from the technician at MOR-ryde who works on a lot of trailers.We took ours to the Arctic Ocean, Inuvik, NWT, Canada actually, and it performed sooo much better than some other rigs.And we were so glad we had the Big Foot’s. You just don’t know how much easier they made the trip allowing us to level even when still hitched to the truck.They’ll be just fine on the 40’ REB.
BTW, the comment was not about the installer knowing the MOR-ryde system, it was that MOR-ryde, in Elkhart, as the installer of the Big Foots will, IMO, do a superior job for a number of reasons.But that’s a long way for you.I understand.
The “4 point,” lift of the Big Foots, as opposed to “6 point” that some manufactures offer, has somewhat less to do with stability and a bit more to do with warranties; at least according to the factory rep. The control system on the 6 point is limited as to what it can “do” and thus if a ham fisted owner punches the wrong button too long it is harder to bend the frame with the somewhat more limited control system.There is nothing inherently wrong with the 6 point, far from it. If you want to know more about this please PM me.
As to stabilizing the rig, please remember “stable” is a relative term to different people.If any weight to speak of is left on the suspension system the rig will move a bit. Also, the frame has to “give” just a little.They have to or they would break when they run down the road.If you want a totally rock stable rig you have to do what “Mobile Homes” do.Support the frame in many places (not just 6) with blocks and get the weight totally off the wheels.
I have changed the tires, all four at once, more than once for various maintenance reasons. Actually, did that just last week.It is a zero problem with the Big Foots.Be glad to show you the pictures.
If you install the Big Foots I recommend not removing the front landing gear or the factory “stabilizers” at the rear of the coach. Keeping them gives you 8 points of contact and will improve stability even more.The Big Foots carry almost all of the weight in this case, but the additional 4 points of contact dampen out additional coach motion. There is plenty of room, even with a generator, to install the Big Foot jacks in the Escalade basement well behind the factory landing gear.Also the Big Foot system doesn’t have hydraulic lines to run all over the place as they are self contained.This, IMO, makes for an easier retro fit installation such as on your Escalade.
Keith, if you want some additional information, including about Escalade factory service if ever required, please PM me via this site and we’ll talk. It is a great rig, well built, and if you take care of it should last a good long time.Ours has just shy of 60,000 logged miles on it and it is still going strong.We leave tomorrow for a 5,000 mile trip to Arizona.
Hope this helps a bit.
Bill
kcaravelli said
10:11 PM Oct 2, 2011
Bill thanks for gettin back to me so fast. That all sounds very good. I am going to plan for a Big Foot system. There are three places in here in Washington I can get it done. I will do some more research. No hurry on that system. I will certainly have more questions thanks again.
Delaine and Lindy said
05:28 PM Oct 3, 2011
With the 6 point Level Up System you can't twist the frame. It has a release system to prevent the frame twist... FYI.... Happy Trails...
Stay Safe
Yep, sure do - love 'em!
We have them on our Escalade 5’er (39’) and wouldn’t be without them now. (Any new rig we purchase will have them.) Our rig didn’t come with them and we had them installed in 2009 before traveling to the RV-Dreams rally in Kerrville. The system is great!
After our trip to Alaska (some 11,500 towing miles,) setting up and tearing down many times over a 100 day period, we know they are well worth the money although not cheap.
We have the automatic system which works fine if the truck is disconnected. But many times when we’re stopping just for the night I can still level the rig manually with the Big Foots even with the truck connected.
We pay little attention to the level of the rig when we park. We park where the trailer is optimum to trees, patios, satellite signal, etc. and just let the Big Foot take care of the leveling; push the button, watch the blinking lights, and in about 20 seconds we’re level.
The system is perfectly capable of lifting all four wheels off the ground at the same time, safely, although that’s not necessary just to level. However, changing a tire, or tires, is a snap; a real safety issue in my opinion. I’ve never had a flat, but I did change tires using the system. Boy is that easier than a jack – and a LOT safer.
I‘m happy to provide more info if you’re interested; however, I would have the people at MOR-ryde install them based on experience.
Safe travels
Bill
On the changing tires ... can't recall seeing a jack on the Montana so, not quite sure how I'm going to be doing that.
Finally, and it's off-topic but I'm saving posting space, where do boondockers get their water? I've not seen faucets at gas stations. :)
Paul
Thanks for your input.
Stay Safe
-- Edited by Denise on Monday 13th of September 2010 01:11:26 PM
Paul:
Excellent point and question: "Necessary" - probably not. However, "powered stabilizers” are just that – they help keep the rig from “rocking.” They, however, can’t actually lift the rig, in most cases, enough to level it side to side; especially if you need more than about a inch or so. We had two sets of “heavy duty” stabilizers on the rig. They wouldn’t “level” the rig; just not strong enough – either by lifting specification or in reality.
Yea, you can change tires with a jack, or by running the "good" tire up on a block thus trying to raise the one with the flat off the ground. But either way, it isn't very easy or - in some cases if done wrong - safe - even if we've all "done it for years without trouble."
If you didn't travel much, or if physcial issues for someone were not a problem (they're not for me,) you probably wouldn't go to the expense of Big Foots. But a lot of motorhomes have "real" leveling systems and 5'ers are getting them now - some now OEM provided.
Again, just my 2 cents and experience "depending" on what works best for each RV'er and thier specific situation and desires.
Bill
Same with the Trail Air Equaflex.
George and Ken:
Yea, you’re kind of proving my point as far as safety is concerned when you change a tire on the side of the road. MOR-ryde’s Independent Suspension has even more travel than the Trail-Air and MOR-ryde’s rubber between the springs system. So you have to use a bottle jack, and that means boards, crawling, sort of, under the rig to position the jack, etc. Just not something I would care to do on the side of the road – especially if the rig where not level.
Safe travels
Bill
Right, you “can” put a bottle jack under the spring hanger, but IMO you shouldn’t. That’s just tempting a bigger problem when the rig somehow slides off the jack – especially if the flat tire is off the lugs. The frame should always be used.If you understood me to say anything other than a bottle jack under the frame, that was not my intention.
I think we would all agree on this: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean it is particularly safe.
Safe travels
Bill
What Bill said! We love our BigFoot system. Don't have to drive on blocks to come close to level. Just push the Auto button and go about hooking up water, sewer, dish, whatever.
I also installed the PlugItRight stabilizers on the front of our Carri-Lite. Took most of the movement out...
Regards, Howard
HI Bill,
I realize this is an old post but hopefully it will still reach you. I was wondering about how your Big Foots are doing with only 4 points supported on your rig? These Escalades are quite heavy and long. We do have the 18" frame. You also mentioned getting them installed by someone who knows the MORryde system. I will have to check and see who that might be out here in the Seattle area.
We just purchased a beautiful used 2007 40' Escalade REB and although we don't move much I am looking for more stability and a safer way to get the tires off full the full weight load. We are full timers but we won't be moving more than once a year since I don't have a truck and we are not yet retired.
The Level Up System is only installed back east so they are out.
I was thinking of putting some JT Strong Arm Stabilizers on the front and rear but the front underbelly is fully enclosed so I don't see how they would install. I could put them on the rear which were we get most of our movement.
Anyway, we just love our new Esclade. We are coming from a 33' Itasca Suncruiser which is a great coach but this is like moving from a van into a luxury one bedroom condo.....sweet!
Keith and Elaine -- The Caravellis
Keith:
Yep, I got it, and welcome to the Escalade club. Too bad these wonderful and extremely well built rigs are no longer available in the same form your 2007 was built. 18” frames indeed; very strong according to the unsolicited comments from the technician at MOR-ryde who works on a lot of trailers. We took ours to the Arctic Ocean, Inuvik, NWT, Canada actually, and it performed sooo much better than some other rigs. And we were so glad we had the Big Foot’s. You just don’t know how much easier they made the trip allowing us to level even when still hitched to the truck. They’ll be just fine on the 40’ REB.
BTW, the comment was not about the installer knowing the MOR-ryde system, it was that MOR-ryde, in Elkhart, as the installer of the Big Foots will, IMO, do a superior job for a number of reasons. But that’s a long way for you. I understand.
The “4 point,” lift of the Big Foots, as opposed to “6 point” that some manufactures offer, has somewhat less to do with stability and a bit more to do with warranties; at least according to the factory rep. The control system on the 6 point is limited as to what it can “do” and thus if a ham fisted owner punches the wrong button too long it is harder to bend the frame with the somewhat more limited control system. There is nothing inherently wrong with the 6 point, far from it. If you want to know more about this please PM me.
As to stabilizing the rig, please remember “stable” is a relative term to different people. If any weight to speak of is left on the suspension system the rig will move a bit. Also, the frame has to “give” just a little. They have to or they would break when they run down the road. If you want a totally rock stable rig you have to do what “Mobile Homes” do. Support the frame in many places (not just 6) with blocks and get the weight totally off the wheels.
I have changed the tires, all four at once, more than once for various maintenance reasons. Actually, did that just last week. It is a zero problem with the Big Foots. Be glad to show you the pictures.
If you install the Big Foots I recommend not removing the front landing gear or the factory “stabilizers” at the rear of the coach. Keeping them gives you 8 points of contact and will improve stability even more. The Big Foots carry almost all of the weight in this case, but the additional 4 points of contact dampen out additional coach motion. There is plenty of room, even with a generator, to install the Big Foot jacks in the Escalade basement well behind the factory landing gear. Also the Big Foot system doesn’t have hydraulic lines to run all over the place as they are self contained. This, IMO, makes for an easier retro fit installation such as on your Escalade.
Keith, if you want some additional information, including about Escalade factory service if ever required, please PM me via this site and we’ll talk. It is a great rig, well built, and if you take care of it should last a good long time. Ours has just shy of 60,000 logged miles on it and it is still going strong. We leave tomorrow for a 5,000 mile trip to Arizona.
Hope this helps a bit.
Bill
Bill thanks for gettin back to me so fast. That all sounds very good. I am going to plan for a Big Foot system. There are three places in here in Washington I can get it done. I will do some more research. No hurry on that system. I will certainly have more questions thanks again.