How important would you Class C or A folks consider automatic levelingto be? From what I've been reading, Big Foot for example has 3 versions - Automatic, Wireless and manual. Not too sure what wireless is.
Not cheap, but the leveling blocks seem like they would be a very big PITA!!!
Will be ordering a 31' Class C soon and need to determine if I should have a leveling system (such as Big Foot) added to the options to be installed while building the rig.
Opinions?
Bill Adams said
04:01 PM Oct 1, 2011
I would consider leveler of some kind to be critical to a full-timer. I don't think automatic or manual is critical at all. We have automatic but I don't like the level that they choose so I always end up tweaking it a bit. I have tried to adjust their sensor to my liking but finally found it easier to just make a couple of ups or downs and life is good. I like level and so does my bride. So only one level is level and I get there manually.
RVPAINTER said
04:39 PM Oct 1, 2011
Bill ----are you on the level???? Just kidding - I could not resist!!!
Thanks ------ sounds like good advice. We have a slogan - "Make it easy - keep it simple" and levelers sound like they fall into this catagory. Interesting that you tweak with manual adjustments. I'm assuming manual adjustments are done from the outside the rig using some sort or cranking up/down tool.
Do you know what wireless levelers are?
Thanks!
RVRon said
05:59 PM Oct 1, 2011
I would definitely, without question, get some kind of levelers. We had a Class C before our current rig and it did not have levelers. Yes, the blocks under the tires were a pain but that wasn't the worst part. Because the RV was still resting on the suspension we still got a lot of movement inside the RV. That means when one of us was sleeping and the other was walking around you could feel every move the other person made! When you put down levelers you have solid contact between the frame of the RV and the ground. That pretty much eliminates the bouncing around. I can't comment on auto vs. manual levelers other than that we have manual and they work great for us.
RVPAINTER said
06:40 PM Oct 1, 2011
Thanks RVRon - I never gave the movement inside the Rv any thought. We have decided that we will have levelers installed - now we just need to figure out which system - automatic or wireless or manual. There is quite a price range between the three systems - I need to find out more about wireless so I shall email Big Foot and get some info from them. Thanks for the feedback.
GENECOP said
07:22 PM Oct 1, 2011
RVP, we have the Bigfoot automatic system. We would not be without hit, hit a button, stand back, and watch it level.....way to cool......G
RVPAINTER said
08:31 PM Oct 1, 2011
Thanks GENECOP my research seems to show that it is a very good system - thanks for the feedback. I'm going to try and hookup NEXUS and Big Foot.
Bill Adams said
07:07 AM Oct 2, 2011
Interesting that you tweak with manual adjustments. I'm assuming manual adjustments are done from the outside the rig using some sort or cranking up/down tool.
No, the levels have manual controls. Our coach actually levels on its air bags so we don't have to put a physical leveling jack on the ground, but the principal is the same. In my case I add or subtract air from the various air bags until the coach is level. With a 4 point jack leveling system you get all of the jacks solidly on the ground and then do the same thing except either using hydraulic or electric power to move the jacks.
RVPAINTER said
07:39 AM Oct 2, 2011
Thanks Bill - that clears that up - I would not want to be outside in the rain trying to crank up or down a jack or two. Learning everyday - thanks for the help.
Terry and Jo said
06:19 AM Oct 4, 2011
Richard,
In reference to the leveling systems, the automatic ones are "supposed to" help to alleviate any possibility of twisting the frame when one is leveling their RV. That system is generally just a simple push of one button to get it done. On the other hand, with the manual one, the operator has complete control and can stop the operation should somthing be amiss. I'm not sure of how it is on the class C's, but the fifth wheels have a control panel in a compartment on the side of the RV.
The wireless is just like having a remote control in hand. An advantage of a wireless system if one is RV'ing alone is that they can be standing outside during the operation and able to move from one side to the other to watch for obstructions and placement of the foot pads when setting down the jacks.
The remote with our system also allows us to operate the slides from outside while one watches for trees or other obstructions when the slides go out. The thing I don't like about ours is that with the push of one button, all three slides will operate in turn and in sequence. There might be times that I wanted to only operate one slide. But who knows, I may get to where I like that feature.
As for blocks, we still carry some so that I can put blocks under the cylinder feet before extending them. That way, I can help with stabilty by never extending a cylinder to its full length. The cylinder rods do get some support from the cylinder body if the rod is not fully extended. However, for us it is easier because we have the fifth wheel with the bed of the truck for carrying the blocks.
Also, if leveling on uneven ground, it is still good to have the wheels supported on a slope by the use of blocks instead of relying entirely on the leveling cylinders.
Good luck wth your trip to Indiana to check out the Nexus. Just as a thought, you might ask the manufacturers if you could drive one around the lot a bit. With a 31' length on the unit, the "tail" of the RV will swing pretty good on turns. That will be essential to watch when fueling at service stations with tight turning space.
Terry
RVPAINTER said
10:23 AM Oct 4, 2011
Thanks Terry - If I get the leveling system I would get the manual one with wireless control. There is also a control panel in the cab - however Big Foot suggests it be leveled from the outside so one can watch for potential problems - as you also say. I would also get the bigger round foot pads 14 x 3/8's. I would carry the orange thingies to put under the levelers so they would not have to extend all the way as well as protect the surface they would rest on.
We MAY wait (I tend to think we will NOT WAIT) and see (need to talk to Nexus first) if leveling blocks are as big a problem as some people indicate. As RVRON pointed out levelers also stabilize the RV and this is a big factor. We plan on 95% staying in RV parks - boondocking is not our THANG!!! Perhaps an occassional overnighter at Sam's Club but RV Parks for 2-3 weeks each stay for us. If blocks become a problem (which I tend to think they will be), as I sure do not want to be out in the rain trying to level the RV with orange plastic blocks!!!!
We certainly will drive any and all of their inventory we can!!! They also have a MINI RV Park that you can stay in and "PLAY RV" I measured off 31' in our home before we moved out and WOW THAT IS LONG!!!! We most likely will be towing a TOAD as well!!!
They have a smaller unit - 28' but with no slide out - so we are talking now as to can they put a slide out into a 28' - to date they have not done this.
Thanks for your feedback - all good points!
JoeScro said
12:00 PM Oct 4, 2011
I would agree with most of the other commenting members, having a leveler is going to make a difference somewhat. On small scale your not going to notice too much but with really bad uneven ground like in some camping spots its the best. Having the Bigfoot systems is awesome with the remote controlled operating system.
RVPAINTER said
12:51 PM Oct 4, 2011
Thanks for the feedback JoeScro - I feel pretty sure we'll end up having the manual/wireless Big Foot system installed when the RV is built. The stability of the coach is an important issue and not playing around with "ORANGE BLOCKS" in the rain is real big to me!!!!
How important would you Class C or A folks consider automatic levelingto be? From what I've been reading, Big Foot for example has 3 versions - Automatic, Wireless and manual. Not too sure what wireless is.
Not cheap, but the leveling blocks seem like they would be a very big PITA!!!
Will be ordering a 31' Class C soon and need to determine if I should have a leveling system (such as Big Foot) added to the options to be installed while building the rig.
Opinions?
Thanks ------ sounds like good advice. We have a slogan - "Make it easy - keep it simple" and levelers sound like they fall into this catagory. Interesting that you tweak with manual adjustments. I'm assuming manual adjustments are done from the outside the rig using some sort or cranking up/down tool.
Do you know what wireless levelers are?
Thanks!
I would definitely, without question, get some kind of levelers. We had a Class C before our current rig and it did not have levelers. Yes, the blocks under the tires were a pain but that wasn't the worst part. Because the RV was still resting on the suspension we still got a lot of movement inside the RV. That means when one of us was sleeping and the other was walking around you could feel every move the other person made! When you put down levelers you have solid contact between the frame of the RV and the ground. That pretty much eliminates the bouncing around. I can't comment on auto vs. manual levelers other than that we have manual and they work great for us.
Thanks for the feedback.
No, the levels have manual controls. Our coach actually levels on its air bags so we don't have to put a physical leveling jack on the ground, but the principal is the same. In my case I add or subtract air from the various air bags until the coach is level. With a 4 point jack leveling system you get all of the jacks solidly on the ground and then do the same thing except either using hydraulic or electric power to move the jacks.
Richard,
In reference to the leveling systems, the automatic ones are "supposed to" help to alleviate any possibility of twisting the frame when one is leveling their RV. That system is generally just a simple push of one button to get it done. On the other hand, with the manual one, the operator has complete control and can stop the operation should somthing be amiss. I'm not sure of how it is on the class C's, but the fifth wheels have a control panel in a compartment on the side of the RV.
The wireless is just like having a remote control in hand. An advantage of a wireless system if one is RV'ing alone is that they can be standing outside during the operation and able to move from one side to the other to watch for obstructions and placement of the foot pads when setting down the jacks.
The remote with our system also allows us to operate the slides from outside while one watches for trees or other obstructions when the slides go out. The thing I don't like about ours is that with the push of one button, all three slides will operate in turn and in sequence. There might be times that I wanted to only operate one slide. But who knows, I may get to where I like that feature.
As for blocks, we still carry some so that I can put blocks under the cylinder feet before extending them. That way, I can help with stabilty by never extending a cylinder to its full length. The cylinder rods do get some support from the cylinder body if the rod is not fully extended. However, for us it is easier because we have the fifth wheel with the bed of the truck for carrying the blocks.
Also, if leveling on uneven ground, it is still good to have the wheels supported on a slope by the use of blocks instead of relying entirely on the leveling cylinders.
Good luck wth your trip to Indiana to check out the Nexus. Just as a thought, you might ask the manufacturers if you could drive one around the lot a bit. With a 31' length on the unit, the "tail" of the RV will swing pretty good on turns. That will be essential to watch when fueling at service stations with tight turning space.
Terry
We MAY wait (I tend to think we will NOT WAIT) and see (need to talk to Nexus first) if leveling blocks are as big a problem as some people indicate. As RVRON pointed out levelers also stabilize the RV and this is a big factor. We plan on 95% staying in RV parks - boondocking is not our THANG!!! Perhaps an occassional overnighter at Sam's Club but RV Parks for 2-3 weeks each stay for us. If blocks become a problem (which I tend to think they will be), as I sure do not want to be out in the rain trying to level the RV with orange plastic blocks!!!!
We certainly will drive any and all of their inventory we can!!! They also have a MINI RV Park that you can stay in and "PLAY RV" I measured off 31' in our home before we moved out and WOW THAT IS LONG!!!! We most likely will be towing a TOAD as well!!!
They have a smaller unit - 28' but with no slide out - so we are talking now as to can they put a slide out into a 28' - to date they have not done this.
Thanks for your feedback - all good points!