Auto Levelers. Opinions, Choices

[TimmyB]

It was the fully automatic system for the Ford e450. The semi automatic system was 2900.

[Long & Winding road]

We are talking about the Big Foot System (based out of Sturgis MI). Its less that the HWH system.

Not sure on exact price.

[Long & Winding road]

Originally Posted by TimmyB

It was the fully automatic system for the Ford e450. The semi automatic system was 2900.

Was that "Big Foot".

Semi would be fine. Was that price installed?

Which system was it? "Platnuim" is the stripped down model (That the one I have - works great).

[TimmyB]

Originally Posted by Long & Winding road

Was that "Big Foot".

Semi would be fine. Was that price installed?

Which system was it? "Platnuim" is the stripped down model (That the one I have - works great).

Yes, that is the Bigfoot system. They are actually out of White Pigeon, which is about 30 minutes west of Sturgis, maybe half an hour south of Kalamazoo. I was talking from a place where it was difficult to take notes so I'm not sure which system, but after looking at their website when I got home, I'm guessing he was quoting the Auto and the Platinum. He did mention with the cheaper unit that all four jacks would come down to the ground to stabilize the unit, but then you would need to manually control them individually or in pairs to attain your final level. Online prices are about $2200 and $3400 so that would be reasonable to guess $2900 and 4200 taxed and installed.

[Long & Winding road]

Ok, great. Yeah your Right, White Piegon MI.

The prices sound close to correct (when not on sale)but I thought the install was only like $500/$600 (some posted $300 last year for the Platinum installed at BF). So the $4200 total sounds high even with taxes.

[TimmyB]

Originally Posted by Long & Winding road

Ok, great. Yeah your Right, White Piegon MI.

The prices sound close to correct (when not on sale)but I thought the install was only like $500/$600 (some posted $300 last year for the Platinum installed at BF). So the $4200 total sounds high even with taxes.

Yeah, I just called the guy back and it was $2195 for the Platinum, $600 for the install, about $140 in sales tax, and a 2% credit card fee (waived if you pay with a check); the same $600 install and 6%/2% apply to the fully auto system, but that is $3370 for the unit itself. So, about $1300 difference based on if I feel I need the "one button solution" or not.

[Bob Denman]

It might be a lot of extra money...
But having to only press one button will also aide in eventual reselling values.
It's kind of like buying a car without an automatic transmission: you'll end up paying for it; when you try to sell it!

[TimmyB]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

It might be a lot of extra money...
But having to only press one button will also aide in eventual reselling values.
It's kind of like buying a car without an automatic transmission: you'll end up paying for it; when you try to sell it!

That is a valid point. Plus, I am DEFINITELY not the person that likes to fudge around and make things precise. One button is very well suited for a guy like me!

[Long & Winding road]

True but this is the way I looked it:

A). Anything is better than nothing. I really did plan on this upgrade (more darn money out the window ) but it was the only thing that was PITA (Sometimes) at the campsite plus ....my wife dont like to help with this part of the setup (Me Driving back and forth on block - her moving them etc) PLUS she loves the fact the RV dont bounce around when I go in and out of the RV etc. So im glad I did this upgrade.

B). When you read "Auto Function" on leveler jacks about half (maybe more) on this forum say "Dont use the auto function". From what I gather is the levelers (the Factory OEM system... not Big foot) wont level at all (or correctly) if its much out of level. AND / OR when it Auto levels its much higher up than needed so they rather keep it lower (Safer plus not such a large step inside the RV). So many use the manual function anyway....why bother for the auto funtion to begin with?

The BF Platium system will deploy all 4 jacks at once (well front two hit ground first but dont really lift until all 4 are down) when you press start (it will Stabilize RV plus prevents frame twist) then you just push the TWO front or TWO sides buttons (whatever is needed) at the same time to finish leveling. Takes 3 - 5 minutes total and your done.

I put one or two blocks under all the jack pads and if its much out of level I have gone up to 5 block before (Double wide block for more stability) in the front only. Never lift the rear drive tires totaly off the ground (RV may roll = causes jacks to buckle + can hurt someone).

I hope this help you make up your mind.

[TimmyB]

Originally Posted by Long & Winding road

)...
I hope this help you make up your mind.

Definitely helps. Looks like I've got decisions to make!