Auto leveler recommendations

[JBird-THOR]

Proud owner of a 2018 Quantum RQ29 and wanting to install auto levelers. Seeking recommendations. Thanks in advance.

 

[Coveman2]

IMHO EQ Systems in Michigan near Elkhart
Coveman2
2018 Compass 23 TB

 

[dkoldman]

Send a PM to the Chateau Nomad. If he does not see this thread this you may search the site from user Chateau Nomad with keyword Bigfoot.

He has been there, dun that, and really likes the Bigfoot system. He has installed the system in his TMC Class C. IMO he qualifies as Expert on the same and can even share his cost to install along with operation. Good luck

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Thanks Dk. I'm absolutely no expert... but I like things that just WORK as designed without irritating problems.

I tend to research ad nauseum when doing major projects... the levelers fit into that. I found that most people (NOT all) tend to use manual leveling even though they installed an auto leveling system. Some folks have no issues at all with the automatic version, but I heard many reports of the auto systems giving "herky jerky" operation, raising the motorhome more than necessary and just quirky things.

Being the cheapskate I am, I decided on the manual "Platinum" system. I went with Big Foot because they have a factory install facility in White Pigeon MI about 5 hours from me. I DID NOT want to do a self install bolt-on setup... I wanted them welded by the first hand experts. A quick overnight at their facility and done.

Full disclosure... about a week after the install one of the jacks would drift down ever so slight... maybe 1/2"... enough to trip the 'jacks down" warning.

A call to their customer service resulted in instructions to fully extend all four jacks - basically lifting the motorhome nearly off it's wheels! Then let it sit for an hour or so. Then retract. This bleeds any residual air which may be trapped in the lines. FIXED! I think it's been four years now, and NO issues whatsoever since. They just WORK!

If interested, search Big Foot levelers (Quadra Systems)... they have a website detailing pricing. And their customer service is very responsive... a rarity today.

 

[EA37TS]

IMHO EQ Systems in Michigan near Elkhart
Coveman2
2018 Compass 23 TB

I have the EQ SmartLevel system in the Accolade and even though they are owned by Lippert it’s noting like the pos system Thor installed in the Challenger. This system is much smoother and Auto Level is a breeze.

 

[16ACE27]

Proud owner of a 2018 Quantum RQ29 and wanting to install auto levelers. Seeking recommendations. Thanks in advance.

Third thread in a month on the same subject:

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f4/add-leveling-jacks-37194.html

 

[dkoldman]

Thanks Dk. I'm absolutely no expert... but I like things that just WORK as designed without irritating problems.

I tend to research ad nauseum when doing major projects... the levelers fit into that. I found that most people (NOT all) tend to use manual leveling even though they installed an auto leveling system. Some folks have no issues at all with the automatic version, but I heard many reports of the auto systems giving "herky jerky" operation, raising the motorhome more than necessary and just quirky things.

Being the cheapskate I am, I decided on the manual "Platinum" system. I went with Big Foot because they have a factory install facility in White Pigeon MI about 5 hours from me. I DID NOT want to do a self install bolt-on setup... I wanted them welded by the first hand experts. A quick overnight at their facility and done.

Full disclosure... about a week after the install one of the jacks would drift down ever so slight... maybe 1/2"... enough to trip the 'jacks down" warning.

A call to their customer service resulted in instructions to fully extend all four jacks - basically lifting the motorhome nearly off it's wheels! Then let it sit for an hour or so. Then retract. This bleeds any residual air which may be trapped in the lines. FIXED! I think it's been four years now, and NO issues whatsoever since. They just WORK!

If interested, search Big Foot levelers (Quadra Systems)... they have a website detailing pricing. And their customer service is very responsive... a rarity today.

Your post proves I was right that you qualify as an Expert on Bigfoot Leveling systems. Experience crossing state lines to do these systems likely give you some further Federal Compliant Certifications. You have no argument against the same; else while I will invoke my 1st Amendment right to exercise free speech to share your expertise skillset over a public domain

 

[JBird-THOR]

Thanks for the responses

 

[ducksface]

Everyone who loves theirs loves them regardless of brand.
Everyone who hates theirs hates theirs regardless of brand.

I'm never sure if people with singular experience are the best to ask of multiple unexperienced experiences.
But I've not found any source better short of the Project Farm channel on YouTube.

I love my John Deere little tractor. I cannot add or detract from that because it's all I know.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Branding aside, hydraulic systems have been in existence for over 100 years... I could confidently say they've become a commodity. Over that 100+ year span I'm certain several generations of brainiac engineers have milked every improvement possible.

All hydraulic leveling systems on motorhomes are essentially copies of other systems... priced according to how many shortcuts were taken to maintain a profit and avoid patent/copyright if any still exist.

And it's those SHORTCUTS in manufacturing that will haunt YOU the consumer. Without having the results of Project Farm testing EVERY system on the Farmabago, most have to roll the dice and rely on first hand experience of consumer experiences.

 

[paulwadley]

When I had our 2018 Thor Siesta built on a MB chassis, I had the Equalizer System installed and they worked great. Now with our 2022 Thor Miramar, I have the Lippert System and it works very good. No issues with either system. I have heard good reports on the Big Foot System too.

Paul

 

[JimC-THOR]

I have had 32ft and 24ft Class C campers with BigFoot leveling systems. Both were automatic. However, I usually level it manually, as I can level it lower than on automatic. The Bigfoot systems are bulletproof except for [my fault] letting a hydrolic line get too close to the hot exhaust, causing a leak [and lots of smoke but no fire].

 

[28Z24]

Looking at the threads, reviews and comments, recently upgraded our 28Z with the Big Foot hydraulic auto levelers... truly impressive, easy one button and it's level. We also have some USA Jack Blocks we place under the leveler to aleviate full extensions on the struts. Could not be happier!

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Looking at the threads, reviews and comments, recently upgraded our 28Z with the Big Foot hydraulic auto levelers... truly impressive, easy one button and it's level. We also have some USA Jack Blocks we place under the leveler to aleviate full extensions on the struts. Could not be happier!

I carry about a dozen 1' squares of stall mat. Depending on how unlevel, I might stack up to 4 under a leveling foot. Mountain camping often doesn't give the option of just moving to a more level spot. We make do. But I can always get perfectly level!

 

[JimC-THOR]

I carry 6- 8x8x2in wood blocks in my class C w Big Foot system so I don't have to fully extend the cylinders in a really unlevel area. At my home driveway, I need two of the blocks under each rear cylinder to level it. Those home blocks are screwed together to make an 8x8x4in set of blocks. A 1/2in ring is screwed into the blocks. I shaped a 3ft long, 1/4 in rod, with a hook to pull the blocks from under the camper without getting on my hands and knees.
JC

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

I carry 6- 8x8x2in wood blocks in my class C w Big Foot system so I don't have to fully extend the cylinders in a really unlevel area. At my home driveway, I need two of the blocks under each rear cylinder to level it. Those home blocks are screwed together to make an 8x8x4in set of blocks. A 1/2in ring is screwed into the blocks. I shaped a 3ft long, 1/4 in rod, with a hook to pull the blocks from under the camper without getting on my hands and knees.
JC

Mind posting a pic of your rod & ring setup? That's an excellent idea! If you don't mind I might try to copycat your setup with my stall mats. I HATE getting down on my knees to position those under the jack feet! It's really the only unpleasant part of leveling... so if I could fix that...

 

[JimC-THOR]

Rings & rod

Here are the blocks with the rings. The rod is in the RV in storage so I can't picture it. However, get a 1/4 or 3/8 in diameter rod from HD, Lowes, or Minards. Bend it to a right angle about two inches from the end. On the other end, bend an angle about 80 degrees three inches for a handle.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Here are the blocks with the rings. The rod is in the RV in storage so I can't picture it. However, get a 1/4 or 3/8 in diameter rod from HD, Lowes, or Minards. Bend it to a right angle about two inches from the end. On the other end, bend an angle about 80 degrees three inches for a handle.

Cool! Thanks!