Automatic Levelling Systems
+6
Dbvwt
v8oholic
Bilbobaggins
Caraman
Roopert
Sailor
10 posters
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Automatic Levelling Systems
Has anyone fitted any sort of Self Levelling System to their vehicle. I have a 2015 Bourton and carry the large four position self levelling ramps which are heavy and take up valuable locker space. One option to reduce size and weight is to use smaller ramps but at the NEC Show next week I intend to look around the companies offering Self Levelling Systems.
Back in 2015 I bought a new Elddis twin axle Buccaneer Caravan which had one of the first factory fitted EP hydraulic levelling Units which worked well for over six years.
I would be looking at a levelling system that could be moved to a new vehicle should I wish to change motorhomes in the future.
I would also be considering upgrading the Vehicles Carrying weight as I have kept my C and C1 qualifications.
Any advice on the above matters would be appreciated.
Back in 2015 I bought a new Elddis twin axle Buccaneer Caravan which had one of the first factory fitted EP hydraulic levelling Units which worked well for over six years.
I would be looking at a levelling system that could be moved to a new vehicle should I wish to change motorhomes in the future.
I would also be considering upgrading the Vehicles Carrying weight as I have kept my C and C1 qualifications.
Any advice on the above matters would be appreciated.
Sailor- Member
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Posts : 8
Joined : 2024-06-18
Location : Lee-on-the-Solent
Auto-Sleeper Model : Bourton
Vehicle Year : 2015
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
The one observation that I would make is that the systems that I have looked at are definitely priced at "motorhome premium" levels! IIRC, one of the few adverts in the recent club mags to include some price info referred to £8k?
In my experience, levelling seems to be a decreasing problem, as site operators now seem to be willing to level their pitches better than they used to. During my last two trips - three weeks in total - I haven't needed to use ramps once, even though I carry a pair with me all the time. Maybe if you have to have the van ~completely~ level the situation would be different, but typically most are not far out these days.
And similarly, it does of course depend on your physical abilities. I'm going to try to keep doing things like putting out ramps for as long as I can, saving the "just push a button" option for when I'm no longer physically able to put out ramps. Hopefully that will be a few years yet...
In my experience, levelling seems to be a decreasing problem, as site operators now seem to be willing to level their pitches better than they used to. During my last two trips - three weeks in total - I haven't needed to use ramps once, even though I carry a pair with me all the time. Maybe if you have to have the van ~completely~ level the situation would be different, but typically most are not far out these days.
And similarly, it does of course depend on your physical abilities. I'm going to try to keep doing things like putting out ramps for as long as I can, saving the "just push a button" option for when I'm no longer physically able to put out ramps. Hopefully that will be a few years yet...
Roopert- Member
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Posts : 3825
Joined : 2019-03-10
Location : South East
Auto-Sleeper Model : Trooper
Vehicle Year : 2005
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
The AL-KO HY4 is on offer in the Oct 24 CAMC magazine at £6899. I don't have experience of this system but it sounds good. A couple of years ago I paid £3500 for the Autolift 4 system marketed by RoadPro. It may not be as effective or easy to use as the hydraulic systems but on my Nuevo it is better than the plastic ramps it replaced. I wouldn't be without it.
Caraman- Member
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Posts : 3879
Joined : 2019-04-19
Location : SALISBURY
Auto-Sleeper Model : Nuevo
Vehicle Year : 2019
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
Over 80 nights away in past two years, and only used ramps for three nights at CMC Abbey Wood, probably could have avoided that by turning van around. As long as tea cup doesn't slide off table we are good. Parked nose down and sleep with head against barn doors so head raised if required. Did look at levelling systems in early days but decided money could be used better buying fuel, nice meals out etc
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Bilbobaggins- Donator
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Posts : 1884
Joined : 2020-07-09
Location : Angus
Auto-Sleeper Model : Warwick xl
Vehicle Year : 2014
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
I've done 245 nights now without ever owning any ramps, but I appreciate that some people are more sensitive to even the slightest of gradients than others. Under 2 degrees is what the fridge needs I believe, and I haven't yet encountered a site where that wasn't possible. So perhaps the type of places people are going to are a factor too. I only stay at campsites or motorhome sites (mainland Europe), and they are level enough (for the fridge), even if not totally level on both axes. For me, spending the money on ramps would be unlikely now, never mind thousands on a self levelling system!
v8oholic- Member
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Posts : 1377
Joined : 2021-04-09
Location : West Berks
Auto-Sleeper Model : Symbol
Vehicle Year : 2021
Bilbobaggins likes this post
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
I agree with v8, the type of places you visit should be thought about before spending thousands.
Unlike others, I use my ramps frequently (and I’m not that fussy about the van being dead level). This is because I’m usually on a grass/non electric pitch. More often than not, the hard standing pitches nearby are usually pretty flat.
Unlike others, I use my ramps frequently (and I’m not that fussy about the van being dead level). This is because I’m usually on a grass/non electric pitch. More often than not, the hard standing pitches nearby are usually pretty flat.
Dbvwt- Member
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Posts : 3212
Joined : 2018-10-04
Location : Aylesbury
Auto-Sleeper Model : Symbol
Vehicle Year : 2018
Bilbobaggins likes this post
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
I’m the complete opposite to Dbvwt: I always stay on hardstanding. If they slope from or to the access roadway so much the better because the Nuevo is tail-up on level ground, so I a use the slope if any to compensate for that tail-up.
I only use my wooden chocks to level near side to offside if really necessary - perhaps once a year, if that.
So to install a self levelling system would - for me - be an unnecessary expense and increased weight.
Cymro
I only use my wooden chocks to level near side to offside if really necessary - perhaps once a year, if that.
So to install a self levelling system would - for me - be an unnecessary expense and increased weight.
Cymro
Cymro- Donator
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Posts : 3711
Joined : 2011-06-05
Location : Caerdydd - Cardiff
Auto-Sleeper Model : Nuevo ES
Vehicle Year : 2015
Monty-Plym, Tinwheeler and Bilbobaggins like this post
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
There are other benefits of having levelling jacks like taking the load off tyres particularly when the van is out of use, getting under the van for maintenance, easier wheel removal, lifting the drive wheels to position grip mats under them and enhanced security. I am not suggesting that these alone are reasons for having levelling jacks but it helps justify their cost for regular levelling ramp and/or corner steady users. The HY4 will even measure the axle masses.
Caraman- Member
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Posts : 3879
Joined : 2019-04-19
Location : SALISBURY
Auto-Sleeper Model : Nuevo
Vehicle Year : 2019
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
Sailor,
You mentioned transferring the levelling system from one vehicle to another. This would have to be done by an installer for which there will be a cost. The Autolift4 has different installation kits for different vehicles. I don't know if this applies to all levelling systems. If it does it will be a further cost. On my installation the fitter shortened the main power cable to fit my battery location so this could be a problem if installing in a different vehicle. The Autolift4 has a small control panel fitted by the habitation door. I expect other systems are similar. This would have to be blanked off if it is removed. We are not planning to replace our Nuevo and when we eventually part with it, it will be with the levelling system which should make it easier to sell.
You mentioned transferring the levelling system from one vehicle to another. This would have to be done by an installer for which there will be a cost. The Autolift4 has different installation kits for different vehicles. I don't know if this applies to all levelling systems. If it does it will be a further cost. On my installation the fitter shortened the main power cable to fit my battery location so this could be a problem if installing in a different vehicle. The Autolift4 has a small control panel fitted by the habitation door. I expect other systems are similar. This would have to be blanked off if it is removed. We are not planning to replace our Nuevo and when we eventually part with it, it will be with the levelling system which should make it easier to sell.
Caraman- Member
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Posts : 3879
Joined : 2019-04-19
Location : SALISBURY
Auto-Sleeper Model : Nuevo
Vehicle Year : 2019
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
It is the best thing I have done!!.I had an E&P leveling system fitted to my Autosleeper Corinium,it stops the rocking and rolling that mhomes do on the supension,doors stay open and generally a more pleasent experience.No more arguments about not being level enough and having to move pitches.As for ease of use,just use the remote and all is done in less than 2 minutes or use the manule set up to get different angles etc,also has a setting to tilt the van for waste water empyting.As others have said makes wheel changing,getting under van etc so much easier.Not only that it is all just bolted to the chassis so is really easy to move to the next van if needed.Wouldn't be without one now.
Norris- Member
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Posts : 12
Joined : 2021-02-07
Location : Taunton Somerset
Auto-Sleeper Model : Corinium Duo
Vehicle Year : 2019
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
Previously, as a caravanner of many years we would often be intrigued and entertained watching the performance of some motorhomers trying to get their vehicles suitably positioned on various ramps as the partner - usually the wife - ran from front to rear issuing instructions and making a series of interesting hand signals that were entirely unintelligible to us observers.
We resolved that, if we were to purchase an MH, we would fit a system that we had seen occasionally levelling vehicles with ease.
12000 miles in and our HY4 has been fantastic. A touch of the button and we are level in seconds few. No sense of rocking when moving about inside or when a gale blows. Tip to the side to drain tanks if desired. Raise both rear rams to remove the spare wheel far more easily. Raise one corner to change a wheel. Raise all four fully for rare access underneath.
It was not cheap, but our sentiments are with Norris above and, of course, we are never the source of others' amusement!
We resolved that, if we were to purchase an MH, we would fit a system that we had seen occasionally levelling vehicles with ease.
12000 miles in and our HY4 has been fantastic. A touch of the button and we are level in seconds few. No sense of rocking when moving about inside or when a gale blows. Tip to the side to drain tanks if desired. Raise both rear rams to remove the spare wheel far more easily. Raise one corner to change a wheel. Raise all four fully for rare access underneath.
It was not cheap, but our sentiments are with Norris above and, of course, we are never the source of others' amusement!
Meldrew the 2nd- Member
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Posts : 5
Joined : 2024-10-03
Location : Castle Douglas
Auto-Sleeper Model : Winchcombe
Vehicle Year : 2022
Puddlejumper and Caraman like this post
Re: Automatic Levelling Systems
I have had two sets of Amplo levellers fitted. One to an Eldis, brilliant but sold the Eldis. Then to a hobby but then sold that after couple of months but have had them taken off ready to be fitted to the Broadway EL we have just bought. Amplo are £6000 but managed to do a deal for £5000. Yes, lot of money but worth every penny. No more stress trying to get on ramps, have watched people go over top and do damage, no more arguments and, most importantly, the best anti theft device ever. Cannot be moved once levellers are down. Would never be without them. Brilliant.
Lavender1- Member
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Posts : 8
Joined : 2023-03-01
Location : Lincoln
Auto-Sleeper Model : Broadway EL
Vehicle Year : 2022
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