Community Forums

Jeff78 · 08-25-2019, 02:09 PM

I've heard that there are pro's and con's to having auto-levelers on a 5th wheel. Been looking at upgrading from a travel trailer to a 5th, and was wondering about the auto-levelers. Your thoughts?

JRS950 · 08-25-2019, 02:31 PM

Jeff, I have hydraulic leveling on my 5th and it is fantastic. The hitch height feature is so easy to use for hooking up when you are ready to leave. The system "remembers" the height you used to unhook and takes the front end up to that height.
When you are ready to level, just have your truck clear because the front end needs to seek low point the raise up and start the front to back level , the it does side to side.
Anytime you want you can reset the zero point level.
So easy to use.

uncledon · 08-25-2019, 02:48 PM

Agree with JSR, auto level is a great addition to the fiver. The "hitch height" mode, however only works if the leveling requires the system to lower in order to level the rig. It's a safety thing. If unhook position is lower than level, the "hitch height" will not perform.

K_n_L · 08-25-2019, 03:14 PM

It was one feature that was a must have for me when we were shopping and 2 + years on, no regrets. I have been able to service a hub issue while traveling and do bearing service at home with no jacks or worries. No carrying boards for side to side leveling anymore. With bluetooth phone connectivity at hitch time I can raise or lower the nose as needed from the truck to hitch up. From all the forum posts I've seen over the years, issues with the systems seem low (relative to other rv items). I seen issues where the auto-level may not be spot on but that is easy to address manually or via a system re-program. Ours is 6 jack all hydraulic system btw.

1960C182 · 08-25-2019, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff78

I've heard that there are pro's and con's to having auto-levelers on a 5th wheel. Been looking at upgrading from a travel trailer to a 5th, and was wondering about the auto-levelers. Your thoughts?

I will NEVER have another RV without auto level. I had it added to ours . What cons, only pro's for my thinking.

JDT · 08-25-2019, 03:55 PM

It makes leveling so easy even a cave man could do it. The absolute best feature on my fifth wheel.

Povo · 08-25-2019, 04:43 PM

Unfortunately, the 2016 AF that we bought didn’t come with it. I wish it had and it seems most new rigs have it as standard equipment, including the new AF models. I considered adding it as I have no intention of trading ours in, but to the tune of $3000-$3500 I think I’ll keep using my Anderson levelers for the time being.

jacknife · 08-25-2019, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Povo

Unfortunately, the 2016 AF that we bought didn’t come with it. I wish it had and it seems most new rigs have it as standard equipment, including the new AF models. I considered adding it as I have no intention of trading ours in, but to the tune of $3000-$3500 I think I’ll keep using my Anderson levelers for the time being.

Only way to go . I have had them on my 13 from day one not a problem. Just remember to never over extend them.

uncledon · 08-25-2019, 05:19 PM

I have had a couple situations when I first got our new Bighorn where I had the 6 pt. hydraulic levelers max out but the system alerted me to the fact and recovery was no problem. What issues did ou have? I have since become educated to the system and carry sets of 10x10x4" blocks that I position under the leveler feet that will extend the farthest to limit travel
This makes the rig more stable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacknife

Just remember to never over extend them.

Encmerk · 08-25-2019, 06:31 PM

The self leveling system was a must have on our new fiver. Very pleased with the system and wish my 2013 TT would have had it. Might still be in that instead of the 5th wheel.... Nah!

2Yung2 Quit · 08-25-2019, 06:36 PM

And here I thought everyone had them. I love the leveling system. I don't know of any con's.

tuffr2 · 08-25-2019, 08:58 PM

6 point auto hydraulic leveling is the bee's knees. Traveling I had a blow out. I was able to lift the right side tires off the ground and remove the wheel/tire and put on the spare.

My 5th wheel was a 2011. That was probably the 1st year it was used. It really is a good option to have

Now the downside - my control panel was finicky. I would hit the "on" button and it would not come on. I had to monkey with it to turn on. This problem seemed to get worse to the point I was going to replace it but I traded the 5th wheel in.

n0mad · 08-25-2019, 10:36 PM

I'll never have another RV without it - it saves so much time/stress/headache. We love it.

jimcumminsw · 08-26-2019, 08:42 AM

We have this feature on our Cedar Creek and my DW does the leveling process, as I pull the truck away from the trailer. This is the easiest system to use to insure that the trailer is level.

One cautionary note that I would suggest, is to make sure you have blocking such as the plastic Lego style pads or and wood under the hydraulic rams first. I have notice that when the rams are extremely extend that the trailer will rock when you walk inside the trailer. When the rams are not extended very far the trailer seems more stable. I usually place about 4-1/2" of wood under the front rams and then three Lego pads in height. under the 4 rear hydraulic rams when setting up. This tends to keep the rams at the right length for trailer stability inside when walking around.