Class C's and auto levelers

[SarahW]

We are in the market for a new MH and are considering both Class C and small Class A (gasoline) coaches. We are finding that most of the Class C's we have seen do not include levelers. Is this pretty much the case with Class C coaches, and is it an issue?

We are new to the motor home/RV life, so I apologize if this is a dimwit question.

[baraff]

We seldom need to level our "C", we carry a few 2x12s to throw under a wheel if its really off-level. From some reason it doesn't seem as critical as it does with a TT. We were constantly leveling our TT when we had it.
That said, if we had an HWH system I wouldn't complain.

[wildtoad]

I have seen many Class C's with levelers so it can be done. I have had Class A's with and without levelers and much prefer them to blocks.

[JimM68]

Many class C's just don't have the weight capacity

[SarahW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68 Many class C's just don't have the weight capacity

I don't understand this comment. What does weight have to do with level? (Told ya I'm a dufus.)

[JimM68]

Sorry Sarah. I should have been more clear. Most "c's" use a Ford E450 chassis, with a max weight just over 14,000 pounds. Many are just too close to that max weight right when they are built, and just can't spare the 300 or so pounds that a leveling system wieghs. That is why these coaches don't come with jacks. It's also why you never see one with a powerstroke diesel, the diesel engine weighs too much.

Check the weight tag in the rig, then wiegh it on a truck scale to determine how much capacity the rig has. Then add in you, your family, and all your stuff, plus a full tank of gas, propane, and water. What's left is your remaining carrying capacity.

[SarahW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68 Sorry Sarah. I should have been more clear. Most "c's" use a Ford E450 chassis, with a max weight just over 14,000 pounds. Many are just too close to that max weight right when they are built, and just can't spare the 300 or so pounds that a leveling system wieghs. That is why these coaches don't come with jacks. It's also why you never see one with a powerstroke diesel, the diesel engine weighs too much. Check the weight tag in the rig, then wiegh it on a truck scale to determine how much capacity the rig has. Then add in you, your family, and all your stuff, plus a full tank of gas, propane, and water. What's left is your remaining carrying capacity.

That makes perfect sense; thanks so much for the explanation. I'm learnin'!!

[rvten]

We have an Aspect 29H with HWH auto leverlers. After weighing our MH. with full gas,propane and fresh water. Still have about 850#'s left in carry weight.

[The Shadow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68 ......... It's also why you never see one with a powerstroke diesel, the diesel engine weighs too much. .................

"Never" is not true. Triple E put our an E450 based C with the Ford diesel for several years and up to 2010. I'm fairly certain I've seen a couple of others with a diesel option. They are very rare though. I agree, however, on the weight issue. Many (in particular a 32 ft C with 2 or 3 slides) C's can't afford the weight taken up by the jacks. My recollection is that the Triple E diesel option was only on their shorter units.

We had levellers on our first Gas Class A, two DPs, a Super C (on Kodiak) but do not have them on our current E450 C. Frankly, we don't miss them. I put a stabilizer under each front cab door and that takes care of most of the rocking motion when people go in or out. We seem to have been lucky with RV park sites and most have been fairly level. We have, for several years, carried two sets of the yellow levelling blocks. With the previous 4 we had to use them under the jack feet occasionally. Now, we find we occasionally have to put one under each wheel on one side of the MH. This is not a big chore. It saves weight and also no worries about them not working - although we had no jack problems with our four previous MHs.

[gray ghost]

I am pretty much a newbie with our Impulse 31C. Our early experiences were in some CGs that were a pain to get anywhere near level in. I had a HWH system installed and like it a lot. Maybe I could have learned to compensate better if we had held off on buying the system, but I am glad we have it. We are full-timers now and it makes it a breeze to level up when we hit a spot to setup.

[Gma-n-Gpa]

We had HWH installed on our 2011 Greyhawk and are very happy. If i have to leave something out...i probably didn't need it anyway. The increased stability is worth the sacrifice. IMHO

[TXiceman]

We added HWH levelers to our 31' class C. One thing to watch closely on the larger class C is the weight. The HWH levelers add weight and may push you over the chassis GVWR.

Ken

[w6pea]

I put a set of these on my Jamboree 26Q.....Used them several times, they are more trouble than they are worth. If I could put a set of HWH I would but at almost $3500.00 bucks installed out the door....2x12 boards are a lot cheaper.



http://norcoind.com/bal/products/consumer/leveling_products
/LevelingSys%28SJ-1&2%29.pdf


If We Can't Haul It....You Don't Need It ! Motor-T

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvten We have an Aspect 29H with HWH auto leverlers. After weighing our MH. with full gas,propane and fresh water. Still have about 850#'s left in carry weight.

Does that also include the weight of all passengers, food, clothing and everything else you need to carry? If not then you're probably overweight when you hit the road!

I just used boards with our '97 Type C. When we got the '98 Type A it had levelers from the factory as have our other two DSDP's since then.