Community Forums

beeker6 · 11-29-2012, 08:59 PM

Hey everyone, been reading this site for awhile now, but finally I had a question that is something I cannot get answered without some help.

I am looking at putting hydraulic levelers on my class c. I have air bags on the back that does not have a compressor attached to them, just use an air chuck to fill them. I have been told by different people that I need to have an air dump and therefore need a compressor set up(or drop all the air out manually every time) in order to put hydraulic levelers on. Is this true or can I leave the psi in the airbags when I use the levelers?

I mean the compressor is another 500 dollars to put on with labor and parts, and I didn't really think I needed it as I check the tires on the rv every time we leave for a trip anyway and I carry a small portable compressor along for bike tires that I have used on occasion to fill the airbags when I have dumped them for getting level on a site, so I am really not sure if I want to spend the extra money.

Thanks in advance.

nightriderrv · 11-30-2012, 06:25 AM

I've put those levers on class C 's and left the bags just like it was your going to use the jacks to level only so I say your fine but I would like to hear what others think also. I'm sure there is pros and cons on this issue

clyon51 · 11-30-2012, 07:03 AM

When leveling, all you're really doing is lifting the frame a bit, taking weight off the suspension. For the life of me, I can't see how that would have any negative affect on the air bags.

rvten · 11-30-2012, 05:46 PM

Those air bags are for leveling. Have them on our class C. They are for ride and handling. Put whatever jacks you can afford on.

Big class A with air bags on all 4 need to dump the air.

Sparky1956 · 12-01-2012, 12:34 AM

I have air bags on my Winnebago Outlook and automatic levelers. I never dump my air bag air before leveling and have never had an issue. I run 35-55#'s depending on load.

I carry a small 12 volt compressor that gives me 75#'s of air in short order. Cost me $30 at Harbor Freight. Have had compressor for two years. Takes care of bicycle tires also. It weighs less than three pounds.

No need for $500 compressor.

G.T. · 12-01-2012, 10:46 PM

Hi everyone, I also don't feel a need for an extra air compressor for air bags, once I put 30 - 35 psi of air pressure it stays that way for months.
I never release the air from air bags when using hydraulic leveling system, the only thing you have to remember is not to lift the rear axle above ground, at this point you would lose your parking brake - it's very important with folding style jack systems.

On my 2001 Itasca 29n I use Ride-Rite Firestone air bags - rear only, and HWH leveling system - four corners.

beeker6 · 12-06-2012, 08:21 PM

I just ordered my Bigfoot levlers. They are suppose to be put on at the end of December. Pretty excited to see once how solid the coach is once they are up compared to nothing before other than blocks to back up onto. I went with the cheaper remote system rather than automatic since I don't think it will take much to level it once you have the system in place the extra $1,000 dollars will come in handy elsewhere. I also looked at Bulleyes electric jacks, but needed the scissors jacks and they were about $400.00 higher than this hydraulic system. The Bulleyes were automatic, but the repair shop had some reservations about going with flip down jacks compared to just a straight ram. Thanks again for your imput.

Lovin2Camp · 12-07-2012, 07:09 PM

Had my Bigfoots installed last Spring and LUV EM! I also passed on the Automatic and level with ease!!! Enjoy!

rvten · 12-07-2012, 08:53 PM

One of our friends had a Class A with folding jacks. When he was on an incline they used to fold up on him. Usually at night. Did not haave to be much of an incline either.

I have only had straight down on all my MH's.
Power Gear on one, than Big Foot on another one. Last two Winnies came with HWH.

G.T. · 12-08-2012, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvten

One of our friends had a Class A with folding jacks. When he was on an incline they used to fold up on him. Usually at night. Did not haave to be much of an incline either.

I have only had straight down on all my MH's.
Power Gear on one, than Big Foot on another one. Last two Winnies came with HWH.

This is possible only if there is hydrulic leak in the system.

beeker6 · 12-08-2012, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvten

One of our friends had a Class A with folding jacks. When he was on an incline they used to fold up on him. Usually at night. Did not haave to be much of an incline either.

I have only had straight down on all my MH's.
Power Gear on one, than Big Foot on another one. Last two Winnies came with HWH.

I got a pretty good chuckle out of that comment of folding jacks in the middle of the night. I image the 1st time would leave you wondering what the heck just happened. LOL

ga traveler · 12-08-2012, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G.T.

This is possible only if there is hydrulic leak in the system.

this is not true. HWH kick down jacks had a drive off feature. If you forgot to let them up and drove forward, they would fold up. However, if you brought the rear up enough to clear the ground, the park brake would not work and the coach will fall off the jacks. I have had it happen a half dozen times.

TXiceman · 12-08-2012, 08:29 AM

As long as you do not lift the rear wheels, the air bags on the back are fine. They are for leveling under load and not for leveling while parked. Put what ever leveling jacks you need on your C and enjoy them and do not listen to the people with class A air suspension rigs.

The folding HWH levelers work fine. But with any rig, ALWAYS chock at least one set of wheels.

Ken

G.T. · 12-08-2012, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga traveler

this is not true. HWH kick down jacks had a drive off feature. If you forgot to let them up and drove forward, they would fold up. However, if you brought the rear up enough to clear the ground, the park brake would not work and the coach will fall off the jacks. I have had it happen a half dozen times.

Yes you're right, but I already mentioned this above in the post #6