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05-19-2019, 05:04 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 40
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Using blocks with auto level system
I have a 2008 Fleetwood Southwind with an automatic leveling system. A few times when I have tried to level, after a few minutes of trying, the system will start beeping and one or more of the "Front, Left, Rear, or Right" lights will start flashing. Can I use blocks under one or more of the jacks to help in the leveling process? Also can I use the flashing lights to tell me which jacks are not able to extend far enough to get the RV level?
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05-19-2019, 05:34 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Warren, Oregon
Posts: 2,559
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I don't see a problem using blocks under your jacks to help if needed to get it level. Most place say you need jack pads to help with the weight foot print.
I have air leveling and love it.
2 stroker
__________________
2006 Country Coach Inspire 360 40ft Genoa Designer Series, Samsung 197 RR
Cat C9--STEEL & COPPER Bolt Together Radiator w/ updated rubber mounting
SilverLeaf 330 Magnum 2812 PSW 2011 Ford Edge Sport-Air Force One
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05-19-2019, 05:40 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Frankfort, KY
Posts: 1,906
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I don't know your setup exactly but in general, absolutely yes, you can use blocks under the jacks. If you do use blocks, you don't want your rear tires off the ground because of the brakes. I will allow the fronts off the ground a bit but always chuck the tires (most of the time though, I will put a block or two under the tire.
In regards to the flashing lights. On my rig it will tell me what corner is the issue by flashing. When that happens I will use my blocks under that jack and normally under the tire as well. I just don't like tires off the ground with no traction, front or back.
Here is something similar to what I bought. Seem to work well after 7 months.
__________________
Scott and Deanna
2014 Tiffin Allegro Bus 45LP
Home base - Polk City, FL
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05-19-2019, 05:47 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,513
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Sure you can use blocks, many do. The downhill side is where they're needed, no need to refer to the lights.
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Newmar Ventana 4037, 2023.
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05-19-2019, 07:17 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,123
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We use them under the Jack's and the wheels as needed
__________________
2020 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax
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05-19-2019, 09:06 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Zebulon, NC
Posts: 5,208
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Yes you can use blocks. Some buy the plastic leggo blocks, some use cut lumber ( ) some use horse stall mats, and some use mats designed for heavy lifters (re heavy $$). Above all, you need to learn your system and how manually operate it, plus have a back up method for acquiring level.
BTW, don't ever get a wheel off the ground when leveling or you will surely die. If your tires are more than 7 years old and you get a wheel off the ground while leveling, please camp on the otherside of America as I don't want to be close to that lightning strike and ensuing earthquake.
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Kelly and Jerry Powell with Halo (Lethal White Aussie), Nash the Rat Terrorist, and now Reid, the "Brindle we have no idea puppy"
2020 Grand Design Solitude 390RK-R
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05-19-2019, 09:44 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: LaBarque Creek, MO
Posts: 290
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ThePowells
BTW, don't ever get a wheel off the ground when leveling or you will surely die. If your tires are more than 7 years old and you get a wheel off the ground while leveling, please camp on the otherside of America as I don't want to be close to that lightning strike and ensuing earthquake.
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Well that pretty much sums up several scary myths.
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2008 Newmar Dutch Star
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05-19-2019, 09:46 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: So Cal Wine Country
Posts: 702
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I do a quick manual level check when a site is clearly not level, then add extra blocks on the low corners before starting the leveling process. The less the jacks have to extend, the better. The site we're in right now is gravel and needed three inches of blocks on the right front and right rear, but that potentially allows the rear wheels to raise slightly off the ground, so I had to check to make sure that didn't happen. In situations like this I use thin cutting boards under the opposite side jacks.
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Bill
2014 Newmar Ventana 4037, XCR Tag Axle, Cummins ISL, All-electric
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05-19-2019, 10:00 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brandss
I don't know your setup exactly but in general, absolutely yes, you can use blocks under the jacks. If you do use blocks, you don't want your rear tires off the ground because of the brakes. I will allow the fronts off the ground a bit but always chuck the tires (most of the time though, I will put a block or two under the tire.
In regards to the flashing lights. On my rig it will tell me what corner is the issue by flashing. When that happens I will use my blocks under that jack and normally under the tire as well. I just don't like tires off the ground with no traction, front or back.
Here is something similar to what I bought. Seem to work well after 7 months.
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My last rig crushed those blocks. Present rig has air only leveling. Works great.
__________________
2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
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05-20-2019, 02:04 AM
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#10
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"Formerly Diplomat Don"
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Moorpark, Ca.
Posts: 23,922
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"arnold931"....Use the blocks....after a while, you'll get good at seeing what the coach needs in terms of wheel ramps and jack blocks before yo even try to auto level.
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Don & Mary
2019 Newmar Dutch Star 4018 (Freightliner)
2019 Ford Raptor
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05-20-2019, 05:32 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Keeseville ny
Posts: 648
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I always put 16” square blocking under all 4 jacks. They are4” thick. The less your jacks have to extend the less movement.
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