Community Forums

harryc · 09-09-2014, 01:53 PM

I was looking at an automatic leveler system for my 40 foot 5er. There are both 4 and 6 point options but either one is good for my weight. I was wondering if the extra 2 legs are worth the extra cost. It must help in taking the bounce out when walking around inside but is it worth the extra weight and extra complexity in the controller?

jesilvas · 09-09-2014, 01:58 PM

For factory options, that trailer would have been the 6point due to it's length and weight.

glennwest · 09-09-2014, 02:58 PM

Depends on the strength of the frame. New Horizons builds some of the best there is. Many are 4 levelers. The frame is super strong though and don't give with this. That is with 45' too. Reason you see so many 6 point is the frame flexes on them and they have to.

Terry Jay · 09-09-2014, 03:16 PM

Note that 2 of the six are the landing gear.

Road Ranger · 09-09-2014, 03:55 PM

I have a 39' Open Range 5th wheel (actually for sale right now at 38 5th wheel RV w extended warranty - Castanet Classifieds ) and it has the 4-point auto level system. The rear posts are just behind the 2nd axle. The stiffening system at the four corners worked well enough for us to get rid of the movement of us walking around the RV. I bought two scissor jacks to try them out but I never felt the need to use them.

JayC · 09-10-2014, 08:01 AM

We have the four point levelers with the electric stabilizer in the rear and it works very well. All newer units come with the six point now but we are happy with what we have.

glennwest · 09-10-2014, 09:41 AM

Not all of them. The mass produced are.

wingedone · 09-10-2014, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennwest

Depends on the strength of the frame. New Horizons builds some of the best there is. Many are 4 levelers. The frame is super strong though and don't give with this. That is with 45' too. Reason you see so many 6 point is the frame flexes on them and they have to.

I don't buy this at all. DRV is a top name and well known for their construction. They use a 6 point.

We like our 6 point very much.

Adam Hunter · 09-10-2014, 09:01 PM

Harry,

Don't let anyone tell you that their trailer is rigid enough to only require 4 levellers and that everything else is garbage because they need 6.

Our last unit was a 42' motorhome with a frame heavier than most of the fifthwheels mentioned, it levelled with 10 airbags and yes it flexed too, and was priced way above some of the units mentioned in this thread!

Unless you buy a unit with a monocoque chassis/frame - they all flex!

Get something that works for you.

Adam.

Dasmoeturhead · 09-10-2014, 09:10 PM

6 point works for us.

Cumminsfan · 09-10-2014, 11:28 PM

Considering that most of a 5'ers weight is carried on the axles then having two jacks right behind the wheels would seem to be enough for flex purposes. Having two more at the rear would further add stability and allow the two at the axles to be moved in front of the axles. Just having 4 should be adequate in most cases. 6pt leveling is just better, but not totally necessary.

glennwest · 09-11-2014, 07:12 AM

I stand by what I posted. Go to New Horizons site and you will see. They lift all axles off ground with 4. DRV chassis is not as stiff as NH. I seriously doubt DRV needs 6. Customers believe this and demand this.

JohnBoyToo · 09-11-2014, 07:26 AM

As stated we do live in Amerika-ish and you can get what you want (so far)

but, even with the 6 point I find the LONG overhang out back allows some bounce when us heavy walkers pound around (not necessarily heavy people - just hard walkers !)

So I spent $30 or so on this 2 minute addition for the rear that dampers the jiggles !

Jack Mayer · 09-11-2014, 06:44 PM

Generally, the 6-point are used when there is too much flex in the frame. Marketing will tell you that it stabilized the coach better. I have not seen any data that supports this, and when walking back and forth between a 43' DRV and a a 42' New Horizons that were side by side I did not notice any difference that could be felt. That was jumping around in them....

All of them will still move some - 4 or 6. It just depends on how sensitive to movement you are. Bottom line - they both work. The 4-point will lift the rig off the ground if the frame is sufficient....NH, Teton, older Carriage...all can be lifted off the ground. Safely.