Quadra Mfg Big Foot level systems

[ChrisDParise]

Hi all,

Looking to get a leveling system installed on my 2006 Sunseeker 2860DS Ford E-450. I'll ditch my stabilizers that came from the factory. I suppose there's going to be a net increase in coach weight but I manage that on the CAT Scales.

Now 70, I can still level using blocks and Lego ramps but the results are never great and it's alot of work quite frankly especially with my newly diagnosed bone spurs in both knees. I hope to reduce the impact on my knees with a leveling system but ive read there's still a need to get my hands dirty with blocks if a site is way out of level even for a hydraulic system. So I am trying to be realistic about it.

Quadra is a short drive from my house in Wisconsin.

I've looked at their systems before. I may need their E-350 system based on some measurements I've done a few years ago but that aside I have questions on automatic vs manual (and if I can just do manual with an automatic), weld on vs bolt on, and central pump vs quad.

I've read that using the LevelMate Pro is a strategy to aid in manually leveling. I've read a bit about that too and it seems like a valuable piece of equipment to have.

Looking for some simple pros and cons to help with decision making.

TIA

Chris

[tpm64]

I have had a 4 pump Bigfoot system on an F53 for 17 years. This year was the first time I had to do anything to it (added some hydraulic fluid to 1 corner) and the control board has a flaw (but is not keeping us from using it).

It has been fantastic. I think the 4 pump system is best for its simplicity and robustness but I don't have any experience with the central pump.

The auto version has an incredibly accurate level built in. And you can use it in manual as well. I would not see any reason for another level.

Ask away with any more questions.

[NRR]

I put the manual system on the 2014 Leprichaun I had. Had a good experience with the company. They put the control panel where I wanted it.

[ChrisDParise]

Originally Posted by tpm64

I have had a 4 pump Bigfoot system on an F53 for 17 years. This year was the first time I had to do anything to it (added some hydraulic fluid to 1 corner) and the control board has a flaw (but is not keeping us from using it).

It has been fantastic. I think the 4 pump system is best for its simplicity and robustness but I don't have any experience with the central pump.

The auto version has an incredibly accurate level built in. And you can use it in manual as well. I would not see any reason for another level.

Ask away with any more questions.

Thank you


That's quite a testimonial! 17 years. Heck, I am hoping for a few more years!

I'd be guessing at reasons for 4 pumps simplicity and robustness. Could you explain that a little more?

I've read some systems aren't able to get level, maybe those are extreme instances of site terrain, resulting in failed attempts at leveling or the front wheels lifed off the ground (I've seen this at campgrounds). Maybe the reports I've read of this are over blown.

Did you ever have to use boards or blocks under the wheels to allow the jacks to get level?

Any thoughts on the Levelmate Pro?

Chris

[ChrisDParise]

Originally Posted by NRR

I put the manual system on the 2014 Leprichaun I had. Had a good experience with the company. They put the control panel where I wanted it.

Thanks

Was yours welded or bolted on? Any recommendations?

Did you ever have any front or rear axles lifted off the ground? Did you move the coach to a different location on the site or use blocks to get closer to level before using the jacks?

Glad you mentioned control panel location. Where was yours? Did they have a preferred place to put it?

I've seen systems on what looks like a stalk between the cab seats. I would much prefer on a wall. My convenience center panel is at chest height above the coach stair well on the wall next to the refrigerator.

Below that at floor level is the battery disconnect switch and immediately below on the exterior is the battery compartment.

So I was thinking they could fish the control panel wiring directly below to the 12v coach battery. It would look like a factory install imo.

[DbleDutch]

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

Thank you

Any thoughts on the Levelmate Pro?

Chris

We used the Levelmate Pro on our 25' Thor w/ a 20' full slide.
The slide would shift the coach about 1.5" when extended. Created havoc to level. The levelmate was set up to compensate for the shift and would give in inches the amount of blocking needed at each corner. For less than $200 we could level with the first try, once the slide was extended and set the stabilizers.
We liked the Bigfoot systems just not the $$$$.
Moved the Levelmate to our TT now and still love it.

[ChrisDParise]

Originally Posted by DbleDutch

We used the Levelmate Pro on our 25' Thor w/ a 20' full slide.
The slide would shift the coach about 1.5" when extended. Created havoc to level. The levelmate was set up to compensate for the shift and would give in inches the amount of blocking needed at each corner. For less than $200 we could level with the first try, once the slide was extended and set the stabilizers.
We liked the Bigfoot systems just not the $$$$.
Moved the Levelmate to our TT now and still love it.

Thanks for your thoughts. Seems like a practical tool.

Yes, the Bigfoot systems I am looking at are between $3600 and $4600 installed. My rv isn't worth more than $10000 but to replace it with something substantially newer or almost used is $60-90k. Not sure how many more years I'll be rvimg

I've spent alot keeping it well maintained and it's got more life to give

[NRR]

I have no idea if the jacks were welded on or not. I know they stayed put because one of them had a “jack up” switch that triggered fast and would vibrate to not up position every now and then at the beginning of the day. It was no big deal to just turn the control panel on and boot that jack up a skosh. It would never retrigger that day and hundreds of miles.

On my Leprechaun, on the left side as you entered there was the battery disconnect switch and the fuse box that was 1/3 the way up the wall. I asked and they put their control panel on the walkway wall that butted to the entrance wall. I think the panel was about 2.5’ off of the coach floor. Just mildly inconvenient.

Very important point here. You never want to lift the rear tires off of the ground, EVER.

On my asphalt driveway I always put 2x8s or 2x10s under the jack pads if they were used. One side of my drive is such that I did raise a front tire off of the ground once. But the camper normally stayed on the flatter side of the driveway. I did carry 2x10s traveling just incase there was an issue with soft soil/gravel.

Yep, 70 is a good time to consider a leveling system. I am a number of years past that now. But I think I was 73 when I decided to make my back happy.

BTW, the Quadra folks were really nice. The trip from Madison was nice. Except for the mess around Chicago. You get there and the next morning they do their thing. Then you drive home. I felt it was worth every penny of the $3k.

[John58]

I had a new Bigfoot system installed on our Leprechaun 2 years ago at the Quadra Factory. Drove up from Indianaplois spent the night and was back on the road by noon the next day. They are friendly and helpful. They give a complete walkthru of the system before you depart. Like @NRR I had the control panel installed just inside the door on the wall to the left.

[ChrisDParise]

Originally Posted by NRR

I have no idea if the jacks were welded on or not. I know they stayed put because one of them had a “jack up” switch that triggered fast and would vibrate to not up position every now and then at the beginning of the day. It was no big deal to just turn the control panel on and boot that jack up a skosh. It would never retrigger that day and hundreds of miles.

On my Leprechaun, on the left side as you entered there was the battery disconnect switch and the fuse box that was 1/3 the way up the wall. I asked and they put their control panel on the walkway wall that butted to the entrance wall. I think the panel was about 2.5’ off of the coach floor. Just mildly inconvenient.

Very important point here. You never want to lift the rear tires off of the ground, EVER.

On my asphalt driveway I always put 2x8s or 2x10s under the jack pads if they were used. One side of my drive is such that I did raise a front tire off of the ground once. But the camper normally stayed on the flatter side of the driveway. I did carry 2x10s traveling just incase there was an issue with soft soil/gravel.

Yep, 70 is a good time to consider a leveling system. I am a number of years past that now. But I think I was 73 when I decided to make my back happy.

BTW, the Quadra folks were really nice. The trip from Madison was nice. Except for the mess around Chicago. You get there and the next morning they do their thing. Then you drive home. I felt it was worth every penny of the $3k.

Great points and tips!

I think my next step is to measure the points under the drivers seat frame to know if I will need the e350 or e450 kit. Then I'd like to read their installation and owners manuals which I know I did a few years ago. Probably getting them installed late November or early December hopefully when the roads are clear from snow and ice - you know how it is in lower Wisconsin!

Yes, my left knee is confirmed bone spurs and now my right knee is almost as painful. Much brought on by remodeling a rental home this last year where I was on my knees alot, despite wearing knee pads

Not complaining just facing some facts. I've had L1S5 herniated disc's for 40 years now too. 95% of the time I am okay doing the hardest work. The other 5% is excruciating. So I've got that going for me too!


Comforting to know the Quadra people are good to deal with. I'd probably drive down the night before and use their 30 amp hookup. I am already winterized but I'll have a bed and warmth!

I'll keep you posted here.

Thanks again
Chris

[ChrisDParise]

Originally Posted by John58

I had a new Bigfoot system installed on our Leprechaun 2 years ago at the Quadra Factory. Drove up from Indianaplois spent the night and was back on the road by noon the next day. They are friendly and helpful. They give a complete walkthru of the system before you depart. Like @NRR I had the control panel installed just inside the door on the wall to the left.

Do you know if it was welded or bolted on?

Curious if you had the automatic or manual system and if automatic did you ever use the manual mode and how are the leveling results of each?

Happy to hear Quadra explains use and operation.

I'll probably do what you and NRR did with control panel placement.

I'll keep you posted here

Thanks
Chris

[tpm64]

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

Thank you


That's quite a testimonial! 17 years. Heck, I am hoping for a few more years!

I'd be guessing at reasons for 4 pumps simplicity and robustness. Could you explain that a little more?

I've read some systems aren't able to get level, maybe those are extreme instances of site terrain, resulting in failed attempts at leveling or the front wheels lifed off the ground (I've seen this at campgrounds). Maybe the reports I've read of this are over blown.

Did you ever have to use boards or blocks under the wheels to allow the jacks to get level?

Any thoughts on the Levelmate Pro?

Chris

I like the 4 pump system for several reasons:

Each pump runs 1/4 the time of a central system. It may not matter but I think it's better.

No long hydraulic lines to damage or require bleeding.

Up or down is a 12 volt signal, a solenoid, and the pump. If it were to fail it would be very simple to diagnose. I believe this simplicity is a why mine has gone 17 years without any maintenance. ( Other than spraying the cylinders with silicone every few months)

When retracting all pumps run at full speed simultaneously.

When I am on a spot that the front tires may leave the ground I usually let automatic do it's job. If the rears might lift I do it manually. If it's obviously extremely pitched I will drive up on boards and then level. I need boards under the jacks also in this case. I've done this twice in 17 years.

Once the jacks are down the MH is rock steady. Slides in or out don't affect level at all.

[John58]

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

Do you know if it was welded or bolted on?

Curious if you had the automatic or manual system and if automatic did you ever use the manual mode and how are the leveling results of each?

Happy to hear Quadra explains use and operation.

I'll probably do what you and NRR did with control panel placement.

I'll keep you posted here

Thanks
Chris

I have not used the manual mode and never had any issues with automatic mode. i have a bubble level in the cockpit and when using the auto mode the bubble is always centered. If it's off it is not noticeable. Our jacks are bolted on..

[ChrisDParise]

Originally Posted by tpm64

I like the 4 pump system for several reasons:

Each pump runs 1/4 the time of a central system. It may not matter but I think it's better.

No long hydraulic lines to damage or require bleeding.

Up or down is a 12 volt signal, a solenoid, and the pump. If it were to fail it would be very simple to diagnose. I believe this simplicity is a why mine has gone 17 years without any maintenance. ( Other than spraying the cylinders with silicone every few months)

When retracting all pumps run at full speed simultaneously.

When I am on a spot that the front tires may leave the ground I usually let automatic do it's job. If the rears might lift I do it manually. If it's obviously extremely pitched I will drive up on boards and then level. I need boards under the jacks also in this case. I've done this twice in 17 years.

Once the jacks are down the MH is rock steady. Slides in or out don't affect level at all.

Great stuff.

Exactly the kind of input I was looking for. 4 pumps seem to be the way to go. Since I suspect I may need the e350 kit I hope the quad is available

Thank you

Chris