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Old 05-02-2016, 01:02 PM   #1
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Auto Leveling is it worth it?

I found a Crusader 2012 model 290 but it has the Real power stabilizers not the 4 point auto leveling system.

Just wondering if what ppl have and if the auto leveling units are worth that much more bc I can get this one that is clean and setup how I like for $5K less then say a 2013/2014?


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Old 05-02-2016, 01:10 PM   #2
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It's a personal decision.


Having said that, I do not know of one single person that regrets getting a camper with a auto-leveling system (some folks call it the "Camp" button )
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Old 05-02-2016, 01:16 PM   #3
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Quote:
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It's a personal decision.


Having said that, I do not know of one single person that regrets getting a camper with a auto-leveling system (some folks call it the "Camp" button )

X100 what he says 😊⬆️⬆️⬆️


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Old 05-02-2016, 01:21 PM   #4
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It sure is nice to grab a beer, hit a button and watch it do its thing.
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Old 05-02-2016, 01:30 PM   #5
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Frankly, I have had both and consider the auto system somewhat wasteful of jack extension. My old MH didn't have slides so all I was levelling for was the propane powered reefer. My 335 has two slides and I am a little OCD about getting it level before I extend the slides. I look for level sites and also have a inexpensive Home depot two axis level so I can see what is going on. The auto level seems to overextend the jacks which can result in the wheels coming off the ground. I find that when I level with it manually I get better results with far less jack extension. It is really nothing to decide how to do it from the bubble levels.

Bottom line, I could do without auto levelling...and generally do! It certainly ain't worth 5 grand! If you can figure out how a bubble level works...don't even sweat it.
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Old 05-02-2016, 02:26 PM   #6
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Frankly, I have had both and consider the auto system somewhat wasteful of jack extension. My old MH didn't have slides so all I was levelling for was the propane powered reefer. My 335 has two slides and I am a little OCD about getting it level before I extend the slides. I look for level sites and also have a inexpensive Home depot two axis level so I can see what is going on. The auto level seems to overextend the jacks which can result in the wheels coming off the ground. I find that when I level with it manually I get better results with far less jack extension. It is really nothing to decide how to do it from the bubble levels.

Bottom line, I could do without auto levelling...and generally do! It certainly ain't worth 5 grand! If you can figure out how a bubble level works...don't even sweat it.

I have been leveling all my trailers with bubble levels but Primetime only put in 4 way Auto Leveling systems in 2013-2017 not older units so the 5th wheel I am looking at has power front legs but only those power X stabilizer jacks in the rear they are independent of the front jacks. I did not want to spend $4,000 on an auto leveling system unless it was hydraulic?


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Old 05-02-2016, 04:25 PM   #7
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We have the 4 point electric on our fiver, my last camper was a travel trailer with manual stabilizers. I like being able to hit a button and start hooking up hoses while it levels. It also remembers the hitch height and makes hooking back up a breeze. It also makes the camper very steady. It just depends if you want to spend the money. I will not buy another one without it but that's just me.


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Old 05-02-2016, 06:51 PM   #8
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I've got it on our Crusader and would never be without it again. Press the auto-level, connect electric, water and sewer if necessary. Done!
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Old 05-02-2016, 07:01 PM   #9
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Totally 100% worth it for me. While not a deal breaker it is a very close one. Roll in, drop rig, hit button. Yup.

For a 5K hit though, no. Also IMHO not something I'd pay a lot for after the fact. Especially not close to 5K.

Hard choice if you are going used. Many other factors to consider.
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Old 05-02-2016, 07:22 PM   #10
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My last class A had HWI joystick and four jacks. Took a few minutes but I thought they were very strong and completely adequate.

My XLR 415AMP has automatic leveling with six jacks. After "teaching" the unit what I think level is (level on bottom of freezer) I push the button, the entire camper dances up and down a bit and it's done. Way cool.
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Old 05-02-2016, 07:26 PM   #11
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On a motorhome, I don't know if you can get without. For a fifth, IMO, one more thing to go wrong.
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Old 05-02-2016, 07:31 PM   #12
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I've got a 14 crusader 315 and wouldn't be without it. Best thing they've came up with yet in my opinion.
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Old 05-02-2016, 07:36 PM   #13
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My thought would be depends on your camping.
If you camp frequently then yes it is.
If your a seasonal camper like myself then the auto level is rarely used, once again like myself.
We use ours twice a year, mind you I really do like the ALS.

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Old 05-02-2016, 07:49 PM   #14
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I have the Lippert Ground Control 3.0 electric 4 point system on a 2016 35' 5er. I would never ever ~~ not ever ~~ be without it. I keep a 2x8 for the ground and adjust with plastic blocks so no leg has to over extend. Rarely does one extend more than 6". Usually ends at 0.01 degree off both tilt and angle. Auto-level YES, power stabilizers I'd not bother with.
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Old 05-02-2016, 07:56 PM   #15
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I found it crosses into "worth it" territory at about age 60, and increases in value every year after.
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Old 05-02-2016, 08:09 PM   #16
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I found it crosses into "worth it" territory at about age 60, and increases in value every year after.
Yep, ain't that the truth.
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Old 05-02-2016, 08:13 PM   #17
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I found it crosses into "worth it" territory at about age 60, and increases in value every year after.
You may have a point ~~ 68 in less than a week,
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Old 05-02-2016, 08:29 PM   #18
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"Is auto leveling worth it" is a bear drawn to honey ... does bark protect a tree ... does the sun rise in the East ... hell yeah! I too fought the auto level option boasting of how well I could just haul some 2X8's around and save that money for diesel fuel. Then I bought my Silverback with the auto level ... easy peezy press the button and watch it work its magic ... no more "spirited" conversations with the better half while leveling manually.
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Old 05-02-2016, 08:34 PM   #19
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Perhaps we have a terminology issue here. I have always had hydraulic levelers, just not automatic ones. Would I work with jacks and timbers...no way. Do I need it to decide when I am level? Not that important.
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Old 05-02-2016, 08:51 PM   #20
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"Do I need it to decide when I am level? Not that important. "
I bet your fridge just loves you to death ...
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