Another Big Foot Question

hockeytownmom · 01-24-2015, 01:35 PM

Automatic or Manual. That is the question. Pros/cons?

MeepMeep · 01-24-2015, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockeytownmom

Automatic or Manual. That is the question. Pros/cons?

Automatic - more towing capacity and ease of operation. When I was younger, rowing thru the gears was much fun, now not so much....today's automatics are so good, I really don't know why anyone would choose a manual, but to each his own

MrJoe · 01-24-2015, 02:37 PM

Talking about the Bigfoot levelers, I prefer to use mine manually. It tends to lift the tires off the ground in automatic.

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SkipnTerri · 01-24-2015, 02:42 PM

If you are talking Bigfoot levelers, automatic is easier to use and works in most campsites that are fairly level. The only time I would use manual would be just to stabilize versus level on a hilly spot.

Hoglou · 01-24-2015, 03:41 PM

Control method varies with me. But I can suggest a plastic box from wallyworld for the controller. It is clear plastic with a lid that has green latches. The box lid keeps the controller centered in the box. Made by sterile.

SkipnTerri · 01-24-2015, 03:49 PM

What's the purpose of the box? And where does the excess cable go?

hockeytownmom · 01-24-2015, 03:57 PM

We use mostly RV parks, so sites are typically level and I still level myself. I would use this mostly for stability.

Hoglou · 01-24-2015, 04:56 PM

I stow it and the cord behind the drivers seat, with other goodies. The box does what a the box is for, keeps it safe. I may lean a tad towards over organized, but everything in the coach has a home and a stowed condition. When I travel I like to know what I have and where it is at.

Werid, I know....

SkipnTerri · 01-24-2015, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoglou

I stow it and the cord behind the drivers seat, with other goodies. The box does what a the box is for, keeps it safe. I may lean a tad towards over organized, but everything in the coach has a home and a stowed condition. When I travel I like to know what I have and where it is at.

Werid, I know....

Assumed the box was for protection. Good idea especially with pets and youngsters. Don't know why FR couldn't find a place to mount it.

**bclemens** · 01-25-2015, 02:57 PM

We used to mount it in the dash area and Ford balked at that. When we were looking for a place we had a retail customer say it would be great if it was mounted on a cord so that if you needed to manually level the unit you watch them come own.

In the end, not many people do that apparently so we're just going to move the controls to the entry way where it is a cleaner look.

SkipnTerri · 01-25-2015, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

We used to mount it in the dash area and Ford balked at that. When we were looking for a place we had a retail customer say it would be great if it was mounted on a cord so that if you needed to manually level the unit you watch them come own.

In the end, not many people do that apparently so we're just going to move the controls to the entry way where it is a cleaner look.

That'll work! And I'm sure future buyers will be glad for it.

JimOneil43 · 01-25-2015, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

We used to mount it in the dash area and Ford balked at that. When we were looking for a place we had a retail customer say it would be great if it was mounted on a cord so that if you needed to manually level the unit you watch them come own.

In the end, not many people do that apparently so we're just going to move the controls to the entry way where it is a cleaner look.

Great, Brian. Do you know when that change will be phased into production?

**bclemens** · 01-25-2015, 04:29 PM

Its a running change. Some floor plans are already coming that way. Not sure which ones got done first.

wana65stang · 01-25-2015, 04:36 PM

Just my 2 cents worth, but I like to be able to stand outside with control box while doing manual level and look at side of MH.

paulmlac · 01-25-2015, 07:55 PM

Regarding auto or manual…

I have the 4 pump auto system done aftermarket at Quadra in Michigan.

After a couple years of use, if I had to redo, I probably would have opted for the 4 pump manual system (although, if I remember correctly, the 4 pump auto system was only a few bucks more versus the 4 pump manual system).

I'd definitely make sure to get 4 pumps vs 1 central pump. For one thing, there are fewer lines running underneath which can only be a good thing. Also, the warranty is better. 4 pump systems come with lifetime cylinder, 2 year parts, 1 year labor. Central pump systems come with 1 year parts & labor.

I find that the auto system tends to forget the "true" level. So you're either re-calibrating every so often or operating in manual mode.

Also agree with the poster above who said auto mode tends to raise the coach more than needed. So, per your comment above that this is mostly for stability vs leveling, I think operating in manual mode (regardless of whether you buy an auto system or not) may be best. Lower to the ground = more stability.

Hence, a 4 pump manual system is fine - unless, as I said, that it's just a few bucks more to upgrade to 4 pump auto system.

Hope all of this makes sense - if not, send me a note back.

P.S., I'm a former hockeytown-er

hockeytownmom · 01-25-2015, 08:34 PM

Thank you, that was very helpful! Mine also be done at Quadra, and I believe the difference is about a thousand dollars. But I've been looking at many RV things this weekend.

Once a hockeytowner, always a hockeytowner! lol

**bclemens** · 01-26-2015, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wana65stang

Just my 2 cents worth, but I like to be able to stand outside with control box while doing manual level and look at side of MH.

Yes, see there. Problem is, for the 1% that likes that and wants that, I have to explain it to the other 99% that think the corded location is stupid.

Sometimes you just need to let the current take you.

Kaadk · 01-26-2015, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

Yes, see there. Problem is, for the 1% that likes that and wants that, I have to explain it to the other 99% that think the corded location is stupid.

Sometimes you just need to let the current take you.

Easy solution, just make Bigfoot engineer a wireless remote for them. Then you could leave a cradle by the driver, but let it be take outside for those that want to watch.

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wana65stang · 01-26-2015, 09:14 AM

There you go, simple answer to cord problem. I'm sure FR buys enough Big Foot Levelers to have a voice in what they want.

wana65stang · 01-26-2015, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

Yes, see there. Problem is, for the 1% that likes that and wants that, I have to explain it to the other 99% that think the corded location is stupid.

Sometimes you just need to let the current take you.

Just for something to read check the sunseeker forum under big foot control box post

You can please some people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time

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