Auto leveling system questions

[cbconway]

I'm getting on in years and am considering adding an aftermarket automatic leveling system to my Flagstaff 5th wheel (see signature). After reading posts in this forum, it seems that Lippert and Bigfoot are the most popular brands. I'd like some opinions re the following questions:

What are the pros and cons of hydraulic vs. electric, especially durability and reliability?

Are there particular brand advantages/disadvantages?

Are 6 pt systems better than 4 pt (I'm 32 ft long -- about 9200 lb gross)?

Automatic vs. manual systems?

Thanks!

[cbvp]

IMHO
Go with the 6pt automatic.


I have the 6pt LCI automatic level up on my 2013 Cedar Creek.

There's no way I'd have a trailer without.


C.B.

[W5CI]

But is the over $4000 Price tag worth it, not to me

[cbvp]

Originally Posted by W5CI

But is the over $4000 Price tag worth it, not to me

To a 71 year old with double knee replacement and two torn rotators.


ABSOLUTELY YES!!!!!!!!!!!


C.B.

[hbillsmith]

I have the LCI Ground Control 3.0 electric system. On a trailer your length, the factory only does 4 legs. Your front 2 (which are already electric anyway) they add 2 middle legs just behind and not too far from the back tires and lastly they install 2 electric stabilizer jacks at the usual location a couple of feet or so from the rear bumper.

The LCI auto panel takes care of doing the level with the 4 controlled legs and then you walk to the back and drop the 2 stabilizers.

If you are doing it after market and you have manual stabilizers at the rear, I am not sure if they just don't go with a six controlled legs.

My LCI Ground Control 3.0 was installed at the factory and the dealer charged me $1,395.

It works well with occasional hiccups like sometimes it gets confused and has be do a "Retract All" option so that it can reset itself. No big deal really, it just adds about 10 minutes or so to the setup. I carry a level in the trailer and sometimes I disagree with the final result (say the bathroom door isn't closing right and I find the front bedroom is too high for instance) and it's easy to just go to the LCI control panel, select manual mode, and retract or extend a bit to my satisfaction.

I ordered the Auto Level on a whim when we bought the trailer. Having had it now for a year, I would never be without it. Its convenient, adds stability to the trailer, makes setup and tear down a breeze.

[oldsmasma]

Our 28' motorhome came with HWH hydraulic 4 pt levelling. This is our first rig with levellers and as others have said we'll never be without them. Keeps us old folks on the road (4 cardiac stents for DH and 2 new knees for me.

[wfwilson]

I am also 71 and given choice I would no own a trailer without leveling system. I had levels attached and actually prefer to manually level
Good luck
Wayne

[Dutch & Di]

Us too. We've been full timing for 20 years and in 2010 we added the Bigfoot automatic leveling system to our RV and just love it. We have the four point system and where 38 foot long. In my opinion you should be fine with the point system but it's my understanding that it depends on the thickness of your frame. With a heavier frame you only need the 4 pt system. The age of leveling your rig with the touch of a button it is well worth it in our opinion we're very happy with ours. Hugs, Di

[CaptnJohn]

I'm a little longer (35' vs 32') and heavier loaded (11,500 vs 9000) and have the LCI Ground Control 3.0 system. It is a 4 point system and would have nothing else.


Mentioned above ~ need to 'retract all'. After 2nd time I called LCI and was told if front or rear legs were 4" or more different length that will happen. I put plastic or wood blocks under each leg before dropping so if 1 looks to go much farther I add and extra block or 2. Has not happened since. I have called LCI 3 times with questions. Once a guy had no clue, called back and another answered question correctly answered. They are generally good.


I'm 68 but wish I had enough sense to get this 30 years ago.

[cbconway]

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

I'm a little longer (35' vs 32') and heavier loaded (11,500 vs 9000) and have the LCI Ground Control 3.0 system. It is a 4 point system and would have nothing else.


Mentioned above ~ need to 'retract all'. After 2nd time I called LCI and was told if front or rear legs were 4" or more different length that will happen. I put plastic or wood blocks under each leg before dropping so if 1 looks to go much farther I add and extra block or 2. Has not happened since. I have called LCI 3 times with questions. Once a guy had no clue, called back and another answered question correctly answered. They are generally good.


I'm 68 but wish I had enough sense to get this 30 years ago.

Does the Ground Control 3.0 system remember the hitch settings? Do the front legs operate independently or do you have to adjust them -- like when they came from the assembly line? I'm trying to understand how the electric system differs from the hydraulic. I already have the rear electric stabilizer jacks, so maybe the 4 point is better.

[hbillsmith]

GC3 does remember settings. You do have the option of adjusting in pairs or individually. The user manuals are available on the LCI website. Also, check out their youtube videos.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by cbconway

Does the Ground Control 3.0 system remember the hitch settings? Do the front legs operate independently or do you have to adjust them -- like when they came from the assembly line? I'm trying to understand how the electric system differs from the hydraulic. I already have the rear electric stabilizer jacks, so maybe the 4 point is better.

It will recall where you unhitched from. All 4 legs can be operated independently but have not yet found a reason to use that feature. Stabilizer jacks are meant to stabilize the camper after you have it level with 2x6s or blocks. The auto-level takes that out of the equation ~~ it levels and stabilizes with the push of 1 button.

[RubyDually]

Ground Control 3.0 owners manual

[RubyDually]

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

All 4 legs can be operated independently but have not yet found a reason to use that feature.

When I repacked the bearings I used the rear jacks independently to take a lot of the weight off the axles and then used a floor jack with little effort to finish raising each wheel one at a time.

[Dinostop]

I just had the LCI factory install my 6 point hydraulic system "after market" got last years rally price. Ended up being close to the same as the 6 point ground control system. Entire system was about $4,000 installed did not void any warranties. I do love only 4 hours from the factory though. I love the system and would not go without it again and I'm in my 30's. My camper is 42' and levels in about a minute.


Eastlake, Ohio
2013 F-350 Turbo Diesel
2016 Heritage Glen 368rlbh

[TURBS]

I dont think you can add a 6 point to a flagstaff 5th wheel "frame" isnt heavy enough.
A member here had it installed on his flagstaff and they had to add sooo much bracing that they said they'd not do it again.
Be warned.

Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk

[Dinostop]

At lease for the Ground Control 3.0 system the manual talks about length being a consideration as well as weight. My Heritage Glen is under weight for a 6 point system but over length for a 4 point system. Best way to determine that is call Lippert. Also I have attached a link their manual that talks about how to determine if a 6 point or 4 point system is right for you. Again after talking to Lippert I ultimately decided on the 6 point hydraulic system myself.
http://www.lci1.com/assets/content/s...ual_EDITED.pdf



Eastlake, Ohio
2013 F-350 Turbo Diesel
2016 Heritage Glen 368rlbh

[cbconway]

Originally Posted by TURBS

I dont think you can add a 6 point to a flagstaff 5th wheel "frame" isnt heavy enough.
A member here had it installed on his flagstaff and they had to add sooo much bracing that they said they'd not do it again...

Yes, I was afraid that might be the case. I just hope a 4 point system is available. Thanks!