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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: chuckdrum on November 09, 2016, 10:04:49 PM

Title: Leveling system?
Post by: chuckdrum on November 09, 2016, 10:04:49 PM
I'm thinking of getting an automatic hydraulic leveling system for my MC5.  I currently have adjustable air bags but they only give me a couple inches movement at best and are very slow to operate.  The Big Foot hydraulics look pretty impressive (and expensive).  Anyone have personal experience with those or any other brand?

Thanks!

Chuck
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: scanzel on November 10, 2016, 03:57:30 AM
I want the Big Foot too but the issue that comes up on many buses is that you need some really strong supporting structure on the bus to mount them to as they will need to support the weight of the bus when leveling. When in some rv parks I see some of the sticks & staples motorhomes with tires off the ground once leveled so they need to be mounted very good.
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: luvrbus on November 10, 2016, 05:04:38 AM
I have had 2-sets of HWH jacks on buses Eagles are a snap to install jacks on the MCI,GM and Prevost are a little harder requiring some engineering mixing the 2 systems 
You will get all kinds of opinions where to use a 3 point or 4 point leveling system and power up and down or power down and spring return.
I didn't care for the automatic system I had HWH change mine to the 4 lever operation,I did love my HWH 4 corner system it never gave me any problems but they were pricey    
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: rip on November 10, 2016, 05:21:23 AM
I have big foot levelers on my Previous for twelve years and love them.
Don
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: bigred on November 10, 2016, 06:37:10 AM
    I have the Three point Power Gear hyd. system on my American dream and the air leveling system on my Prevost and I can tell you right now that I am not a fan of the air system although I would think that you would have more than a couple of inches of travel.Mine has plenty of travel for leveling on a reasonably unlevel surface .My complaints are slow operation when I have to max out the air bags(a couple of inches it will do quickly)and the movement of the coach when the wife or the dog is moving around.When I put the jacks down on the dream ,that thing is rock solid but since Hyd .jacks are 8000.00 plus ,I guess I will deal with the air system
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: Utahclaimjumper on November 10, 2016, 07:58:31 AM
 I have the three point system on my American Tradition,,,with that system you have to be very carefull to level correctly ,,,or loose a windshield..  My jacks are rated at 16K each and are very effective.>>>Dan
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on November 10, 2016, 11:05:30 AM
I used to operate heavy equipment so this is what I plan to install on my Eagle when I get a chance. They allow more travel and really dig into the ground so if you are on a hard surface, your bus won't slide away as can happen with Big Foot or other regular bus leveling jacks.   ;D
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: Geoff on November 10, 2016, 12:16:29 PM
Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on November 10, 2016, 11:05:30 AM
I used to operate heavy equipment so this is what I plan to install on my Eagle when I get a chance. They allow more travel and really dig into the ground so if you are on a hard surface, your bus won't slide away as can happen with Big Foot or other regular bus leveling jacks.   ;D

They are also good for crushing beer cans.

--Geoff
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on November 10, 2016, 12:25:10 PM
Quote from: Geoff on November 10, 2016, 12:16:29 PM
They are also good for crushing beer cans.

--Geoff

Do you mean full or empty beer cans?  ;D
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: Fredward on November 10, 2016, 07:37:19 PM
General Comment:
No One would crush a full beer can.
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: dtcerrato on November 10, 2016, 08:08:05 PM
The commentator of an AA meeting might!
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: Oonrahnjay on November 11, 2016, 04:41:44 AM
Quote from: Fredward on November 10, 2016, 07:37:19 PMGeneral Comment:
No One would crush a full beer can.

      I do my best to empty them first.
Title: Re: Leveling system?
Post by: goutoe on November 11, 2016, 06:01:47 PM
I have a hydraulic  system it works very well, I can extend or  retract them all together or one at a time there are no return springs all are up and down actuated they work very well I'm sure I could raise the bus off the ground if needed I would probably need to chain the axle to the springs but could be done if needed, this was all done by the previous owner! >>>> John.