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11-25-2019, 07:22 AM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Woodland
Posts: 4
M.O.C. #11845
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Do auto levelers really work?
I am considering a new Montana. Currently own a 2011, 3150RL Hickory edition that is still like new inside but suffering outside body, molding, etc.
I am seeking opinions on the auto leveling that seems to come on everything today. That and two air conditioners. Although set up and equipped for two, we have never added the second one and have suffered too many hot summers cooling with just one.
But, from what I have read and heard, the auto levelers and second air are going to add nearly 2,000 lbs to the unit. We want a smaller trailer similar to our 3150RL, (11,100lbs empty) and are towing with a 2008, Ford F250 super duty diesel.
1. Is the auto leveling good and worth the money?
2. Anyone know if my Super Duty will handle the load?
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11-25-2019, 07:48 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Six point hydraulic system is great, and will be a must have on any future RV we get. Since you are towing your current fiver with a 250 diesel and moving to a smaller RV, seems you are fine. Final decision would be driven by what your replacement rv is and how much weight is involved.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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11-25-2019, 08:06 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,978
M.O.C. #20477
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Welcome to the forum!
Hydraulic levelers work great but have heard issues on the electric ones. Maybe its time to upgrade your truck or luck for a different brand lighter trailer.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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11-25-2019, 08:29 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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The 6 point hydraulic system has worked perfectly on our 13 3402 that is once you understand how it works.
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11-25-2019, 08:32 AM
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#5
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Grants pass
Posts: 24
M.O.C. #23531
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The auto leveling system is fantastic! Set up is a breeze.
__________________
2014 331RLT Mountaineer. 6 point Lippert Hydraulic levelors, Sailun tires, Winneguard Traveler antenna, MorRyde pin box. 2019 Chevy 1 Ton SRW, 4WD, long bed, B&W Patriot hitch.
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11-25-2019, 08:58 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,503
M.O.C. #23668
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Ours are the electric levelers, not hydraulic, but so far so good. Seems like most of the issues/error messages with the electric ones are due to voltage drop. I just make sure I'm connected to shore power before I try to Auto Level and it works every time.
I see auto levers as a "nice-to-have". I've leveled trailers for many years without them so not having them wouldn't ruin my vacation. However, I've got to say that now that I've used them...I love having them. It simplifies set up and the backing in and out onto blocks to get it perfect.
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana HC 305RL / HW Progressive EMS
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 DRW / Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
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11-25-2019, 09:10 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Sequim
Posts: 539
M.O.C. #17176
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As others have said i wont buy another unit without leveling system. I would say there worth there weight in gold.
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Dan & Sandy Huhn
2016 Montana 3720 2015 Chevy 3500 SWD Duro Max
Prev 2012 High Country 313RE 2012 Chevy 2500 DMax
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11-25-2019, 09:10 AM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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Added hydraulic levelers to our 2010 and of course they came standard on our 2017. Wouldn't ever own a rig without them. We have three AC units so I don't know how anyone who doesn't camp in the mountains gets by with only one.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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11-25-2019, 09:21 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #20906
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Agree with all of the above. We have the six-point hydrolic and would not consider a new trailer without it.
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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11-25-2019, 09:22 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #20906
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Baldicon
Agree with all of the above. We have the six-point hydrolic and would not consider a new trailer without it.
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"hydraulic"
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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11-25-2019, 09:54 AM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 177
M.O.C. #23433
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We have the electric auto system in our High Country. It's worked great, just push the button and walk way. The hydraulic system would add a lot of weight. Glad we don't have the hydraulic-carry around extra fluid, worry about leaks and bad valves. Some have report the landing gear can creep down in transit. Nah, we are very happy with the electric system.
__________________
Troy and Tracy Chaddon
2019 Montana High Country 330RL
2005 Ford F-350 "Bulletproofed"
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11-25-2019, 11:28 AM
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#12
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New Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Bushnell
Posts: 5
M.O.C. #20942
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auto leveling
we have a 2018 380th with the ELEC 6 point auto level and love it. there is a learning curve to the system (like making sure the front is higher than rear when before you push the auto level button) But will never have another camper with out it.
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11-25-2019, 11:59 AM
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#13
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Blossvale
Posts: 59
M.O.C. #20684
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I have the 6 point leveling system on my 2016 3402RL with 2 air conditioners and it works really well. You won't be disappointed.
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11-25-2019, 01:50 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 1,788
M.O.C. #14547
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We gave up auto leveling for more 5er. Wish we hadn't. I bought the poor mans version, Beech Lane drive on levelers that work well and for 80 bucks.
A second a/c is sure nice. Again, gave them up ----but have it now for a LOT less as a DIY project.
An F250,( and it's MY OPINION) above 12,000 pounds may not be enough without some $$ add on suspension equipment plus the optional higher rated tires. At 12K my F250 is plenty good enough but it also has the camper and 5er packages plus the tires. We wont go into the legalities, but that truck has at most a 10.000# GVW. There are many threads here and other sites that can tell you why you should consider upgrading
__________________
Dave W
2014 Montana High Country 343RL (Sold!)
2011 Ford 6.7 Lariat CCLB (Went to PU Heaven)
2019 F150SC XLT SE Sport,w/full tow package
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11-25-2019, 01:54 PM
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#15
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Sidney,B.C.
Posts: 138
M.O.C. #23585
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rlsunde
I am considering a new Montana. Currently own a 2011, 3150RL Hickory edition that is still like new inside but suffering outside body, molding, etc.
I am seeking opinions on the auto leveling that seems to come on everything today. That and two air conditioners. Although set up and equipped for two, we have never added the second one and have suffered too many hot summers cooling with just one.
But, from what I have read and heard, the auto levelers and second air are going to add nearly 2,000 lbs to the unit. We want a smaller trailer similar to our 3150RL, (11,100lbs empty) and are towing with a 2008, Ford F250 super duty diesel.
1. Is the auto leveling good and worth the money?
2. Anyone know if my Super Duty will handle the load?
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Well, we had no experience with them before buying a used unit exactly kike yours: 2011 3150 RL. Love it, love it ! Worth the extra weight, and definitely a time saver and useful if wanting to jack up one side for some reason (properly supported before getting underneath). In terms of another AC, if sleep is more valuable than more weight and expense, i would vote for a second AC. We are in the Pacific Northwest, so more heat waves are pretty short-lived, but if Texas beckons next winter, we will pony up for the bedroom AC.
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11-25-2019, 02:13 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Puyallup
Posts: 512
M.O.C. #12948
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Another vote for 6 point system. our 2013, and our 2018 has them no problems. when we do have a problem, it is usually operator(me) error.
0
__________________
2018 3820FK Legacy Package
2013 3750fl
2019 Chevrolet 3500HD High Country Dually
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11-25-2019, 03:18 PM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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Same here no problems with our 6 point leveling system on out 13 3402. We are long timers and the system has been perfect.
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11-25-2019, 03:36 PM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,735
M.O.C. #12947
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We have factory installed second air conditioner and the hydraulic leveling system and would not have bought this rig without either one. Not sure where the 2,000 lbs comes from for these two features, but that sounds like way more than what these two are likely to weigh, but regardless, the two are almost necessary if you do a lot of traveling in these rigs.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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11-25-2019, 05:43 PM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,469
M.O.C. #21044
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Love the auto level! Love the two ACs!
Once I replaced the OEM breaker with 80 amp it has worked flawlessly.
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
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11-25-2019, 07:18 PM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 247
M.O.C. #21057
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Love the auto leveling system Lipert Ground control 3.0. Only had a problem one time. Showed a LF jack error code. Reset the system per instructions in the owners manual and no problem since. Lippert says it is usually a voltage issue
__________________
2018 Montana High Country 331RL
2006 Ram 2500 SRW 4X4 Laramie Quad Cab 5 .9
Andersen Ultimate 20K Hitch Lippert Solid Steps Steady Fast stabilizes
Rex and Patsy
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