6 point level up question

[JandC]

New fiver has the new system. We have stayed on some campsites where you are parked on grass or sand. My question is do most of you with the 6 point level up system put boards or some type of support down before leveling up? It seems to me that those 8" circular supports would sink into the ground. Currently I use a 2' long piece of treated 2x12 lumber under my landing gear.

[K0LCB]

I usually put pads under front landing gear, the others get pads if I am on concrete, that seems to stop the popping when temps change, otherwise I put them in the gravel

[bethandkevin]

I've never used anything under mine except when storing for winter-I learned that lesson the first winter.

[bigskyjimmy]

Had level up going on 3 years now in all kinds of ground Wet, soggy, sandy etc.. never had a problem with them sinking so I do not bother with pads

[DQDick]

We use the square yellow pads with a handle formed in them that you can buy at any camping store. Yes, where we are now, it rained two inches one day (1/3 of their annual rain total) and the rig drove the middle of the pads an inch or so into the gravel. Did we need them? Who knows, but I don't like to worry when the solution is cheap. Here's a link, looks like they aren't yellow anymore: http://www.amazon.com/Camco-44595-St...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[Artemus Gordon]

I do not use any pads often. If I have a questionable site, I just move. Last summer at a KOA campground I was assigned a non-compacted sloping site. The park suggested we place pads under the gear. I always have pads with me, just in case. The next day we noticed the trailer had "shifted/skidded" on the pads. That's when I stopped using pads. I do use them if one landing gear appears to over extend. I not sure it's a good idea to over extend the six point landing gear?

[DonandBonnie]

We bought two 8' 2x10's and cut each into 4 2ft. lengths. Been using the same boards now for 15 months. They work fine. The extra two come in handy when the site isn't exactly level. Each jack only has so much travel. There are times when the extra board gives just enough height for the auto level to work.

[DougnDawn]

I have the same as Dick but we've only camped in our unit 3 times. Our most frequented CG has gravel sites and I like to use the Jack Pads to keep the round feet above ground! I noticed if the site is a little unlevel the Jack Pads get warped, so I cut some 5/8 inch plywood and screwed the Jack Pads to the plywood to give them more support. Congrats on the new rig and you are going to love the Level up system.

[Captain Joe]

If I can see a solid foundation below the grass, no. If no, I use the 12" x 12" yellow pads. On gravel and cement, no. Congrats on your new 3725RL. Ours has been a great rig.

[Bigsky3625RE]

We use a foot long section of 2x12 all the time. It seemed to help stop any popping. We carry a few extra as someone already mentioned they did as well. Helps cut down on travel if the site is not very level.

[richfaa]

We use the yellow square pads. Not sure if they are needed but we use them. Habit more than anything else.The yellow pads sink in soft ground also.

[TAKPAK]

I use wooden blocks, 4 inches by 12 by 12. I screwed handles on to them so they are easy to pick up. I just like the good support, and it keeps from overextending the gear. Also, the wood is not "slippery" like plastic pads are, in case the ground is a bit "off" or sloped. And, you never know...one time we stayed at an RV park at a casino. The spots were asphalt, and the park required you to have pads. They had some they would "rent" if you didn't have any. Plus, as I'm hooking up the fiver and reaching over the bed for whatever reason, the blocks are handy to stand on.

[PackerFan]

Joe, I just picked up some 12' x 12' orange plastic pads at CW and have them under our jacks. For some reason they seemed to have helped with the popping noise.

Are you starting to gather the new toys for the new rig?

[RidgecrestDad]

I recently saw the Level Up System at Quartzsite and will be having the Lippert Level Up System installed early next month. As I get closer to install I start to wonder how the system is actually functioning for us Montana owners?

The first thing of note that I find interesting are the comments wrt use of pads. Good comments.

I also note discussion about popping sounds. Do we have any ideas as to what is causing the popping? And why would a pad reduce or eliminate that sound?

Have y'all found the system to be a "god send" or are there additional issues and gotchas that come with the system?

With the Level up have y'all stopped using (and subsequently removed) previously installed rear stabilizers? Or do you still use them? What about a kingpin tripod? Do you still use that for upper deck support and stabilization? Stated more succinctly, does the Level up provide a level and stable (no rocking) 5er?

If most everyone has removed or stopped using the additional stabilizers I will probably drop them before heading off to see Lippert; it will reduce weight and I won't carry the extra units that are no longer necessary.

And finally, are y'all using the Lippert System or another brand?

[Carl n Susan]

You would probably better starting a new topic but since you asked. My rig came with the Lippert Level Ups installed at the factory. Consequently I don't have the rear stabilizers. If one was to quibble, I would have to admit I can feel a little shake when the DW is up in the bedroom and I am sitting in a recliner in the rear. But you have to be paying attention or else you will miss it. I would leave them on and see for yourself. I quit using the Kingpin Tripod on day one and haven't missed.

The popping noise is a "stiction" issue and Lippert has a remedy for it. The official bulletin is posted here http://www.lci1.com/images/Flyers/LI...ic-Systems.pdf and consists of replacing one quart of fluid with another, slipperier, anti-stiction fluid. They approve the use of either Torco RFF Grade 15, Maxima Fork Oil Grade 15 or Caterpillar Hydraulic Oil Additive 1U-9891.

I will not own another RV without the Level Up system! Once you use it, you won't go back.

[RidgecrestDad]

Carl n Susan,

Thanks for the info; especially providing the LCI link and answer. I would hope that my new install already has a mixture containing the anti-stiction fluid; hopefully I remember to ask. Based on some of the comments my guess is that pads are preventing temperature fluctuations or differentials that are transferred from the ground surface to the feet to the piston and subsequently to the installed fluid where it reaches a critical temperature where stiction is invoked and the closed loop pressure sensors kick in to maintain the level.

[gkidsdlite]

Not to drive business away from Lippert but, does it really bother you that much if the 5ver moves a little?

[TAKPAK]

quote:Originally posted by gkidsdlite

Not to drive business away from Lippert but, does it really bother you that much if the 5ver moves a little?

On our first outing a month ago, I noticed very slight movement as well. But, compared to the 3400 with just landing gear and rear stabilizers....it was NOTHING compared to the movement you got with that system. The DW also commented that the fiver felt much more stable and solid than the others we've had. We're sold on the Level Up! And, I was in the Navy on board ship, so movement is expected...on a mobile unit!!!

[jfaberna]

We thought that the movement was more than we'd liked, but could live with it. I got the suggestion that we should use boards or pads under the Level Up jacks to decrease the amount of the actuator that was extended. By doing this I think we improved the stability and dampened some of the movement.

[RidgecrestDad]

gskidlite,

I spent some time as a Naval Aviator so a little movement or rocking does not bother me and the wife states that it does not necessarily bother her either; but it is something we both notice. There are times when we camp that I do not use either stabilization add on; kinda depends on location, how long we plan to stay, and if I think the fish are biting and I need to get to the stream faster. What is a problem is that at my advancing age, the ability to chase the wife down when she has warning (the slightest of movement) means.......well you know; she gets away and I get more frustrated.