Do auto levelers really work?

[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?

[1retired06]

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.

[packnrat]

Originally Posted by 1retired06

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.

not smaller, now a 25 footer, might buy a 33-36 footer.

was just wondering if a four point is any good with the front legs not part of the leveling system..
ver
a six point where all legs work toward the leveling.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by packnrat

not smaller, now a 25 footer, might buy a 33-36 footer.

was just wondering if a four point is any good with the front legs not part of the leveling system..
ver
a six point where all legs work toward the leveling.

Although you pull the pin to drop the front legs to assist in unhitching, the front legs are part of the system. They work with the rear legs to have the camper level side to side and front to back.

33'-36' I have had 4 point on 34' Cougar and don't know when they start the 6 point system. I had a 43' HC and it had the 6 point electric due to weight of the unit and weight of the 5er. My Montana is 41' but much heavier and has the 6 point hydraulic. Both systems have pros/cons.

[jsb5717]

Originally Posted by packnrat

not smaller, now a 25 footer, might buy a 33-36 footer.

was just wondering if a four point is any good with the front legs not part of the leveling system..
ver
a six point where all legs work toward the leveling.

The front jacks ARE part of the leveling system. With the electric system you still drop the legs and set the pins as you would with a standard system in order to lift the front to unhook from the truck. Once disconnected and you push the "Auto Level" button the front legs self adjust along with the rear legs until the rig is level. I believe the 331RL has the same 4 leg system that ours has. So far it's working great.

[Creeker]

Originally Posted by packnrat

not smaller, now a 25 footer, might buy a 33-36 footer.

was just wondering if a four point is any good with the front legs not part of the leveling system..
ver
a six point where all legs work toward the leveling.

I think you've been misinformed. The front legs of a modern 4 point absolutely do work independently and work with the rears for leveling.
Side to side and back to front. Don't know where you got that from but I can assure you, its bad info.

[saber707]

Front legs do work with electric level system. Don't know how that story got started.

[AZ Traveler]

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.

[Twtudor]

Az traveler we have the same year and model as you. Ours is in the shop for the 4th time because the slides keep popping out while driving and sitting. And the last time it happened we were on the road and the levelers came down on their own, we almost busted them off. Have you had any of these problems?

[barryn]

Originally Posted by Twtudor

Az traveler we have the same year and model as you. Ours is in the shop for the 4th time because the slides keep popping out while driving and sitting. And the last time it happened we were on the road and the levelers came down on their own, we almost busted them off. Have you had any of these problems?

Yes we have had sometimes it does and don't. There are "one way" or "directional" check valves in the system that are to prevent this. The one that could be at fault, is in the motor or manifold. Recommended 2-3 years you need to change out old hydraulic fluid. The system has no filter in the system. Easy to do, just pump out old oil an put in new. With all slides IN, landing UP, an hooked up to truck. Call Lippert they will tell you who is most competent in the repair skill near you for this system. Aluminium gets hyd. oil dirty an this is why you need to change it out every now an then.

[barryn]

Thinking of two other things that can cause this, a leak in the line or leak internal in the system and the other would be air in the system. I also think the system self bleeds itself, I could be wrong but it is a closed system and I can't think why it wouldn't. Other words, work the landing gear up & down serval times hooked to truck and slide outs as well.

[richfaa]

The 6 point hydraulic system has worked perfectly on our 13 3402 that is once you understand how it works.

[Hunts900]

The auto leveling system is fantastic! Set up is a breeze.

[jsb5717]

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.

[DQDick]

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.

[dhuhn]

As others have said i wont buy another unit without leveling system. I would say there worth there weight in gold.

[Baldicon]

Agree with all of the above. We have the six-point hydrolic and would not consider a new trailer without it.

[Baldicon]

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.

"hydraulic"

[Route66Rambler]

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.

[wandering retirees]

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.