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Old 11-25-2019, 07:22 AM   #1
rlsunde
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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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Old 11-25-2019, 07:48 AM   #2
1retired06
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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.
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Old 11-25-2019, 08:06 AM   #3
AZ Traveler
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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.
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Old 11-25-2019, 08:29 AM   #4
richfaa
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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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Old 11-25-2019, 08:32 AM   #5
Hunts900
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The auto leveling system is fantastic! Set up is a breeze.
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Old 11-25-2019, 08:58 AM   #6
jsb5717
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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.
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Old 11-25-2019, 09:10 AM   #7
dhuhn
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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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Old 11-25-2019, 09:10 AM   #8
DQDick
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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.
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Old 11-25-2019, 09:21 AM   #9
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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.
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Old 11-25-2019, 09:22 AM   #10
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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.
"hydraulic"
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Old 11-25-2019, 09:54 AM   #11
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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.
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Old 11-25-2019, 11:28 AM   #12
wandering retirees
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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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Old 11-25-2019, 11:59 AM   #13
Waricha
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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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Old 11-25-2019, 01:50 PM   #14
Dave W
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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
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Old 11-25-2019, 01:54 PM   #15
Leftie Canuk
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rlsunde View Post
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?
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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Old 11-25-2019, 02:13 PM   #16
jimandlaurie
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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.



















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Old 11-25-2019, 03:18 PM   #17
richfaa
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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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Old 11-25-2019, 03:36 PM   #18
rohrmann
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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.
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Old 11-25-2019, 05:43 PM   #19
Mikendebbie
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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.
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Old 11-25-2019, 07:18 PM   #20
footz1941
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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
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