HPC leveller’s ground clearance

Fatboy

Fatboy

Joined
Jan 3, 2015
Posts
234
Likes collected
346
Location
British West Hartlepool
Funster No
34,617
MH
Swift Kontiki 884
Exp
Since 2017
Hi Funsters, just had HPC levellers installed on my 2022 Kontiki, this is the new series 8 cab but the front clearance when stored looks very low. There is some room above, maybe another 30-50mm but there are cables and hoses above. Anyone got pics of there’s before I die of paranoia.



IMG_7902.webp

IMG_7901.webp
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Before you get paranoid, gently drive over a couple of sleeping policemen. We had the same concerns but they were unfounded unless we drove over one too quickly and the compression on the suspension caused a small bump onto the rams.

They are so close to the wheels you will never notice any problem
Great bits of kit.
 
Upvote 0
Looks the same as our MaVe levelers been on there nearly 6 years never had a problem with them grounding even on dodgy French sleeping policemen.
 
Upvote 0
How are you are you finding your HPC levellers. We’re getting them installed in February at Gliderite.
 
Upvote 0
Not sure about HPC but sure it shall be the same. E&P specify a specific minimum ground clearance which all installers must adhere too. No idea what it is but I remember Mick at SAP after installing onto one of my vans looking concerned and measuring to ensure they were within limits. Never had an issue, one thing which is a bigger risk is when backing over a kerb etc. The rams can be very vulnerable to catching the kerb or embankment and believe a rear hit can write a ram off fairly easily.
 
Upvote 0
As stewartwebr said above, reversing over kerbs can be problematic when fitting into car park spaces etc. We have air assist bags on our rear ALKO suspension, so we can raise the rear in such circumstances for more clearance.
There must a sweet spot regarding fitting height that gives adequate clearance whilst also giving maximum lift when using.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
when we had E&P from SAP on our Kon tiki they fitted new springs on the front to lift it from the factory nose down default. Not only did the new springs level the van, they made a massive positive difference to the ride and handling.
 
Upvote 0
I'm assuming the rear ones are much more tucked away? It's just the fronts you're worried about?

Immediately behind the front wheels, it's not going to be an issue for general driving. Even road the largest road humps aren't going to be steep enough to scrape. The only issue might be if you need to drop the front wheels off of a kerb? Or reversing back up?

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Guigsy said:
I'm assuming the rear ones are much more tucked away? It's just the fronts you're worried about?

Immediately behind the front wheels, it's not going to be an issue for general driving. Even road the largest road humps aren't going to be steep enough to scrape. The only issue might be if you need to drop the front wheels off of a kerb? Or reversing back up?
Click to expand...
I would suggest the rear ones are the more vulnerable in relation to kerb strike whilst reversing and rear bounce depending on overhang. I’m always very conscious of them when boarding ferries or the tunnel. I always ensure the rear air is set to full lift, giving us a further 12 inches of clearance
 
Upvote 0
Hi there. We have this system. Yes the front jacks look low on ours but they have never caused a problem. However the rear jacks do catch. I have fitted air assist and lift before the lumpy bits, like ferries.
Great kit, and we would not be without self-levelling
 
Upvote 0
Fatboy said:
Hi Funsters, just had HPC levellers installed on my 2022 Kontiki, this is the new series 8 cab but the front clearance when stored looks very low. There is some room above, maybe another 30-50mm but there are cables and hoses above. Anyone got pics of there’s before I die of paranoia.



View attachment 989811

View attachment 989812
Click to expand...
You’re having the same thoughts most people have when fitting this system, myself included. There is no worry trust me I’ve watched as Sue has driven over sleeping policemen and speed humps; plenty of clearance.
 
Upvote 0
You will be fine as long as you dont go to fast over the bumps the suspension when it bounces makes the hit the legs, we drive very genteelly over the ones in our storage facility
 
Upvote 0
Very happy with our HPC kit, plus rear air suspension. The levellers have also got me out of trouble a couple of times when the front wheels got bogged down - stout timbers under the jacks then lift the wheels clear and place rocks underneath, and hey presto, traction back! I was concerned about the apparent lack of ground clearance but in practice no problems.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
wizzo said:
Very happy with our HPC kit, plus rear air suspension. The levellers have also got me out of trouble a couple of times when the front wheels got bogged down - stout timbers under the jacks then lift the wheels clear and place rocks underneath, and hey presto, traction back! I was concerned about the apparent lack of ground clearance but in practice no problems.
Click to expand...
Yes, had to do the same a few times. I carry a set of these which have helped me a few time on wet Temporary Holiday Sites. Lift the van up on the jacks then lower back onto these and off we go again.

 
This site contains affiliate links for which MHF may be compensated.
Upvote 0
Had E&P fitted to our Transit based Dethleffs now over 90,000 miles never had a problem with grounding
Wife always check my reversing when near a kerb, but I would recomend a bit of heavy plywood for under the legs on soft ground
 
Upvote 0

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Join us

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top