Hydraulic Self Levelling Advice

[Bill and Lou]

We have a 5.93m Mercedes Sprinter campervan on order and are considering having a hydraulic self levelling system fitted. Any advice from members who already have it on their campers or motorhomes would be appreciated.

 

[Tombola]

45kg, I can easily (and need too) shift that extra weight to offset the payload.

NOW>..wheres that treadmilll WIFE...bring me my lettuce !!!!

 

[jockaneezer]

I can't get my head around £5.5k for a 12 volt hydraulic power pack, some bent plate, 4 spring return rams and a levelling program that you can get as a free app for your phone ?
I know I'm over simplifying it a tad, but, come on .....?

 

[funflair]

I can't get my head around £5.5k for a 12 volt hydraulic power pack, some bent plate, 4 spring return rams and a levelling program that you can get as a free app for your phone ?
I know I'm over simplifying it a tad, but, come on .....?

Go on then, build it, market it, fit it and back it up with a service centre, and make a profit, yes its a lot of cash for what seems like a collection of relatively cheap parts but that’s life.

Oh and I want it integrated with my suspension system to drop that first.

 

[ChrisL]

I can't get my head around £5.5k for a 12 volt hydraulic power pack, some bent plate, 4 spring return rams and a levelling program that you can get as a free app for your phone ?
I know I'm over simplifying it a tad, but, come on .....?

E&P are not spring return rams. If you actually sit down and calculate the cost of renting a large enough work space, the capital outlay for lifts large enough to lift motorhomes, specialist tooling, stock, warranty claims, wages for staff etc. And make a little profit, suddenly it's actually fairly reasonable. If you are mechanically minded and have the tools, it is possible to make a diy version at a reduced cost, i believe it would need manual levelling but if you do a search on here there was quite a long thread on it.

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[Tony50]

I have a 6m Ducato and have an electric self levelling system. Cheaper, and no pump or oil tank to take up precious space inside. Very pleased with it. Can be fitted to most makes of van.

Hi what make of Self leveller is it please

 

[Tombola]

TESA AutoLift 4 Levelling System

<p>The Autolift system is driven by an electronic control unit for self-levelling of your vehicle, the jacks can also be controlled manually and th...

www.roadpro.co.uk

DIY fit , but horizontal fold electric

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

We've had E&P levellers fitted by SAP at Doncaster almost 4 years ago. Best money we've spent on the van. Completely level within a few minutes, water runs away from the sink and shower without a problem. Rock steady in a gale and no bounce when you're walking about. We SORNed the van over the winter and have the self levellers down to take the van's weight off the tyres which can't be a bad thing. They're so easy to use, wouldn't be without them
I almost forgot, if we get a puncture it's so easy and safer to get the wheel off the ground to change the wheel

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

E+P have been the “go to” system for MORELO and many other big German vans for a long time BUT they have just switched over to HPC.

Cost saving do you think Martin?

 

[funflair]

Cost saving do you think Martin?

Possibly because they also do the hardware for the slide outs but don’t think E+P do, the other thing is E+P are now part of Al-Ko.

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[JiveGirl]

Don’t forget HPC

HPC Hydraulics | Hydraulische leveling- & stabilisatiesystemen - HPC Hydraulics

HPC-Hydraulics Oldenzaal beschikt over de nieuwste en meest geavanceerde techniek om uw voertuig stevig, stabiel en waterpas te parkeren.

hpc-hydraulics.nl

We had ours fitted by AS in Warrington, highly recommended.

AS Air Suspension

AS Air Suspension UK Ltd. The No1 Air Suspension for all vehicles, ALKO & Non ALKO chasis. If you're not happy with the ride of your motorhome or you keep grounding at the rear then air suspension is what you need, Just read our testimonials. It will make your motorhome feel like a new vehicle!

www.as-airsuspension.co.uk

i have HPC and love them. wouldn't be without them despite the hassle I originally had due to crap dealer at the outset who didn't understand what my 5 tonne 8.7m auto-trail Comanche needed! so another vote for AS Air suspension at Warrington great people who sorted my system, just don't go to Bristol for them EVER!

 

[Kups]

Can recommend Towtal for fitting an AMPLO system .Better value than the MA-VE system and actually in stock. Plus they give a 5% discount to CAMC members via magazine advert. Looking forward to selling the milenco ramps and Adria corner steadies which have sometimes been impossible to use together. Removing the jack should make the weight equation about even. https://towtal.co.uk/automatic-levelling/
Does anyone use these outrigger pads with their levellers or are they not necessary? https://www.outriggerpads.co.uk/product/300-x-300-x-25-pk-of-4-stackable-motorhome-pads/

 

[ChrisL]

Does anyone use outrigger pads with their levellers or are they not necessary?

I haven't needed to yet, even pitched on wet grass pitches, but i have got the bigger pads on my E&P jacks.

 

[Al n Val]

I haven't needed to yet, even pitched on wet grass pitches, but i have got the bigger pads on my E&P jacks.

Never needed them up to now but did have some 50mm hardwood pads cut just in case

 

[Kiters74]

We had the E&P system & Semi Air fitted to our MH, in October, also had it re-plated to 3850kg, apart from the cost it all was well worth doing, much more stable than before & now as it is classed as a private Heave Goods the road tax was £165 against £280.

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[Coastal Cruiser.]

Can recommend Towtal for fitting an AMPLO system .Better value than the MA-VE system and actually in stock. Plus they give a 5% discount to CAMC members via magazine advert. Looking forward to selling the milenco ramps and Adria corner steadies which have sometimes been impossible to use together. Removing the jack should make the weight equation about even. https://towtal.co.uk/automatic-levelling/
Does anyone use these outrigger pads with their levellers or are they not necessary? https://www.outriggerpads.co.uk/product/300-x-300-x-25-pk-of-4-stackable-motorhome-pads/

Have them pads and have used them a fair few times as at 7.5t unless the ground is very firm we do sink in a bit

 

[DJT]

Can recommend Towtal for fitting an AMPLO system .Better value than the MA-VE system and actually in stock. Plus they give a 5% discount to CAMC members via magazine advert. Looking forward to selling the milenco ramps and Adria corner steadies which have sometimes been impossible to use together. Removing the jack should make the weight equation about even. https://towtal.co.uk/automatic-levelling/
Does anyone use these outrigger pads with their levellers or are they not necessary? https://www.outriggerpads.co.uk/product/300-x-300-x-25-pk-of-4-stackable-motorhome-pads/

Never had to use pads in the 5 or 6 years we’ve had them fitted on a coach built (4.2t) but we mostly use hard standings.
DJT

 

[MartinH]

i have HPC and love them. wouldn't be without them despite the hassle I originally had due to crap dealer at the outset who didn't understand what my 5 tonne 8.7m auto-trail Comanche needed! so another vote for AS Air suspension at Warrington great people who sorted my system, just don't go to Bristol for them EVER!

Had L&B in Bristol fit to my 2005 Elnagh, lots of swearing due to being an older van - BUT! well installed following discussion, all on the underside and works very well - my 10 year old asks if he can run it every time we are on a site, even the wife can

 

[KEW]

Best thing we bought, E&P system, got installed at Tiverton, great service, yeah expensive but well worth it. You won't regret it, no more need misses with driving onto ramps..

 

[Ade S]

I fitted an EP system to our Sprinter Burford Duo, so easy to use and all the workings are under the floor. As people say is expensive to fit but usually about £1000 to transfer if you change your van. You don’t know you need it until you get it. Enjoy your motorhoming.
Ade

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[Old Gibber]

Who supplied it for you please and have you contact details?

Jaques Towbars of York. Not too far from you. Excellent service from them. Bus stop outside for a day in York, or ask for their courtesy car.

 

[Old Gibber]

And back on the thread, having spent most of last year deciding which system...
Tesa - liked the fact that it was electrical (I stand a fair chance of being able to fault-find it). Liked the price. Lightweight? However, with the exception of one very positive recommendation everyone I spoke to (including a company that installed them) said it was really more like a stabilising system than levelling.

Eh???? Mine must be doing something wrong then. It levels perfectly well, been using every day for the last 6 weeks. Each leg is capable of lifting 2 tonnes. The only drawback perhaps is the height of the lift on operation compared to hydraulic ones, but that's not usually a problem. Plus side - £2k cheaper fitted than the hydraulic ones.

 

[Peregrinator]

Mine's plated at 3.5t, but with a payload of 600kg, as I said weight not a problem.

I think you do have a problem, unless you don't have a cooker, fridge etc, have you taken your van to a weighbridge, I think your be surprised?

 

[Old Gibber]

I think you do have a problem, unless you don't have a cooker, fridge etc, have you taken your van to a weighbridge, I think your be surprised?

That's the funniest post I've read in a long while.

Somehow I don't really expect any surprises, and no, I see no reason to even think I need to take it to a weighbridge. Yes it does include a cooker, and even a fridge. Definitely. Just checked.

BTW it also has a solar panel, spare wheel, underslung gas tank, etc. all as standard.

I've added an awning, auto gearbox, and the self levelling, about 100kg.

add on passenger 0kg
dog 0kg
pet tortoise 0kg

Sooooooo, even allowing for all the things that go in it, plus a full tank of water and allowing for manufacturing tolerances in the weight, I am satisfied that 600kg user payload is more than enough. On top of that, in the UK, they allow a 5% overweight tolerance anyway which is another 175kg.



..... oh damn!


....... just realised I've forgotten to include the locking wheel nuts I bought.

.......now seriously worried it will be overweight.

 

[Peregrinator]

That's the funniest post I've read in a long while.

Somehow I don't really expect any surprises, and no, I see no reason to even think I need to take it to a weighbridge. Yes it does include a cooker, and even a fridge. Definitely. Just checked.

BTW it also has a solar panel, spare wheel, underslung gas tank, etc. all as standard.

I've added an awning, auto gearbox, and the self levelling, about 100kg.

add on passenger 0kg
dog 0kg
pet tortoise 0kg

Sooooooo, even allowing for all the things that go in it, plus a full tank of water and allowing for manufacturing tolerances in the weight, I am satisfied that 600kg user payload is more than enough. On top of that, in the UK, they allow a 5% overweight tolerance anyway which is another 175kg.



..... oh damn!


....... just realised I've forgotten to include the locking wheel nuts I bought.

.......now seriously worried it will be overweight.

Oh ok, so what is your gross vehicle weight (GVW)?

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[Tony50]

Never ever believe manufacturers ULW, and you cannot rely on plated axle weights giving you the front or rear carrying capacity , we had a Premium A class , to stop the front axle being overloaded one of us would have to sit in the back, if you want heavy extras I would suggest weighing with your normal load and then weigh front and rear axles , then overall . I think safety is most important, next is are you insured when overloaded ? Next a Law Enforcer will catch you one day

 

[Old Gibber]

Oh ok, so what is your gross vehicle weight (GVW)?

Just give it a rest. I've been caravanning and motorhoming for 30 years. I know all about weights and loadings.

 

[Old Gibber]

Never ever believe manufacturers ULW, and you cannot rely on plated axle weights giving you the front or rear carrying capacity , we had a Premium A class , to stop the front axle being overloaded one of us would have to sit in the back, if you want heavy extras I would suggest weighing with your normal load and then weigh front and rear axles , then overall . I think safety is most important, next is are you insured when overloaded ? Next a Law Enforcer will catch you one day

Sigh. Its not an A class its a PVC, the two are very different with regards to weights. Its well within the weight limits both front and rear. Just tell me, where would I put 600kg of load in a PVC? As for manufacturers ULW, my last van from the same manufacturer was just 20kg different from the quoted weight, and yes I did take it to a weighbridge before I put anything in it as it had a far lower payload.

I wait with baited breath to be hauled off to jail.

 

[Tony50]

Sigh. Its not an A class its a PVC, the two are very different with regards to weights. Its well within the weight limits both front and rear. Just tell me, where would I put 600kg of load in a PVC? As for manufacturers ULW, my last van from the same manufacturer was just 20kg different from the quoted weight, and yes I did take it to a weighbridge before I put anything in it as it had a far lower payload.

I wait with baited breath to be hauled off to jail.

Ok well done but, my comments went particularly aimed at you, as for A class and PVC, obvious, as a specifying, I have specified probably more commercial vehicles than most on here
and if I had got them wrong,it would have cost my company millions of
£'s

 

[Peregrinator]

Just give it a rest. I've been caravanning and motorhoming for 30 years. I know all about weights and loadings.

Beat you by 10

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[Bill and Lou]

And back on the thread, having spent most of last year deciding which system...
Tesa - liked the fact that it was electrical (I stand a fair chance of being able to fault-find it). Liked the price. Lightweight? However, with the exception of one very positive recommendation everyone I spoke to (including a company that installed them) said it was really more like a stabilising system than levelling.
E&P - heard a few reports of "unintended ram dropping". This may have been down to poor maintenance but was a bit worrying. Not cheap and amongst the heaviest. Spoke to one company who had stopped installing them due to reliability problems. Without casting any aspersions on their work I don't believe SAP are the only company in the UK who are any good and certainly not prepared to drive the length of England to find out. Can't help thinking it's a bit of "forum syndrome" (you see same thing on other forums too - a company or product gets recommended, more amd more people follow the recommendation and before you know it it's a self-fulfilling prophesy).
MaVe - No bad reports. Spoke to distributor who seemed clued-up. Liked the warranty and service back-up (though I since learned this may not exist). Slightly cheaper. BUT --- several reports of no stock in UK and uncertain delivery from Italy.
HPC - No bad reports. Similar cost to other hydraulics. Significantly lighter. Visit to local installer (LNB in Bristol) and demo gave +ve impression.
Chose the HPC, mainly because of weight and local installer. Installation was painless (even the free courtesy car was clean and half full of petrol). Seems to work OK but not enough use to know for sure yet. Need to get on a weighbridge to decide if I need to risk ditching the jack.

Thanks, that's all very useful stuff.