Leveling system / jacks

[Malcolm Shambley]

We've just changed our vantana
For a Adria compact DL .
Very happy with it ,but we are looking at fitting jacks .
Does anyone have recommendations for a system

 

[eddie]

HPC system we have and are very happy with. Installed by my go to Motorhome and tow bar people LNB Bristol

Ditto, we had HPC fitted by Leigh and his team and I cant fault the product or the installation and after thirty odd years in the business I am a nosey and fussy bugger

 

[Richardcamper]

I forgot to say that Graham at Courtside Conversions (Tiverton) fitted our Alco legs and weighing mode module. I have found them to be first class people and have a "ca do" attitude which is most refreshing!

 

[Captain Birdseye]

We've just changed our vantana
For a Adria compact DL .
Very happy with it ,but we are looking at fitting jacks .
Does anyone have recommendations for a system

Excellent system, even better combined with their full air suspension, because the two systems communicate, so when you tell it to drop the jacks it first drops the motorhome to it's lowest leven on the air suspension, then drops the jacks and levels it. Two advantages 1/ it can level on more of a slope, and 2/ when level you are lower down so never a big step in using the retractable step. A bit expensive, but we plan to keep ours for many years. Of course the full air suspension makes the journey more comfortable, more ,stable in a crosswind and reduces any suction effect when you pass an hgv.

 

[Peppadog]

We had the E&P system fitted to our Hymer a few years ago. We were so pleased with it that when we swopped it for our current 6m Ducato based PVC, we went back to Courtside Conversions to have it swopped over. We would not be without it.

I can't give you a comparison of brands of course as I only have experience of E&P. Just the same as fitting agents. Again, I have only used Courtside Conversions, but despite the love fest on here for SAP, all E&P agents have had the same product and installation training as each other to obtain and maintain E&P's agency. So go and talk to the one nearest to you.

I've also recently added airide semi air on the back as mine was all getting lower towards the bump stops.. Its lifted the van and feels fine.

Not many regret fitting hydraulic levelling, but I'm sure all hate paying for it!!

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[Orion]

I am wondering about the ferry, I have levellers fitted but wasn’t sure about deploying them when on the ferry! One side it stops the van wobbling about as the ferry moves, but on the other the levellers are now subject to forces that they may not really be designed for, particularly in rough seas. They would be designed for the static load of the van+, but not the dynamic load of the boat crashing into waves and the subsequent acceleration and deceleration of the van… I’m tending to think I will leave them safely retracted on the ferry and let the suspension do what it’s designed to do.

As I said, this was for ‘camping on board’ with the ferry crossings from Italy to Greece where you sleep in the MoHo. It was smoother than a smooth thing and predicted to be so for the entire crossing(s) - I checked with the crew - so I wasn’t concerned about any untoward movement, more about getting a good nights sleep. I wouldn’t consider deploying them in any other shipboard scenario.

 

[Lavender1]

We have an Adria Compact SC and I thought twice about having the E&P levelling system installed due to the initial cost. However, after 8 weeks away where we used them on every occasion we stopped - even when ‘camping on board’ the ferry purely to stabilise the van - I wouldn’t be without them.

I used Courtside Conversions in Tiverton as they are just down the road from me.

We used Amplo for our Elddis when we had it. Cost £5000 when fitted earlier this year, fitted by Lincoln Towbar Centre. Changed over to PVC and thinking of getting levellers fitted to it but want to be sure we will keep van. The levellers, tow bar and Gaslow system we fitted made no difference to the price we achieved from a dealer.

 

[eddie]

As I said, this was for ‘camping on board’ with the ferry crossings from Italy to Greece where you sleep in the MoHo. It was smoother than a smooth thing and predicted to be so for the entire crossing(s) - I checked with the crew - so I wasn’t concerned about any untoward movement, more about getting a good nights sleep. I wouldn’t consider deploying them in any other shipboard scenario.

We off to try that in the Spring, could you tell me who you sailed with please?

 

[Broadway]

It’s a great addition. I had mine fitted by SAP in Doncaster. Very professional and excellent service.

 

[Pedro Pallent]

We've just changed our vantana
For a Adria compact DL .
Very happy with it ,but we are looking at fitting jacks .
Does anyone have recommendations for a system

We changed to a Swift Contiki new in December, had air-ride and self levelling jacks fitted , use them all the time, even when parked up at home; as an added security measure. The firm we used is based in Birkenhead and they were really good and accommodating.

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[funflair]

I am wondering about the ferry, I have levellers fitted but wasn’t sure about deploying them when on the ferry! One side it stops the van wobbling about as the ferry moves, but on the other the levellers are now subject to forces that they may not really be designed for, particularly in rough seas. They would be designed for the static load of the van+, but not the dynamic load of the boat crashing into waves and the subsequent acceleration and deceleration of the van… I’m tending to think I will leave them safely retracted on the ferry and let the suspension do what it’s designed to do.

I wouldn’t as apart from anything the van might slide around on the steel jack plates and that wouldn’t end well.

 

[David and Sally]

I am wondering about the ferry, I have levellers fitted but wasn’t sure about deploying them when on the ferry! One side it stops the van wobbling about as the ferry moves, but on the other the levellers are now subject to forces that they may not really be designed for, particularly in rough seas. They would be designed for the static load of the van+, but not the dynamic load of the boat crashing into waves and the subsequent acceleration and deceleration of the van… I’m tending to think I will leave them safely retracted on the ferry and let the suspension do what it’s designed to do.

What you can do is just use them to stabilise (HPC) so they just touch the deck but don’t take any weight. That way you have 4 tyres and 4 jacks to keep the van stable.

 

[Margaux2]

We have an Adria Compact SC and I thought twice about having the E&P levelling system installed due to the initial cost. However, after 8 weeks away where we used them on every occasion we stopped - even when ‘camping on board’ the ferry purely to stabilise the van - I wouldn’t be without them.

I used Courtside Conversions in Tiverton as they are just down the road from me.

Are you sure it’s a good and permissible thing to use them on a ferry? I fear that in rough seas the movement of the boat could bend the ram(s) or chassis! Worse still they could slide into another vehicle.
I thought about doing the same but when I saw how my goldschmitt rams can bend/ flex when on an incline I decided not to do it on the ferry. Especially on a Spain trip in the bay of biscay.

 

[Orion]

We off to try that in the Spring, could you tell me who you sailed with please?

I registered online with Anek Lines for their ‘Smart’ card discount scheme and used the membership number when booking via their app - I thought the points might help with a discount on Adriatic crossings next year.

Anek Lines

They give good discounts for return crossings, which can be from different ports, and passengers over 60 years. Two things worth noting though:

1) The crossings from/to Ancona get booked up quickly, so get in early unless you particularly want to travel from Bari, which involves not a few extra land miles along the twisty E55 Autostrada - the alternative SS16 and other ‘major’ roads don’t bear thinking about unless you want to give your suspension a thorough workout, or enjoy the delights of roadside ladies on plastic chairs!

2) Check and check again that the vehicle details are entered correctly before hitting the confirm button and paying. Because I was trying multiple crossing dates and ports the MoHo class and, most importantly length, had inadvertently reverted to the standard 6m. So I was pulled at the boarding point and had to pay for the extra 1.5m, no problem and no surcharge but a bit embarrassing.

 

[Orion]

Are you sure it’s a good and permissible thing to use them on a ferry? I fear that in rough seas the movement of the boat could bend the ram(s) or chassis! Worse still they could slide into another vehicle.
I thought about doing the same but when I saw how my goldschmitt rams can bend/ flex when on an incline I decided not to do it on the ferry. Especially on a Spain trip in the bay of biscay.

See my post #35 above.

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[BeeHappy]

As I said, this was for ‘camping on board’ with the ferry crossings from Italy to Greece where you sleep in the MoHo. It was smoother than a smooth thing and predicted to be so for the entire crossing(s) - I checked with the crew - so I wasn’t concerned about any untoward movement, more about getting a good nights sleep. I wouldn’t consider deploying them in any other shipboard scenario.

Understand that now! Just was unaware that camping in the van when on a ferry was even a thing!! Thanks for clarification.

 

[Delboyarapaho]

Can’t speak highly enough about mick at SAP

 

[Orion]

Understand that now! Just was unaware that camping in the van when on a ferry was even a thing!! Thanks for clarification.

It’s a great way to make a sea crossing, with the added benefit that one can enjoy a glass or two in the bar or MoHo while travelling!

Hopefully this link will show it - scroll down to post #112.

 

[deemac]

what sort of weight do self levellers add to your motorhome

I have E&P and they are excellent. Well worth the money. The installer told me I the system added 50kg however I was able yo remove the Quattro levellers, the alko steady legs and the Fiat jack so overall not a huge increase

 

[Mleabon]

Alco are the best and they have just taken over E & P. On my system have just fitted a weighing device. On my Smart phone I select weighing and it checks all three jacks and tells me the result (3650 Kgs.) I think it is brilliant!

That sounds great but can it do axel weights too and why 3 jacks and not 4? Thanks.

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[ericonabike]

Another vote for E and P fitted by Mick at SAP at Doncaster. Changed van last year and he swapped the system over. When others said "it can't be done". I trust Mick more than others...
PS - after 8 years I reckon the cost per usage has come down to about a quid

 

[BrianHHill]

We've just changed our vantana
For a Adria compact DL .
Very happy with it ,but we are looking at fitting jacks .
Does anyone have recommendations for a system

They are a great addition. We have E&P fitted by Rosmia. Very good company to deal with. Net increase in weight is small taking account of no jack and removal of steadies.

 

[TonyEmm]

I have just had the HPC system fitted by LNB towbars in Bristol and they did a brilliant job. Previous van had the E&P system but the HPC is much easier to use if you just want to stabilize without necessarily being level as it can do that automatically. Both systems did/do allow me to do it manually but I can’t always be bothered to faff around.

LNB fitted the HPC system to a friends tag axle auto trail.
as they only fitted the standard legs, the fronts wouldn’t reach the ground fully, so couldn’t level it.

Numerous other issues about the way they (he/her) were treated and general workmanship resulted in them losinh confidence in LNB.
They went to AIS in Warrington who fitted the alternative longer legs (and cured a leak). It does at least stabilise now but be aware, if fitting to a long wheelbase vehicle, even the longer legs can‘t always level the MoHo on uneven ground…. They should (IMHO) have been advised of the limitations beforehand, in view of the vehicle length..
If ‘stabilising’ is the best that can be achieved, that can be done for considerably less than £5k/£6k!

 

[DerryW]

Alco are the best and they have just taken over E & P. On my system have just fitted a weighing device. On my Smart phone I select weighing and it checks all three jacks and tells me the result (3650 Kgs.) I think it is brilliant!

Hi Richardcamper. Would you be so kind as to elaborate on the weighing device please. Thanks Derry

 

[TerryDunlea]

We've just changed our vantana
For a Adria compact DL .
Very happy with it ,but we are looking at fitting jacks .
Does anyone have recommendations for a system

GlideRite are the best Company , many Years of experience, with a Proper Warranty.

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[Peppadog]

Alco are the best and they have just taken over E & P. On my system have just fitted a weighing device. On my Smart phone I select weighing and it checks all three jacks and tells me the result (3650 Kgs.) I think it is brilliant!

Actually, a quick search shows Alko‘s parent company, DexKo Global, purchased E&P in 2017. I assume the Alko and E&P units are the same as this list of brands owned by DexKo only has E&P as a maker of Hydrualics. Probably the reason the same installers are used.

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[Blue Moon]

We changed to a Swift Contiki new in December, had air-ride and self levelling jacks fitted , use them all the time, even when parked up at home; as an added security measure. The firm we used is based in Birkenhead and they were really good and accommodating.

Was that GlideRite in Birkenhead you used?

 

[Captain Birdseye]

Was that GlideRite in Birkenhead you used?

They should be deployed whenever it is parked up because it takes some weight off the tyres.

 

[Ridgeway]

They should be deployed whenever it is parked up because it takes some weight off the tyres.

What about when storing your van ?

 

[Andacami]

Malcolm Shambley , your first post since joining in 2017...



I'd recommend Gliderite too.

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[Captain Birdseye]

What about when storing your van ?

The same.