Self-levelling system?

Had E&P for a while now. Had it on max in Spain and Lancashire this weekend. Pros are the usual long range leveling, roof draining, waste water draining and wheel changing. Remote great to use. Cons are cost and now and again auto won't do big angles. But manual is easy to use. See photo of this weekend. I don't think VB on its own would get anywhere near this angle. If you take into account suspension/wheel drop when they're off the ground, this would be a huge gap for VB to raise up to.

We've got semi air on rear but would go full air when we get a replacement MH in the future. We went for slightly longer springs on the front to facilitate the longer range rams.
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daveclare said:
Had E&P for a while now. Had it on max in Spain and Lancashire this weekend. Pros are the usual long range leveling, roof draining, waste water draining and wheel changing. Remote great to use. Cons are cost and now and again auto won't do big angles. But manual is easy to use. See photo of this weekend. I don't think VB on its own would get anywhere near this angle. If you take into account suspension/wheel drop when they're off the ground, this would be a huge gap for VB to raise up to.

We've got semi air on rear but would go full air when we get a replacement MH in the future. We went for slightly longer springs on the front to facilitate the longer range rams.
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The VB system as you quite rightly say ..Cannot compare to the hydraulic system when it comes to raising the wheels off the deck. That aside , not all pitches are in need of a full lift. Its primary function is to Aid the drive and prevent rolling whilst in drive. The ability to level out when on site is an addition and a bonus only. Its fit will only allow for levelling out and not to maintain the Truck or to assist the removal of a wheel should you ever get a puncture.
Realistically the VB system makes a poor drive a really comfortable one. E and P is purely for levelling out only. As stated above ...Both would be best to achieve the best of driving conditions plus the additional weight you can now carry plus also.....When on a hill....Use the E & P for that moment when its needed to get the wheels in the air!
Personally.. I would rather change pitches than to be on a incline of 20 degrees or more

Kev ;) (y)

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I agree with everything you say. But I don't ever have to move pitch or site if it's not level.
 
daveclare said:
I agree with everything you say. But I don't ever have to move pitch or site if it's not level.
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I agree guys. Just a view that was all. I would love the E&P to be honest. I Just cannot afford both .
If push comes to shove.......I can always refer back to my old ramps bless!! lol

Kev (y)
 
Can I ask whether it’s possible to use the E&P to level, then switch off the ignition and release the handbrake without the system retracting the jacks? The reason I ask is that the handbrake lever tends to get in the way of the revolving driver’s seat when the handbrake is on and I’d like to be able to lower the brake lever to give full mobility to the driver’s seat once the van is level.

Is that possible?
 
Old Gibber said:
You've also got to remember, the higher the lift, the higher you have to climb to get into the van, or worse, put the silver screen on, or open/close it.
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I suppose you could always lower it like buses do for alighting passengers!

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Have the Ma-Ve system for just under a year.

Works great, app works but tbh it's easier to use the panel.

Pros:
Better lead time than E&P (at the time)
Better warranty than E&P

Cons:
Manual can only raise, if your manually levelling and you got too far, you have to start again.

Seems to be vert sensitive to battery voltage, use it a few times, even with full battery and it complains on low battery.

One thing no matter which set up you chose, if you van sits nose down, consider getting the front springs done as my Argos 748 was very nose down and I was using most of the ram stroke to get it level on a flat level surface.

Added VB springs so rams could be lowered and now have more usable ram stroke
 
ManTheVan said:
Can I ask whether it’s possible to use the E&P to level, then switch off the ignition and release the handbrake without the system retracting the jacks? The reason I ask is that the handbrake lever tends to get in the way of the revolving driver’s seat when the handbrake is on and I’d like to be able to lower the brake lever to give full mobility to the driver’s seat once the van is level.

Is that possible?
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I have the HPC system and once the engine is stopped you can release the hand brake and jacks will stay extended until restarted.. The E&P set up is I believe the same but I'm sure sombody will confirm.
 
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ManTheVan said:
Can I ask whether it’s possible to use the E&P to level, then switch off the ignition and release the handbrake without the system retracting the jacks? The reason I ask is that the handbrake lever tends to get in the way of the revolving driver’s seat when the handbrake is on and I’d like to be able to lower the brake lever to give full mobility to the driver’s seat once the van is level.

Is that possible?
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Not on ours. But I seem to remember someone on here mentioning a similar issue and having theirs configured differently. I hope they'll come on and explain, because I can't find the thread.

In reply to the height when on full extension of the rams, yes it can be a bit higher but we always carry a supplementary step in addition to the fold out if this happens. But it's worth noting if getting in and out could be an issue.
 
Pausim said:
Has anyone tried the Al-Ko HY4 system. It seems a bit different with independent hydraulics for each wheel and I believe it can weigh the vehicle too, so that you can check your loading and axle loads.
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We have and they are excellent, we added the remote app with weighing facility last year and this only adds to the experience, I took the van to a DVSA weighbridge and the hy4 system was more accurate due to the DVSA weighbridge going up in 10 kilo increments. Honestly they are probably the best thing we have added to the van.
 
ManTheVan said:
Can I ask whether it’s possible to use the E&P to level, then switch off the ignition and release the handbrake without the system retracting the jacks? The reason I ask is that the handbrake lever tends to get in the way of the revolving driver’s seat when the handbrake is on and I’d like to be able to lower the brake lever to give full mobility to the driver’s seat once the van is level.

Is that possible?
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Yes you can but you must have it on when you turn it back on or you will get a warning.

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Kev and Carolyn said:
Sorry but VB air assist or Active air for us . The VB system not only self levels but firms up when cornering . It Tilts to empty the grey water tank plus it can be used to either raise the front or rear end when draining off residual water from the roof .
See the Video and let it make up your mind.
The hydraulic system is brilliant dont get me wrong. However...Its only useful if stationary!!


Kev
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Having had VB active air in my first Palace I disagree it is an effective levelling system. We found it very limited and functionality was limited to front or rear, no side by side levelling. We hoped when we bought the van we could live without true levelling. We had it a week or so and could not manage without it, so back to Mick at SAP for yet another system install. Our latest Morelo has HPC as Morelo have dropped E&P. System is very similar, but HPC has the edge with an integrated processor which can give diagnostic codes in the event of a fault which is helpful. However, if I were purchasing an after market system it would be Mick and Team at SAP in Doncaster for an E&P system without a doubt.
 
Alex and Lesley said:
We have and they are excellent, we added the remote app with weighing facility last year and this only adds to the experience, I took the van to a DVSA weighbridge and the hy4 system was more accurate due to the DVSA weighbridge going up in 10 kilo increments. Honestly they are probably the best thing we have added to the van.
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Probably only for the Al-Ko chassis though?
 
HPC works well for us. Like the active version on suspension - but prefer wheels off ground and a solid Van base when activated.
 
ManTheVan said:
Can I ask whether it’s possible to use the E&P to level, then switch off the ignition and release the handbrake without the system retracting the jacks? The reason I ask is that the handbrake lever tends to get in the way of the revolving driver’s seat when the handbrake is on and I’d like to be able to lower the brake lever to give full mobility to the driver’s seat once the van is level.

Is that possible?
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The Tesa Autolift 4 does not require the ignition to be on, indeed you get a loud warning if you try and start the engine with the legs down. At £3500 fitted it is a very cost effective option. Comes with a remote control and has both automatic and manual modes, very easy to use.

I had this fitted last December and have used it for 48 nights so far. You don't need to lift the wheels off the ground, though it will do this. Ideally you need to lift only enough for the van to be level and stable, otherwise you could have problems getting in and out of the van.

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ManTheVan said:
Probably only for the Al-Ko chassis though?
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I am not a German speaker/reader but I think this from the AL-KO site says the HY4 system can be fitted to the Ducato, Boxer and Jumper 250/290 chassis as well as AL-KO ones. It seems to mention others too.

Das System ist verfügbar für alle Fahrzeuge mit AL-KO Chassis, sowie für Wohnmobile und Kastenwagen X250 / 290 auf Ducato-/ Jumper-/ Boxer-Basis. Auch für Mercedes-Benz VS30 Wohnmobile auf AL-KO SLC und AMC Chassis sowie original Chassis und für Mercedes-Benz VS30 RWD Kastenwagen erhältlich.
 
ManTheVan said:
Can I ask whether it’s possible to use the E&P to level, then switch off the ignition and release the handbrake without the system retracting the jacks? The reason I ask is that the handbrake lever tends to get in the way of the revolving driver’s seat when the handbrake is on and I’d like to be able to lower the brake lever to give full mobility to the driver’s seat once the van is level.

Is that possible?
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Unfortunately no. If you remove the ignition key, then let the hand brake off, all 4 rams retract instantly and harshly dropping the wheels back on to terra firma. It was quite frightening when it first happened.

It also contradicts the claim that the system provides additional security i.e. wheels of the ground prevent the vehicle being driven away. Having said all that, we wouldn't be without it.

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Kups said:
We've had the Amplo system fitted by Towtal. Good kit all made (not assembled) in Italy. Towtal are the sole importers and are in daily contact with the factory. Good aftersales service and overnight stop available at their workshop. Free courtesy car as well.Also offer 5% discount to CAMC members. Recommended.
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Pack a shotgun and German Shepherd if you’re staying overnight.
 
Rapides said:
Pack a shotgun and German Shepherd if you’re staying overnight.
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Ha ha! The main menace were the trains! But they stopped at 9.45pm and didn't restart until 6.45 am. Oh yes and the pigeons on the old Aynsley China factory buildings.

Also have to say that Towtal have replaced all the hydraulic system and all four legs after debris was found to be blocking the pipes and pump. Possibly a broken piston ring seal. Very unusual problem apparently. Anyway, replacement legs and hydraulics are 100%. We continue to be very happy with their customer service.
 
DerryW said:
Unfortunately no. If you remove the ignition key, then let the hand brake off, all 4 rams retract instantly and harshly dropping the wheels back on to terra firma. It was quite frightening when it first happened.

It also contradicts the claim that the system provides additional security i.e. wheels of the ground prevent the vehicle being driven away. Having said all that, we wouldn't be without it.
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Mine stays up if the ignition is off and the handbrake is off too, infact at the last mot we used the jacks to lift the back wheels off the ground so the mot guy could spin the rear wheels. How old is your installation? Mine was done last year so maybe they've changed how it works.
 
Ours operates in the same way a ChrisL's does.

I was specifically told by Mick at SAP on the handover to make sure the handbrake is on when you turn the ignition on and it's up on the jacks as it can corrupt the system if you use the handbrake to lower the van and I have seen evidence of this when a Dutch couple had this very problem.
I can see no reason why you would have your handbrake off when you are up on your jacks in the first place.
 
The Ma-Ve system we have drops on the VCC signal that comes on when the engine is running.
They taps off the supply to the fridge. If we leave the handbrake on, we get an almighty groaning from the rear brakes as it lifts it.
I always release the handbrake when the system has put all four jacks on the ground before it actually starts the levelling move.

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