Automatic levelers… If you have them, you may love them or you may hate them. Sometimes they can be a little wonky, and they’re not always entirely accurate. You may know that a little too well…
For some RVers, automatic levelers are a game-changer, making setup quick and easy with just the press of a button. When they work correctly, they save time and effort, allowing you to get settled at your campsite without the hassle of manually adjusting blocks or using bubble levels. But when they don’t? That’s when the frustration kicks in—uneven leveling, error messages, or, in the worst cases, a system that just won’t cooperate.
Then there’s the issue of different terrains. Some RVers report that their levelers work flawlessly on paved sites but struggle on soft ground, gravel, or uneven surfaces.
Others say their systems have minds of their own, sometimes adjusting too much, other times not enough. And let’s not forget the dreaded mid-night re-leveling, where the system decides to make adjustments while you’re fast asleep.
If your RV does have automatic levelers, how would you describe their reliability? Are they always reliable? Only sometimes? Hardly ever? Never? Oh, boy…
Please tell us in the poll below and leave a comment, too, if you feel like sharing your experiences. You may help other RVers out. Thanks!
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##RVDT2602
Very early on I learned how to recalibrate and reset the system. If you have auto-level knowing this info will one day be invaluable.
Once I recalibrated the system to my version of level, it has worked. However, as we are seasonally stationary, on 2 occasions one of the electric levelers became stuck and I had to manually move it then do a system reset.
Thankfully I have the HWH 200 System Manual Levelers. Only issue was a Ram Cylinder that would not retract. A couple of hours and I had it changed. Until then, we used a Pry Bar and small jack to return it back to the storage position. Not bad for a 1995 vintage system.
If I answer the question it may jinx me!
Sometimes mine try to lift the rig higher than necessary to get it level. Not often and easily remedied by manually leveling but an interesting bug.
We traveled in three motor homes between 1986-2021, the last two (2000-2021) with levelers. Only one issue in 21-years. I call that very reliable.
I had electric levelers on one RV that were a constant issue, but most of my motorhomes have had HWH hydraulic leveling systems, which have been flawless, except for one circuit board failure on an older system. I happen to live relatively close to HWH, so in that instance, after we diagnosed the failure over the phone, I got an appointment within two days. Stayed in their lot overnight and very early my MH went in and was done in less than two hours. Total cost was around $100 (back in 2018).
I have Lippert Ground Control TT auto leveling on a travel trailer which works very well. I believe the most common complaints are from people that haven’t bothered to learn the systems limitations and the correct operation. Read the manual!
My 2004 Equalizer system has been very reliable in the PAST. Recently my control panel died and Equalizer told me they no longer support my system. The only solution they offered was to replace my entire system for $4,300 in parts, $350 for shipping, plus I have no idea how much to install the new jacks, run new hydraulic lines to each jack, and wire up the system!
My solution has been to manually exercise my jacks and dump valve as all my hardware still works. I now have manual pushbuttons to extend and retract, to dump the air, and to power up the system. I have less than $50 invested in my “fix”. I do not have auto level!
Thanks Equalizer for not supporting legacy systems!
The reason we purchased our last 2 TTs is because there is nothing on them that I cannot fix or replace myself. As long as I can find a Walmart, Home Depot or equivalent I can take care of of any problem and I have.
While my diesel pusher’s hydraulic leveler work great, that doesn’t mean they don’t need routine maintenance. This is where I have seen several people run into trouble. I keep them clean and lubricated and check connections for tightness and leakage. I have found maintences is cheaper than repairs.
Our 2009 Newmar Ventana has automatic leveling, however the front left one did not want to retract. We found if we put a 6 X 4 X 12” long wood block under it before we lower it, then it retracts. The company that makes the levelers is out of business, so we can’t even replace it. So I have to place that wood under it each time.
My current motorhome has been very reliable, but previous 5th wheel had a number of different problems.
Thank you for the question, RV Travel! Those of RV #2 always work, but, relative to those of RV #1, we get a notification that there is “excess slope,” which means that we’ll have to manually level if we are to get there. Have a great day and safe travels!
Our motorhome has air leveling & often when we first set up & level the coach the bathroom door says we are not quite level but usually by morning the door is happy.