by Garth W. Cane
Your Level Best (On the Level)

It may seem obvious but levelling your RV is critical. Over the years, campers have used many different methods to stay "on the level", from building a platform of wood under the tires, to more modern methods such as electric, air, or hydraulic jacks under the frame of the RV. Most modern private campground sites are relatively level, but many rally sites, fairgrounds, Provincial, Federal and State Parks have sites that may remind you of waves on the ocean.

Modern jack systems not only help you level your RV, but also stabilize it so that it does not bounce up and down as you walk around inside. They are designed for quick activation, convenient lifting and levelling once you are parked on the site. Levelling systems must be deployed before extending any slide-out rooms.

Equalizer Systems
The Equalizer Hydraulic Leveling Systems are engineered for mounting in tight spaces, and fit where other levelling systems will not. The entire system, from the compact hydraulic pump, to the automotive style "plug-in" harness and control panel, is designed to be installed wherever access is most convenient. Some models have straight legs that power up or down with a hydraulic pump that is operated by an electric motor. Other models have a knee action that allows the jack to be stable on uneven ground. Being able to power up helps to get the jack base unstuck from soft ground. The pump is normally installed in a storage compartment and hoses connect to each of the jacks fastened to the frame. The 12-volt motor that drives the pump is "starter quality" and oil levels are easily checked in the 242 cubic inch plastic reservoir with removing the leak-proof cap.

Equalizer's heavy-duty cylinders will last the lifetime of your motorhome. The system bolts or welds to the chassis frame, giving you the option of removing it if you choose to purchase another motorhome. The permanent vertical cylinder position allows for tight clearance locations. The adjustable mount option permits precise incremental adjustments as needed.

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Kwikee Levellers
Kwikee makes both knee action and straight action jacks. They also manufacture many of the products that have become essentials on today's RV. Electric steps, room slides, levelling systems, storage slides, utility trays, and more. Their Bi-Lateral Touchpad Control System simplifies with both manual and semi-automatic operation and is controlled by solid-state digital electronics. It is a One-touch levelling or retraction operation without having to restart. One hydraulic line is used to power up, and another to power the jacks down. Since this is a totally hydraulic operation, there are no springs to break or lose tension, no need to dig the base plate out of the soft mud. They use four jacks to better support the weight of the RV for more even load distribution and less stress and twisting of the chassis.

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Air Assisted Suspensions
Some companies make systems for levelling your motorhome using the air bag suspension of your unit to raise or lower the motorhome for quick levelling, without having to extend legs to the ground. The Airlift and Firestone units use a control panel near the driver's seat to allow the bags to be inflated or deflated manually to suit the terrain.

Firestone Industrial Products
The term "Air ride" is commonly used by many people in the industry for all air suspension systems. While the usage is incorrect, it is not too surprising. Airide¨ springs were pioneered and perfected by Firestone, and only Firestone offers a complete line of Airide¨ springs for your suspension needs. Airide® springs are designed and built to take the toughest punishment imaginable, and each one is subjected to the industry's most stringent quality control inspections before it ever leaves the factory. But the real test is on the road, where the "World's Number 1 Air Spring" is challenged, tested and proven every day on thousands of bus applications all over the world.

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Air Lift Helper Springs
Air Lift recommends that you should always maintain the manufacturer's recommended minimum air pressure in your air springs when your unit is not loaded. The minimum air pressure keeps the air bags in "shape" so that they will move throughout their travel without rubbing. Air springs that are installed inside coil springs should always have some air in them when your vehicle is unloaded to prevent the bags from being pinched between the coils. You should not check the pressure in the front air springs each day as each time you connect the gauge you can lose three pounds of pressure. Adding air springs to a truck that carries a slide-in camper can raise the back end, allowing you to carry greater weight - as long as you don't exceed the GAWR of the rear axle. Adding air springs will not change the Weight Ratings (GAWR, GCWR, GVWR) of a vehicle.

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HWH Air Levelling System
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HWH Hydraulic System
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