Since acquiring a rig with auto levelers last year, most of my camping has been done in Florida, where sites tend to be pretty level. Recently, we camped in a pull-through site near a lake, where there was a significant downhill slope on the curb side.By the time the auto-leveler finished, the curb side wheels were about three inches off of the ground. I took my lego blocks and built pyramids, and wedged them under the wheels. Since we were only at the site a couple of days, I left it like that, but I was worried that with no weight on the axles too much weight was being put on the gears that push down the the leveler legs.I asked a neighbor if he thought that was too much weight on the levelers. He said not to worry, that is what they were made for.So, I am looking for other opinions. What think ye?

I agree with your neighbor. Occasionally I have seen motor homes with wheels off the ground.People also use the leveling jacks to change a flat tire.

RRinNFla wrote:Since acquiring a rig with auto levelers last year, most of my camping has been done in Florida, where sites tend to be pretty level. Recently, we camped in a pull-through site near a lake, where there was a significant downhill slope on the curb side.By the time the auto-leveler finished, the curb side wheels were about three inches off of the ground. I took my lego blocks and built pyramids, and wedged them under the wheels. Since we were only at the site a couple of days, I left it like that, but I was worried that with no weight on the axles too much weight was being put on the gears that push down the the leveler legs.I asked a neighbor if he thought that was too much weight on the levelers. He said not to worry, that is what they were made for.So, I am looking for other opinions. What think ye?Most of those systems are pretty robust and should =easily= lift the entire rig off the ground. Indeed, many here report using them to jack up their entire rig to change tires and work on bearings and brakes. Usually, though, they'll either crib the frame with blocks or use jack stands for safety.Lyle

I've seen gas motorhomes with the front wheels off the ground during winter storage.I don't like putting all the weight on the levelers. I feel better with something solid under the wheels.

Just be sure your brake wires are not too short and pulling on them and also your leaf spring shackles don't "flip"

My Cameo has the Big Foot system. They are built very strong. I don't worry about it at all. Love the system.

Auto Levelers, Wheels off ground on one side | Good Sam Community

BB_TX
Nomad
Mar 03, 2016
I agree with your neighbor. Occasionally I have seen motor homes with wheels off the ground.

People also use the leveling jacks to change a flat tire.
laknox
Nomad
Mar 03, 2016
RRinNFla wrote:
Since acquiring a rig with auto levelers last year, most of my camping has been done in Florida, where sites tend to be pretty level. Recently, we camped in a pull-through site near a lake, where there was a significant downhill slope on the curb side.

By the time the auto-leveler finished, the curb side wheels were about three inches off of the ground. I took my lego blocks and built pyramids, and wedged them under the wheels. Since we were only at the site a couple of days, I left it like that, but I was worried that with no weight on the axles too much weight was being put on the gears that push down the the leveler legs.

I asked a neighbor if he thought that was too much weight on the levelers. He said not to worry, that is what they were made for.

So, I am looking for other opinions. What think ye?

Most of those systems are pretty robust and should =easily= lift the entire rig off the ground. Indeed, many here report using them to jack up their entire rig to change tires and work on bearings and brakes. Usually, though, they'll either crib the frame with blocks or use jack stands for safety.

Lyle
gbopp
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
I've seen gas motorhomes with the front wheels off the ground during winter storage.
I don't like putting all the weight on the levelers. I feel better with something solid under the wheels.
momentum_rv
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
Just be sure your brake wires are not too short and pulling on them and also your leaf spring shackles don't "flip"
kennethwooster
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
My Cameo has the Big Foot system. They are built very strong. I don't worry about it at all. Love the system.
rekoj71
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
I can lift my Class-a with my levelers but I will say that I find the RV more stable with the wheels on the ground or blocks, as in the tires help keep the side to side shaking to a minimum and the rear wheels with the parking brake applied keeps any front to back shaking nonexistent.
I think your neighbor is right and don't think you are hurting anything but I think if you have the wheels on something and are using something like an X-chock you would probably prefer it just for the shaking/stability issues.
reppoc12
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
I have also seen it on on motorhomes. On our primetime toy hauler (that has the LCI level up system) auto level will error out before it gets a wheel off the ground. Not sure if yours is the same. If it does not fail I would assume it is ok. Component manuals can be downloaded herehttp://primetimerv.com/ComponentManuals.aspx
Traveler_II
Explorer
Mar 03, 2016
I store our trailer all summer long with the tires on one side off the ground. The Big Foot systems works great.
Lantley
Nomad
Mar 03, 2016
From the Lippert manual:
May not apply to other brands

• Be sure to park the coach on solid, level ground.
• Clear all jack landing locations of debris and obstructions. Locations should also be free of
depressions.
• When parking the coach on extremely soft surfaces, utilize load distribution pads under each jack.
• People and pets should be clear of coach while operating leveling system.
•
• Never lift the coach completely off the ground. Lifting the coach so the wheels are not touching the
ground will create an unstable and unsafe condition
Michelle_S
Explorer III
Mar 04, 2016
Reference the Lippert manual: That's their Legal Eagles speaking there to Cover Their Butt. Things such as using the system to change tires and the like, were originally part of their advertising when it was TrailAir prior to the buy out by Lippert.
I'm on my third 5er with the Level-up System and many times end up with tires in the air, don't lose any sleep over it either.