Forum Discussion

Halmfamily's avatar
Halmfamily
Explorer
Feb 03, 2017

Hydraulic vs Electric Landing Gear

We are looking at new fifth wheels, the Cardinal has hydraulic 6 point leveling system and the Jayco has 6 point electric leveling system. Our current unit has hydraulic front landing gear and I really like how fast it is.

My question, is one system better than the other? Is there any pros and cons? It's not a deal breaker for me as the wife will get the layout she wants. I just want quality

Thanks for your replies.
  • j2catfish's avatar
    j2catfish
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2017
    Bumpyroad wrote:
    j2catfish wrote:
    Had both, really like hydraulic better. My old electric front jacks were over loaded from the factory so I bought a second motor and wired it so that the front jacks could be controlled by themselves. (Removed the cross over bar).


    WAS THIS an electric jack issue or a construction/design issue?
    bumpy


    I'd say a design problem, but I could have overloaded the front compartment. Some people have been known to do that! The original motor might have been marginal because the problem went away when I added the second motor and gear box. YMMV.
    Catfish
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2017
    if you have ever had a hydraulic jack freeze extended while traveling and have to remove it to travel, you have a horrible oily mess.
    bumpy
  • tinner12002's avatar
    tinner12002
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2017
    I would think the hyd would be stronger and faster than the elec. Hyd is my preference.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2017
    j2catfish wrote:
    Had both, really like hydraulic better. My old electric front jacks were over loaded from the factory so I bought a second motor and wired it so that the front jacks could be controlled by themselves. (Removed the cross over bar).


    WAS THIS an electric jack issue or a construction/design issue?
    bumpy
  • j2catfish's avatar
    j2catfish
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2017
    Had both, really like hydraulic better. My old electric front jacks were over loaded from the factory so I bought a second motor and wired it so that the front jacks could be controlled by themselves. (Removed the cross over bar).
  • Aridon's avatar
    Aridon
    Explorer
    Feb 04, 2017
    When your jacks get stuck down, Hydraulic are far easier to retract. I much prefer a hydraulic system.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2017
    I had issues with my HWH hydraulic jacks on my Chieftain. all things considered, I think I would prefer electric.
    bumpy
  • md_procouple's avatar
    md_procouple
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2017
    Hmm If she aint happy... No Body is Happy lol Been there done that, as far as the landing gear goes... Have had both and both worked as expected. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!
  • Us_out_West's avatar
    Us_out_West
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2017
    Halmfamily wrote:
    We are looking at new fifth wheels, the Cardinal has hydraulic 6 point leveling system and the Jayco has 6 point electric leveling system. Our current unit has hydraulic front landing gear and I really like how fast it is.

    My question, is one system better than the other? Is there any pros and cons? It's not a deal breaker for me as the wife will get the layout she wants. I just want quality

    Thanks for your replies.


    Our Pinnacle has electric auto-leveling and works fine.

    Halmfamily wrote:
    the wife will get the layout she wants.


    There is your answer as it was ours...we both love our floorplan.

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