Power Leveling System - Worth it on a TT?

cruz-in wrote:

CavemanCharlie wrote:
I agree with the above. You can't level your TT at the corners.

The only way to put a power system on is if the TT had hydraulic or air springs. Then you could pump them up to level the TT at the wheels.

Most RV leveling systems do not level "at the corners". Glancing at the install manual for one, the rear jack is to be placed as close to the rear wheels as possible (and no more than 18 inches) behind. It goes on to say this is so the load is a close to the wheels supports as possible.

I do think it is TT dependent whether the frame can handle a levveling system. As an example, my TT Toy Hauler has a 10 inch I-Beam construct frame. In addition, for several feet, near the front of the trailer, it is an 8" I-Beam stacked on a the 10" i beam....The frame is much beefier than my previous 5th wheel with self leveling...it was only 6" I-beam.

While I am not at all sure I will put any leveling system on it, I am confident, with adequately positioned jacks, the frame on my TT TH can handle it..

OK, I just assumed that it was just a power system on the stabilizer jacks. That's what I get for assuming. My mistake.

While I totally enjoy the auto level on my 5'er. It is one of the best features.
I would not pay the 4-5K after market cost to install an auto level system.
At this point I also don't think I would buy a new unit without auto level.
Lack of auto level would probably be a deal breaker for me.

In addition to the design considerations of the frame as others have mentioned, a fifth wheel, by design, has to have a substantial lifting system (compared to the relatively light duty tongue jack on a TT) at the front end anyhow - adding a second set of jacks toward the rear and an automatic control to make it into a self leveling system is less of an expense than a complete system on a TT would be.

I gotta say though, I fell and broke my ankle last week, and really wish I had an automatic system on our TT now. Getting down to put my cordless drill on the stabilizers became a major task all of a sudden!

CavemanCharlie wrote:
I agree with the above. You can't level your TT at the corners.

The only way to put a power system on is if the TT had hydraulic or air springs. Then you could pump them up to level the TT at the wheels.

Most RV leveling systems do not level "at the corners". Glancing at the install manual for one, the rear jack is to be placed as close to the rear wheels as possible (and no more than 18 inches) behind. It goes on to say this is so the load is a close to the wheels supports as possible.

I do think it is TT dependent whether the frame can handle a levveling system. As an example, my TT Toy Hauler has a 10 inch I-Beam construct frame. In addition, for several feet, near the front of the trailer, it is an 8" I-Beam stacked on a the 10" i beam....The frame is much beefier than my previous 5th wheel with self leveling...it was only 6" I-beam.

While I am not at all sure I will put any leveling system on it, I am confident, with adequately positioned jacks, the frame on my TT TH can handle it..

I agree with the above. You can't level your TT at the corners.

The only way to put a power system on is if the TT had hydraulic or air springs. Then you could pump them up to level the TT at the wheels.

A self-leveling system requires a frame designed to be able to lift the trailer from wherever it is the jacks are mounted, possibly lifting wheels off the ground, or at least unloading weight from them. Most TT frames aren't - they're designed to be lifted only by the wheels and the frame can bend if you try to lift it with the jacks.

I don't think most TT frames are made for levelers. You are not even suppose to use your stabilizers to level as they could bend your frame. Not much difference using electric levels as both are a jack system.

My power system is made by Craftsman.



I'm sure you can find an automatic system that will work for you. I'm also sure they're not cheap, but if your wallet allows for it, do it to it! Power leveling system clicky
Another clicky
Lippert system

I would say that the biggest majority of TT owners have budgets that rule out an expensive self leveling system. If you don't have any problems spending the money and can find a system that will work on your trailer, than go for it!!

Although I haven't tried them yet, have you considered the Anderson levelers? They seem to provide a faster way to level a trailer without having to get out the "lego" blocks and set them in place and then back or pull forward on to them.

The systems I've looked into require the ability to get to a 6 or 8 inch tall section of frame to attach the jacks.

While some 5ers have a skin to skin enclosed underbelly - most are only enclosed between the main frame rails. Easier to get to the frame to bolt on the leveler jacks.

Cost is certainly a factor in many folks purchasing a TT vice 5th wheel - and the additional cost of a leveler would be a dis-incentive to purchase a particular TT on the lot. At least in my opinion. A dealer in Fort Worth offers the Lippert 6 jack leveler system for $5,999 installed. I'm sure there are exceptions which require a higher cost.

That said - I'm never (I hope) getting another TT/5er/Class C/Class A without a power leveling system.