Full extension of landing gear making me nervous

[aviator41]

Howdy all,

We ran into a new experience this weekend. For the first time, we have set up the Heartland Oakmont on a spot that hasn't been graded close to level. In fact, we've had to extend the landing gear to their full extension in order to level the RV, even after putting a set of 4 blocks under both of the front legs. Unfortunately there are no real alternative locations at the spot. and choosing not to camp here is out of the question as we are camping in order to compete in a Regional shooting match that we've worked hard to get to all year. The only way to get it level was to do it manually. The 6 point level up wouldn't do it.

I'm assuming that being able to extend the legs fully in order to get the RV level is okay. Is there any reason why I should NOT leave the RV in this condition?

[NorthwestBound]

Turn your rig around maybe?

[Coach-man]

I agree with the OP, I have a number of pressure treated 2 X 10's of varying length that I put under the pads. I try to compensate for uneven ground as best I can, before pushing the "auto level" button! But you do what you have to do, the fridge does not like being un level, and I hate rolling out of bed! So if it takes a full extension to level the rig, so be it!

[dedmiston]

I was going to suggest digging holes too. That's what we do when we dry camp in the desert: Dig holes on the high side and add blocks to the low side.

If that's not an option though, add more blocks to the low side to compensate.

Can you post photos?

[Carl_n_Susan]

Arcamper wrote:

GHop wrote:
I don't have a solution for your problem, but we have the same issue with our six point leveling system. Due to the problem, we don't use the auto level and just put blocks under the wheels to level our unit. In my opinion, the auto leveling system is a waste of money. If you have to be on level ground, why have auto level.

You will probably find yourself in the minority that the 6 point system is a waste of money. I have been in spots where it lifted tires off the ground to level the unit. I have also put blocks under the jacks if the rams where not long enough. Most on here say they would never have another trailer without the 6 point system including me. I wonder if there might be something wrong with yours causing the problem.

I couldn't agree more! I have used the Level Ups in extreme situations many times. You do have to know how the system works and its limits so you can adjust to a bad site.

[momentum_rv]

aviator41 wrote:
Howdy all,

We ran into a new experience this weekend. For the first time, we have set up the Heartland Oakmont on a spot that hasn't been graded close to level. In fact, we've had to extend the landing gear to their full extension in order to level the RV, even after putting a set of 4 blocks under both of the front legs. Unfortunately there are no real alternative locations at the spot. and choosing not to camp here is out of the question as we are camping in order to compete in a Regional shooting match that we've worked hard to get to all year. The only way to get it level was to do it manually. The 6 point level up wouldn't do it.

I'm assuming that being able to extend the legs fully in order to get the RV level is okay. Is there any reason why I should NOT leave the RV in this condition?

I have 6 point and have had to do this many times in the desert w/ no problem.

BUT with a caution to be aware of... If your front legs are on an angle like mine, they will have to "slip" to extend fully because of the angle. Be sure the feet are on something that will allow a little slippage as you go up and down. If not you may get a very scary sudden slip or possible damage the legs if they can't move to compensate for the angle.

[Traveler_II]

Arcamper wrote:

GHop wrote:
I don't have a solution for your problem, but we have the same issue with our six point leveling system. Due to the problem, we don't use the auto level and just put blocks under the wheels to level our unit. In my opinion, the auto leveling system is a waste of money. If you have to be on level ground, why have auto level.

You will probably find yourself in the minority that the 6 point system is a waste of money. I have been in spots where it lifted tires off the ground to level the unit. I have also put blocks under the jacks if the rams where not long enough. Most on here say they would never have another trailer without the 6 point system including me. I wonder if there might be something wrong with yours causing the problem.

We have a 4 point Big Foot system and would not have a trailer that didn't have a auto leveling system. We're on the road six months a year and right now our rig is in storage with one set of tires off the ground, it has been that way since last April.

[Arcamper]

GHop wrote:
I don't have a solution for your problem, but we have the same issue with our six point leveling system. Due to the problem, we don't use the auto level and just put blocks under the wheels to level our unit. In my opinion, the auto leveling system is a waste of money. If you have to be on level ground, why have auto level.

You will probably find yourself in the minority that the 6 point system is a waste of money. I have been in spots where it lifted tires off the ground to level the unit. I have also put blocks under the jacks if the rams where not long enough. Most on here say they would never have another trailer without the 6 point system including me. I wonder if there might be something wrong with yours causing the problem.

[TxGearhead]

Sounds like "it is what it is".
I have 4 point electric and so far haven't had much issue, so far.

[aviator41]

korbe wrote:
I get nailed for recommending this, but I have dug holes in the ground for my tires to help with very uneven sites. Of course when we leave, I fill in the holes and compact to pre-dug conditions.

There is absolutely zero possibility of this happening where we are. We are lucky enough to be allowed to use a beautiful private ranch property for this competition. If I attempted to dig holes for the wheels, I would almost certainly be asked to leave immediately.

[GHop]

I don't have a solution for your problem, but we have the same issue with our six point leveling system. Due to the problem, we don't use the auto level and just put blocks under the wheels to level our unit. In my opinion, the auto leveling system is a waste of money. If you have to be on level ground, why have auto level.

[korbe]

I get nailed for recommending this, but I have dug holes in the ground for my tires to help with very uneven sites. Of course when we leave, I fill in the holes and compact to pre-dug conditions.

[aviator41]

avvidclif1 wrote:

6 point level-up, all hydraulic. No extensions on the legs.

If it's level I wouldn't worry about it. The front jacks are rated for 12k each. The back 4 are 8k each.

Thanks for the specs. I couldn't find them. 12K for the fronts makes me feel better about the setup.

[aviator41]

TxGearhead wrote:
I don't want to sound ugly, but did you did pull the pins and lower the feet before you lowered the legs?

Didn't sound ugly at all. Thanks for the input. This is a level-up 6 point hydraulic system. the legs don't extend like other units. they are just long hydraulic cylinders. I sure WISH the legs would extend like you say!

and yes, it's a really unlevel spot. It's not a typical campground. While the area does have full 50 amp service and can handle up to 30 RV's, there are no formal demarcation points for camp sites. You just pull in, get close to a pedestal for power and set up camp.

[avvidclif1]

TxGearhead wrote:
I don't want to sound ugly, but did you did pull the pins and lower the feet before you lowered the legs?
If the feet were extended, and the legs extended, and you had blocks under the legs, that is one very unlevel site.
I usually drop the feet about 6 inches and can get level, or close enough, on about any site.
I suppose you could get some frame twist if it was very unlevel. Otherwise if the refrigerator is working OK, I would live with it a few days.

6 point level-up, all hydraulic. No extensions on the legs.

If it's level I wouldn't worry about it. The front jacks are rated for 12k each. The back 4 are 8k each.

[TxGearhead]

I don't want to sound ugly, but did you did pull the pins and lower the feet before you lowered the legs?
If the feet were extended, and the legs extended, and you had blocks under the legs, that is one very unlevel site.
I usually drop the feet about 6 inches and can get level, or close enough, on about any site.
I suppose you could get some frame twist if it was very unlevel. Otherwise if the refrigerator is working OK, I would live with it a few days.