Adding Levelers?

I had the straight down Big Foot levelers installed on my 31' Four Winds Dutchmen (Class C) on a Ford chassis this past May. I went to Quadra Mfg. in White Pigeon, Mi since they are the ones that manufacture the levelers and I figured they would be the most knowledgeable installers. I set up an appointment with them and parked behind one of their buildings and had electricity the night before the 6:00am appointment. They started working on the installation about 10 minutes early and even with a short training session, I was on the road in less than 3 hours. I had the fully automatic system installed, but can use it manually if desired. With labor charges, the total bill was just over $4200.00. My only regret is that I had not had them installed sooner. Words of advice to anyone going to Quadra - pay with cash or check because they charge a little more if you want to pay with a credit card. Also, watch their website because they occasionally have a sale on the labor charge or the levelers.

Kick down or straight acting is often not a choice. My 'C' didn't have enough room for straight acting jacks to retract. But I've never had a problem with the kick downs.

rvten wrote:

Avoid the Kick Down jacks.
.

I had the kick down jacks since they were the only type that could be added to my Bounder. I agree that straight down would be preferable but if the only available ones are kick down, go ahead and get them.
bumpy

If you're ordering and or financing let builder install. $3000+ option won't make much difference in payment and you get better chance it's done right.

Ok still no mention of cost.
I would say $2000.0 to $3000.0 Depending on brand and cost of installation.
Avoid the Kick Down jacks.
Have HWH installed by Winny. Work very well. Straight down Auto system. Can be manually lowered or raised.
Have had Big Foot on one class A. Very good system and support also.
Both were hyd. Figure to add another 200#s to your MH.

j-d wrote:
I looked at BF's Ford EZ system on their website awhile ago when an OP had a similar thread here. I really could not tell, so let me ask: Are the Brackets Bolted/Clamped to the Frame or is Welding Required?
Kit is Direct Acting, and there's nothing wrong with a Central Pump system. Looks great for a DIY install that'll produce great results. Especially if the brackets are Bolt-On.

Yes, the EZ Big Foot system allows for bolt on (holes drilled in appropriate brackets). Depending upon your chassis, how easy it will be to drill the frame may depend upon how the installation must be done for specific installs.

This is not my installation but, here is a nice photo sequence of this system being installed on a Class A chassis. The author did a nice job of showing the procedure and parts from Big Foot.

I determined that welding most of the brackets would be the only choice on my chassis (space issues) and did the research necessary to follow factory guidelines for this modification. Here is Ford's SVE Bulletin that I referenced during my installation on how to properly prepare for welding on my chassis. Any competent fabricator with the correct equipment and skill can do this accurately and correctly, following Ford's factory guidelines.

I looked at all of the leading leveling systems and determined that the EZ Ford Central Pump system would best suit MY coach. Do your homework. I have not been disappointed in my decision.

Good to know, Pete! Does HWH have Direct-Acting kits for Ford E-Series? Maybe I shouldn't be but I'm really down on kick-downs.

the hwh system is bolt on. the ford chassis does not allow welding. i know its done, but not required by hwh.
the complete system is available at camping world, and can be installed by a reasonably mechanically inclined person. yes they are worth the money,

I looked at BF's Ford EZ system on their website awhile ago when an OP had a similar thread here. I really could not tell, so let me ask: Are the Brackets Bolted/Clamped to the Frame or is Welding Required?
Kit is Direct Acting, and there's nothing wrong with a Central Pump system. Looks great for a DIY install that'll produce great results. Especially if the brackets are Bolt-On.

Jim Shoe wrote:
It doesn't take very long to spring for levelers when you've had to level in the rain.

yep, it used to bother me, yelling out the window at the wife putting down ramps, "NO your other LEFT".
bumpy