Leveling Jacks Do's and Don'ts

WyoTraveler wrote:
You may want to read your manual about operation of slides and jacks.

Reading the literature is your first homework assignment. The jacks will be interlocked with various chassis functions such as engine running, e-Brake on and such. Know what you presets are and the sequence of operation the coach builder recommends. Level then extend or extend then level. Same for when it's time to break camp.

The jacks are not maintenance free. Know proper care and feeding. Know how to recalibrate the auto level sensor and find the various fuses and DC circuit breakers providing power. Know what hydraulic oil is used. Add cycling the jacks to your monthly storage maintenance items. Add checking oil level as the next step after checking battery water level to your check list. Before moving the coach always check that the jacks al fully retracted. Include as part of your pre-departure walk around.

Use pads on grass/dirt and asphalt to prevent pads from sinking. Also use pads in cold weather to prevent the pads from freezing to the ground.

Repositioning within the camp site rather than using more jack is always best practice. Lifting both rears off the ground will negate the parking brake and the coach could shift on the jacks. You risk bending the jack cylinders. Left to right partial level is also important. Rise the curb side too much and that last step out the door can be a big drop. Find a new camp site if needed. You don't want the coach looking like it's on stilts.

You don't need a perfect level for proper fridge operation. If you feel comfortable with how close the coach is to level the fridge will be happy also. A little high on the passenger side will help drain any water on the roof, such as the AC condensate, away from the activity side of the campsite and not hurt the fridge.