Setting Up On Level Ground

[Greg1]

is it necessary to dump and level before running slides out if on level ground i know its not good to do on non level ground ??

[traveylin]

Leveling is good for the slides and proper operation of the refrigeration but...

Defining level might be a bit helpfull. Is it one inch in ten foot, five inches in ten foot. I have watched folks get out the transit, 4 foot carpenter level, build up under the tires with boards. I have seen others back and turn and that is good.

My own minimum standard is never lift the wheels off the ground, because that may allow lateral movement on the rv which would be very bad. Other wise I try for a green dot in the control panel but would not lift the wheels off the ground to achieve.

pops

[paulcardoza]

This shows the importance of READING THE MANUAL. Different manufacturers have different specified procedures. Don't ask in here and assume everyone's answer is the correct one.

Old-Biscuit wrote:

dons2346 wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Doesn't matter if ground is level or not...RIG needs to be level first.

From your manual:

CAUTION
It is recommended that the leveling jacks be extended and the unit level before operating the slide out.

Note: This slide out can be operated without utilizing the leveling system, but is recommended to have the unit as level as possible.

So as long as the rig is reasonably level.....run the slides out

This does not always hold true. There are coaches that will have you put the slides out first and then level, my friend has one of those coaches.

Rather that take the word of posters here, it is best to read the manual for your specific coach.

That was a direct quote from manual for OP's MH (2006 Newman Essex) as I stated in my post.
Nice thing about MH manuals....pretty good info unlike generic pamphlets you get for TT/FW

[Old-Biscuit]

dons2346 wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Doesn't matter if ground is level or not...RIG needs to be level first.

From your manual:

CAUTION
It is recommended that the leveling jacks be extended and the unit level before operating the slide out.

Note: This slide out can be operated without utilizing the leveling system, but is recommended to have the unit as level as possible.

So as long as the rig is reasonably level.....run the slides out

This does not always hold true. There are coaches that will have you put the slides out first and then level, my friend has one of those coaches.

Rather that take the word of posters here, it is best to read the manual for your specific coach.

That was a direct quote from manual for OP's MH (2006 Newman Essex) as I stated in my post.
Nice thing about MH manuals....pretty good info unlike generic pamphlets you get for TT/FW

[dons2346]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Doesn't matter if ground is level or not...RIG needs to be level first.

From your manual:

CAUTION
It is recommended that the leveling jacks be extended and the unit level before operating the slide out.

Note: This slide out can be operated without utilizing the leveling system, but is recommended to have the unit as level as possible.

So as long as the rig is reasonably level.....run the slides out

This does not always hold true. There are coaches that will have you put the slides out first and then level, my friend has one of those coaches.

Rather that take the word of posters here, it is best to read the manual for your specific coach.

[msmith1199]

Greg1 wrote:
is it necessary to dump and level before running slides out if on level ground i know its not good to do on non level ground ??

I have opened my slides quite a few times if the motorhome is already level without the jacks. The instructions just say level the motorhome first and if it's already level (in my non-mechanic opinion) you're fine. I have not done this very often as even if the motorhome is level if you're going to be camping in it you'll want the jacks down just so it doesn't bounce around so much when you walk around.

[barlow46]

As RognBon said, if it is a later model Monaco coach, slides go out first at ride height and the you can level. I think this procedure started in the late 90's but would need your model and year to be sure. Also, if you have air-leveling only and not jack leveling, the procedure can be modified according to Monaco. We have air leveling and always put the slides out first and then level, just to be sure they don't get into a bind. The reason Monaco does this is because of the manufacturing process where they install the slides when the coach is at ride height and not necessarily level.

Edit: Just reviewed your profile and see that you got the 06 Essex. Very nice coach. Congrats on your purchase. Your procedure to put out the slides is probably different than Monaco but call and find out for sure.

[Sully2]

On level ground I still dump the air in mine to get closer to the ground for that first step

[Greg1]

thanks for all input i will check manual ! was just wondering if like a parking lot flat flat surface if it was really necessary i know it will cause damage if really un even. and yes was refering to the air bag dump thanks again

[RognBon]

I assume when you say "dump" as part of the leveling procedure you mean dumping the air bags, not dumping the tanks. Many coach manufactures have different procedures for handling the slides when leveling. Our Monaco Dynasty requires that the slide be deployed first, the air bags are dumped next and then the levelers are extended to level the coach. Most other coach builders require leveling first and then extending the slides. I would check with the manufacture to make sure what the is proper procedure.

[Old-Biscuit]

Doesn't matter if ground is level or not...RIG needs to be level first.

From your manual:

CAUTION
It is recommended that the leveling jacks be extended and the unit level before operating the slide out.

Note: This slide out can be operated without utilizing the leveling system, but is recommended to have the unit as level as possible.

So as long as the rig is reasonably level.....run the slides out

[tandkj]

I have a small spiral notebook that is kept on the CB radio. When we start I open to the startup procedures and when we park I use the parking procedures. It’s a never fail approach and works every time. May sound dumb but in 10 years we have not had a setup or parking problem.

[John_Wayne]

Mine also says level before slides and you dump when the tanks are full or before leaving. not a good idea to hook up sewer hose and leave gates open.

[J-Rooster]

Greg, my manual says to level first before extending the slides. That way your slides will not bind when being extended.