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Topic: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling (Read 1070 times) previous topic - next topic

Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Please forgive my first-grader questions, but this is our first MH.  Do most of you level the coach while the engine is still running?  Or do you shut down the engine and then level?  Much of what I've read indicates that the engine should be running.  However, the former owner of my rig...who was a well-known motorcade officer whom many of you have motorcaded with...left some notes to supplement the coach manual.  His instructions were to always shut the engine down before leveling.  As many of you know, the coach manual itself doesn't provide info like that.

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #1
I level with engine on - more air from engine compressor than 12 Volt
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #2
I always leave the coach running to level and open the slides.  Like Tim, I believe the engine compressor has more volume than the 12v pump.  David
David & Lou Ann Bouchard
Summer: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Winter: RiverBend Motorcoach Resort  LaBelle, Florida
2003 U320 38' Build #6174 "Willie"
2013 Cadillac SRX Toad
MC #17151 FMCA #F431393

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #3
I do the same as David and Tim. This also lets the eng cool down some, then I can check the transmission oil level before shutting down.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #4
     I understand engine running to get level as more air is the issue  . Now , what does the engine running have to do with the slides going in or out . All Foretravel's I ever heard of had hydraulic systems .  If batteries are of concern , gen set uses less fuel , if at a campground shore power works good also as you are paying for it anyway .              Brad Metzger
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #5
I always level with the engine on, may have to move the coach to achieve a level condition. We are not always on "level" ground. Sometimes takes several small moves to level, easier with the engine running.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #6
Slides don't care about engine, but I like to level before slide goes out, and re-level after slide goes out, then shut down engine
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #7
Brad, you are right about eng having nothing to do with the slides going in or out.
 I use that time to let eng idle so when I'm all settled with leveling and slides out I can check the Trans oil level with the touch pad. Just my way.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #8

 I use that time to let eng idle so when I'm all settled with leveling and slides out I can check the Trans oil level with the touch pad. Just my way.

I am very surprised that the Allison will check the oil level before driving to warm up the fluid???

OIL LEVEL CODE    CODE DESCRIPTION
oL 0X    Setting time too short
oL 50    Engine RPM too low
oL 59    Engine RPM too high
oL 65    Neutral not selected
oL 70    Sump fluid temperature too low
oL 79    Sump fluid temperature too high
oL 89    Output shaft rotation detected
oL 95    Oil level sensor failed
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #9
Brett,
Your info is good, but Richard was talking about his arrival sequence of activities.  I sometimes do the same, (thankfully, minus the slide activities).
Neal
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Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #10
I always level with the engine running.  After turning off the engine, I also turn off the level system.  My coach doesn't have any air leaks in the leveling system and will stay level for a couple of weeks.  Many coaches have minor air leaks so must be left in auto.  When dry camping this is a drain on the house battery, but it doesn't matter when plugged in.  In auto sometimes the system will re-level when we are both on one side of the coach and then when we move it may do it again.  If I'm parked on a level spot or nearly level, I dump the air springs as much as possible to get the step lower, but then I have to watch that I don't whack my head on a mirror.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

 

Re: Follow-on Question To Controversial Leveling

Reply #11
After auto leveling with the engine running I turn the system off.  Never moves.  Month later it's exactly where I left it. 

No leaks in the leveling system it seems.  Much better
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4