Motorhome levelling systems
Has anyone who has a levelling system fitted to their motorhome had any problems with retracting the rams? We had a Ma-Ve fitted by Armitages in November, when we first used it in March, it levelled ok, but when we operated the retraction, there was a noticeable clunking noise and the vehicle jolted severely. We have since had it back to Armitages twice and we have now sent videos to Ma-Ve and they are still trying to determine what the problem is, or if it is us that had higher expectations. Does anyone have this problem with retraction, or do you have a nice smooth lowering of the vehicle?
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leveller14 - not a motorhome - but a heavy caravan - our Knaus weighs 2 tonnes fully laden. We had E&P fitted about 5 years ago and every time I retract the rams, the van shudders and shakes a bit as it settles down. I queried it with SAP who fitted the system and they said it's just down to the weight and to ignore it. I did just that and now accept it as a quirk of the system. Has been absolutely fine for those five years and we use the van all year round - so it's had plenty of use.
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I have had a Gliderite hydraulic leveling system fitted to my 6.5 ton motorhome for the last 10 years. One of the best accessories I have bought and would not be without it. I have had no trouble with it at all. Mostly it does lower smoothly but occasionally it is with a clunk. (possibly caused by a ram sticking?) I am not sure why but in my experience I think air temperatures can have an effect on the rams especially if they are extended quite a way. As they cool down from the heat of the day they can occasionally clunk before settling for the night. If they make a clunking noise all the time when being retracted, then I would be concerned. I was advise to occasionally spray the rams with silicone grease.
peedee
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My E&P is 9 years old. Have you had the system serviced and the oil replaced? Temperature can affect how the oil moves through the system, especially if in extreme cold conditions.
originally, i did notice some shuddering when dropping the van. Discovered that it was down to the suspension taking the load and the wheels not allowing any movement and the centre ram plates trying to move on the floor. Noticed more at home on the block paving. Now if on a level pitch, i release the hand brake during the lowing process and reapplying once the wheel are firmly on the ground.
As for lubricant in the rams, some will say don’t do it. Just keep them clean by giving the a wipe. You just want to protect the dust seal.
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Not sure why you're asking me the question, Freedom. No I haven't had my system serviced and the oil changed. It's been doing the shuddering since new and when I took it back to SAP a few weeks after the original fitting (for another matter) I asked them about it. They tried it out in their workshop and just said it was down to the caravan being so heavy. They weren't concerned about it at all - so I've just ignored it.
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I have had mine serviced a couple of times but lately it has become more difficult because the place I used to go closed. Thanks to this thread I have found another one which is in fact local so I will be paying them a visit to give them a once over and a chat.
Interesting therory about the suspension movement , I had not considered that might cause a clonk when lowering.
peedee
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We have the new M Level system, there is a slight jolt when the MH starts to lower. Happened to be in the manufacturers this week and discussed this, it is the valves releasing and the weight of the van making the hydraulic fluid start to move. They said their system has valves fitted which minimise this, but that these valves are not standard on all other systems.
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Thanks to this thread I have found another one which is in fact local so I will be paying them a visit to give them a once over and a chat.
Popped along to see this dealer and had a quick chat with them. I was told it did not need servicing or an oil change. He would and could check it if I insisted but if it is working, leave well alone!
peedee
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