discodunc Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I was hoping to go to the NEC to take a look at some caravan hydraulic self levellers. Does anyone know who might be exhibiting? ive done a google search for self levelling Companies, but none seem to be in the NEC exhibitors list. any help appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springtime Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Had those on my previous RV - it felt very flash turning up at a site and leveling the RV off Quote Willerby Avonmore previous kit VW Splitty Camper,Ford Transit Camper, Commer Highwayman, Sprite Alpine Caravan, Rapids Export Folding Caravan, Fiat Autosleeper Harmony, Ci Granduca Motorhome, McLouis Glen 432 Motorhome, American RV Trail-Lite twin slide outs 8.2ltr petrol/lpg, Lunar Solaris Limited Edition Caravan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MillieDog Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Maybe start at Elddis as its fitted to 2015 Buccaneers as standard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallah Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Maybe start at Elddis as its fitted to 2015 Buccaneers as standard. They are using E&P for the levelling system but don't know if they will be at the NEC. The fact E&P don't publish prices makes me think they are in the eye watering league though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discodunc Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 E&P were on one of the companies I found, but cant see them on the exhibitors list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTQ Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 They are using E&P for the levelling system but don't know if they will be at the NEC. The fact E&P don't publish prices makes me think they are in the eye watering league though. Nor, as far as I can find do they give a hint of the weight, and with our modest payloads that would be my first question for caravan applications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisbee Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 According to the E&P website the system will add about 20 kgs to the weight of the caravan. They don't mention a price but I've a feeling I've seen it advertised somewhere for about £2000 to £2500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallah Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Yes, I think they remove all the existing corner stedies and replace with their hydaulic ones, so the net gain is about 20kg. £2-2. 5k probably explains the lack of visibilty on their website of any prices! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebble Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Glide-rite http://www. glide-rite. com/motorhome_hydraulic_levelling_p/hjswingorfixed. htm E&P http://www. practicalmotorhome. com/news/ep-hydraulics-gets-uk-presence even more Quote 2019 Adria Adora Thames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommanderDave Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 E&P usually turn up at most shows . Been to 2 caravan shows in the last few weeks and E&P have been at both so would be surprised if they are not at NEC . Dave Quote Jeep Commander 3. 0 V6 CRD Isuzu D- Max Utah Auto Elddis Crusader Storm 2000 Kgs, Unipart Royal Atlas Mover . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallah Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 E&P usually turn up at most shows . Been to 2 caravan shows in the last few weeks and E&P have been at both so would be surprised if they are not at NEC . Dave They are on Stand 20-32a this year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glen and Les Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 I have wondered about these systems. I don't want or need one, but I also don't want a perfectly level van - sometimes it's nice to be a bit "nose down" or "nose up" as it helps with the water running off the roof/down the shower plug hole! I wonder if you can adjust them so that they are not level and, if so, what a waste of money! Quote 2019 Ford Kuga 2. 0 (150 bhp) AWD Manual and 2022 Coachman Acadia GTS 565. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Kid Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 (edited) In the late 30s and early post-war, many mid & top range cars had the Smiths 'Jackall' system. It consisted of hydraulic rams, similar to those in the E&P leveller, fitted to the axles and worked from a (hand)pump in the passenger foot well. The problem was that gravity tended to make them drop and ultimately drag on the road . . not good . . They were later fitted with external springs to keep them raised. They also suffered from gradually sinking under load, when you had jacked-up the car when changing a wheel, so you had to keep pumping them up again. OK, times & technology have moved on, but can you be sure the E&P units won't have the same problems? Edited October 2, 2014 by Disco Kid Quote Roughing it . . but in comfort . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discodunc Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 They are on Stand 20-32a this year great thanks - i'll make my way there first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a13est Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 (edited) They are using E&P for the levelling system but don't know if they will be at the NEC. The fact E&P don't publish prices makes me think they are in the eye watering league though. But are we all guilty of expecting 2014 technology at 1980 prices. I, for one, can understand the cost of producing such technology and accept it though not personally purchasing it. Edited October 2, 2014 by a13est Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallah Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 But are we all guilty of expecting 2014 technology at 1980 prices. I, for one, can understand the cost of producing such technology and accept it though not personally purchasing it. Maybe, however 6 hydraulic rams, operated by a compressor, controlled by a small computer. Priced individually don't come to the sort of price being suggested without a massive upcost. I suspect much is paying for development costs somewhere and you'd like to think that in the fullness of time the costs will come down, but at such a high price it makes you wonder if they will sell enough - although fitting them to Buccaneers might help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I have wondered about these systems. I don't want or need one, but I also don't want a perfectly level van - sometimes it's nice to be a bit "nose down" or "nose up" as it helps with the water running off the roof/down the shower plug hole! I wonder if you can adjust them so that they are not level and, if so, what a waste of money! I have no experience of the E&P system, but the "Equilizer" auto-levelling system fitted to our motorhome allows for initial manual setting of each corner jack. The desired level is then loaded "into memory" to be recalled anytime at the press of a button. It can be quite weird for others to see me walking around the MH connecting the EHU as the outfit is levelling itself! Gordon. Footnote: See stand 20 - 32a at the NEC http://www. ep-hydraulics. nl/en/info/Home/170 E&P Hydraulics Unit 13 Elder Court Lyons Drive Blackburn BB1 2EQ Quote Fourwinds Hurricane 31D Motorhome. Also MGTF135 1. 8i Roadster (fun) & Volvo V70 3.2Ltr LPG (everyday car) Unless otherwise stated, my posts will be my personal thoughts and have the same standing as any other member of Caravan and Motorhome Talk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkmoon Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 (edited) Surely these devices are more appropriate for motorhomes? Sounds a bit exxy for a caravan - after all front to back levelling is easy with the jockey and side to side can be made a bit easier with one of those clamp/leveller thingys and cheaper. Anyway - carrying out all these little tasks is part of the fun isn't it? Edited October 3, 2014 by hawkmoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Surely these devices are more appropriate for motorhomes? Sounds a bit exxy for a caravan - after all front to back levelling is easy with the jockey and side to side can be made a bit easier with one of those clamp/leveller thingys and cheaper. Anyway - carrying out all these little tasks is part of the fun isn't it? I tend to agree, but there will always be those who are less physically able and these devices (along with caravan movers) can allow them to continue caravanning with a degree of independence. Our MH weighs many tons and I certainly would not wish to level that manually, but our numerous caravans over the years (including the twin axles) have all been pushed into place on the car, and manualy levelled. Gordon. Quote Fourwinds Hurricane 31D Motorhome. Also MGTF135 1. 8i Roadster (fun) & Volvo V70 3.2Ltr LPG (everyday car) Unless otherwise stated, my posts will be my personal thoughts and have the same standing as any other member of Caravan and Motorhome Talk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkmoon Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I tend to agree, but there will always be those who are less physically able and these devices (along with caravan movers) can allow them to continue caravanning with a degree of independence. Our MH weighs many tons and I certainly would not wish to level that manually, but our numerous caravans over the years (including the twin axles) have all been pushed into place on the car, and manualy levelled. Gordon. Good Point Motor mover and a couple of planks of 1" thick timber have made this reasonably effort free for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddywheels Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I've been doing some research on systems for my twin axle now I have the diamond wheel locks and jacking up constantly Best price for Compact E&P to lift wheels/level side to side was £1847 - this doesn't include self levelling or auto steadies but I'm not bothered about that - cordless drill and jockey wheel are easy enough Caralevel do a cheaper system that will level using suspension but doesn't lift wheels so not suitable for my purposes In the end decided I've spent enough already and as the diamond locks were free but not required by CC insurance I'm not going to bother fitting them which makes life a lot easier Quote A Vanner without a van due to the demands of DIY and SWMBO - 40 years was a good run though Now a Motorhome Learner with a Fiat Toad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommanderDave Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 (edited) I have no experience of the E&P system, but the "Equilizer" auto-levelling system fitted to our motorhome allows for initial manual setting of each corner jack. The desired level is then loaded "into memory" to be recalled anytime at the press of a button. It can be quite weird for others to see me walking around the MH connecting the EHU as the outfit is levelling itself! Gordon. Footnote: See stand 20 - 32a at the NEC http://www. ep-hydraulics. nl/en/info/Home/170 E&P Hydraulics Unit 13 Elder Court Lyons Drive Blackburn BB1 2EQ The Yank Manufacturers seem to fit them as standard item on their A class and some C class RVs so give it time and it will be fitted here . Some of the MHs here like Concorde fit them already as standard but we pay for them in the big prices here . The E&P system fitted to the Buccaneers is programmed to work in pairs so it does not twist the chassis as it levels and looks clever the way it does it . It does not just lift the caravan so I dont think you could do it manually yourself with a DIYsystem without put to much load on one side . . Dave Edited October 3, 2014 by CommanderDave Quote Jeep Commander 3. 0 V6 CRD Isuzu D- Max Utah Auto Elddis Crusader Storm 2000 Kgs, Unipart Royal Atlas Mover . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddywheels Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 (edited) Levelling using steadies worries me - I would rather use jockey wheel then drop legs Lifting axle with hydraulic rams shouldn't cause a problem - that's why I got information on the Compact system but it needs to come down a lot more before I go for it The compact system is definitely less stressful all round and safer than the scissor jack I've been using Edited October 3, 2014 by Muddywheels Quote A Vanner without a van due to the demands of DIY and SWMBO - 40 years was a good run though Now a Motorhome Learner with a Fiat Toad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Kid Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Don't think I would be comfortable with it on anything other than a hard standing . . which we rarely use . . those jacks on the axle may have large pads, but I doubt they have the surface area of the tyres in contact with the ground, and will sink under the load Quote Roughing it . . but in comfort . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverLight Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 Apologies for this off topic question, but are there facilities to camp at the NEC? ive just looked, and I cannot see any mention of it. .. yet I am sure there is a show that goes on elsewhere that does? Thank you again and apologies for off topic discussion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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