Which Is Better Electric or Hydraulic RV Leveling System?
It is not always easy to decide between features. One option is as good as another or one might be better than the other but more expensive. Or still one might be easier to fix. It is never easy to tell which way to go.
This may depend on your preference. Hydraulic leveling systems seem to be faster and stronger than electric leveling systems. However, electric is easier to fix as it does not have all the pumps, hoses, and other parts that can fail on you.
To learn more about which leveling system is better, just continue to read our article. It explores the topic so you have the best information to make the right choice for your RV or trailer. Take a few minutes to see how this information helps you make the right decision for you.
Which is Better Hydraulic Or Electric Leveling Jacks?
It will depend on which you prefer. In most people’s opinion hydraulics are better because they are safer to use, easier to handle and they are strong. Plus, they are faster. With hydraulic levelers, you also get hydraulic slides that move faster and smoother as well.
With that said, keep in mind that you do not really get a choice unless you are looking at two different models of trailers. The automatic levelers are model specific and you have to go to a different model to find the levelers you prefer.
Those that made the switch, even on trade-ins, preferred the hydraulic options over their new electric levelers. The example they gave was that it was easier and much quicker to drop their trailer nearby and go and get gas. Then come back and hook up their trailer once again.
The argument against electric levelers is that they do not hold much weight and act more as stabilizers than levelers. They only take the bounce out of the trailer and do not support the weight needed to be supported.
Hydraulic vs Electric RV Levelers Pros And Cons
The pros and cons for this section will come mostly from actual owners and their experiences. They are the best ones to hear from as they know the systems firsthand:
1. hydraulic levelers- harder to install, more parts to fix, and can leak making a mess. The good points are their speed and strength
For the electric, this owner said that if the electric levelers were working well they are great but that is about 20% of the time. They are also hard to troubleshoot.
2. Electric levelers are independent which means that if one motor goes out you have the other motors still working. They are also cheaper to fix but are not reliable.
For hydraulics, this owner said they are more reliable but if one motor goes out you lose all legs and can’t level your trailer. They are also more expensive and complex. Yet this owner would rather have hydraulic over electric levelers.
3. Never had electric but had friends who did and said they were very slow and always left a jack or two off the ground. Another owner said that with electric you have to be perfectly parked for them to work right.
For hydraulics, this owner stated he would have nothing else. They work better than electric. Most of the owners we saw simply stated that they prefer hydraulic over electric models. While one owner said they never had a problem with their electric levelers.
Read their pros and cons and see which sounds best to you.
How Does a Hydraulic Leveling System Work?
Both systems have a control panel that you would use. All you have to do is sit in your driver’s seat and press the button that enacts the operation you want. Modern technology has taken the guesswork out of leveling your trailer.
Usually, the hydraulic automatic levelers will raise or lower two jacks at the same time. For example, both front jacks or both rear jacks are leveled when the right button is pushed. The problem that you will have is what type of surface you are parked on.
For example, if you park on concrete your levelers should not cause any damage. But if you park on asphalt, then if the temperature is hot enough, you can sink a little into the pavement. Then soft dirt will be trouble as you should definitely sink into the ground.
You need solid footing to get these levelers to do their job properly and without causing damage.
How Important Are Leveling Jacks On an RV?
Aside from keeping your trailer from bouncing every time someone takes a step, leveling jacks plays an important role in your RV trailer life. You have different methods available at your disposal. Hydraulic levelers seem to be the best and most popular.
The main reason why leveling jacks are important is that there are appliances that only work well when the trailer is level. The fridge is one prime example as a gas absorption model needs to be level for the gas to flow properly.
Another good reason why leveling jacks is important is that you get a more accurate reading from your holding tanks. That is essential if you want to know if you are full or not. False readings do cause some problems.
You can use other methods like wood planks, leveling blocks, and so on but they all come with certain drawbacks that make them short-lived.
Some Final Words
When you are looking for the best trailer automatic leveling systems, the electric ones are good but not the best. The best option to get is the hydraulic system. More owners preferred this style of leveling even when they own electric levelers.
They are fast, quick, and strong, three characteristics that you need when you are in a hurry and want great support. This option may be more complicated and expensive but you do have to pay more for the best.
