Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline? (Read 2104 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Yahoo Message Number: 2709
Hello, everyone-- I am new to Country Coach and am trying to do some research before I see coaches (2003 Allure, Intrigue) at the California RV Show in October. Hope you won't mind helping me-- I did do a search on this site first, but didn't find a discussion about leveling...

It is my understanding that CC automatic leveling works by air bags on the suspension versus hydraulic plungers. When I saw the CC leveling demonstrated to me last year, at that time the coach was unable to level itself completely on an only very slightly inclined parking lot.
Is this characteristic of CC leveling ability? I plan to boondock at somewhat rustic campsites with firm, but uneven-- not level-- dirt pads.
Do you know how many inches of leveling "correction" front to back the CC coaches typically handle well? What about the rumor that air leveling is not as rock solid as hydraulic and that CC will rock more in the wind? Thanks a million! --wheeler

Re: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2710
I've owned three CC's with air leveling and have been happy with this system.
I believe I've read the total travel is about 7 inches, but I wouldn't swear to that. You will encounter some sites where you can't get level, but I've found those to be few and far between.

Walt Rothermel
2003Allure30811

Re: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2711
mine is limited to 4 inches front to rear and two inches side to side. Hope this helps, Charlie

Re: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2712
"Wheeler"

I'll answer your question from the point of view of a person who has owned & used both type of leveling systems. I don't understand why during your demonstration the coach could not level on a slight incline. I have reached level on camping sites I never thought would be possible. I boondock at the races regularly. There have been a few times when the leveling system unlevel light was on, but the coach seemed level inside. I have never had to move a site or use a board yet! The air leveling has none of the problems associated with the hydraulic plunger type--plungers sinking into ground, twisting frame, not retracting, etc. The feel inside is identical to me. I do not feel the coach moving when walking or if the wind is blowing. I'm not sure of the front to rear inch measurement, but I've leveled on sites where none of the wheels were on the same plane. I'd guess 6" would be close.

Hope this helps...........Steve Intrigue #10673

Re: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2715
Wheeler...good that you are doing your research. We spent almost a year doing just what you are doing before buying our first RV...a Country Coach Intrigue...and we couldn't be happier. One of the "clinchers" was the air leveling system. I LOVE IT! I would NEVER buy an RV that didn't have it now that we've really experienced it. We've rarely had a site that we couldn't get totally level with the system...I seem to remember that the amount is 9" that it can go up...all you have to do is watch someone put out the boot jacks in the rain, while you are pushing a button and you'll be happy!

Pay attention to how the floorplan works FOR YOU...and the storage for what you will need to carry. That was of prime concern to us and one reason why we bought our particular model. We came close to getting a new one this year, but the floorplan just didn't work as well.

Good luck! I think you'll find CC's are great coaches.
Have fun looking, though!

(PS..also check out any prospective coach with the RV Consumer Group..they'll give you some input also that you can add to your own research.)
Jan McNeill

2001 Intrigue 11320
www.mcneillsonwheels.com

Re: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2722
We have a '98 Affinity model & are 3rd owners. No previous experience with motorhomes. We have found the air leveling system to work well 95% of the time. Been only a few times we had to move the coach, to enable the automatic system to level coach. The system is very convenient.

Only complaint is the "rocking" motion as you move about the coach.
When you are in the rear bedroom, you can feel someone enter the coach as they come up the steps. Lesser movement is felt near the center of the coach......Tyler from sunny Florida.

Re: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2725
Wheeler,

No, they won't level if the slope is too steep and it doesn't take much of a slope but wouldn't that be the same using the hydraulic levelers? One big advantage to the air bag levelers is that you will never see any jacks drop several inches down into soft soil. I've seem that happen many times and you won't be crawling around under the coach trying to get blocks under jacks, since you won't have any.
Yes, I think you will find more motion from heavy winds with air bag leveling system. But, that's a price I'm willing to pay.

Travman

Re: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2727
Wheeler, we have had our coach since January and seem to like the boonies better than paved areas. We have used the air leveling system and it works well. We were in Texas on the edge of a large lake when a thunderstorm with high winds came through and we only felt mild rocking. We just got back from a three month, 6000 mile trip and only had to use supplemental boards a couple of times.

Someone else posted about quick stops for lunch or Wal Mart and how easy that is to do.

We have a 96 Magna and have never run out of hot water. We live in our coach full time and use the shower all the time.
Someone also mentioned the RV Consumer Group. This is a great organization that is invaluable for the RV Consumer. We researched our purchase for a couple of years and they were a tremendous help.

Good Luck

Judith and Mark
Magna 5325

Re: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2767
Another opinion:

I have owned two coaches..... both Intrigues. My first coach would level 98% of the time. I might have to move a foot one way or the other but that's less trouble with air than lifting "feet" to move. I did have to use a board a couple of times but, like you, I want to park where I want to park.... not always on a paved pad. I have no experience with the other system and don't care to.

My new coach doesn't level very well but I hope to resolve that during my factory visit. I can level the coach manually so I know it's an adjustment thing.

As for the max range of slope that will level.... I never checked it but after a few years of doing it I can "eyeball" a site and judge whether it will level or not.

Good luck with your search...... CC is first class and I would not buy any other.

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438, towing a
2014 Jeep Gr Cherokee ecoDiesel

Re: Will Coach Level Itself on an Incline?

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2775
Front to back leveling does have much less adjustment than side to side due to the length. Air leveling is very easy to use and quite fool=proof (no driving off with the jacks down). With our kids bouncing around inside AND the bags partially inflated, we do get some rocking. But I also level at almost every stop just becuase i can!

Ideally, a guy would have both if you boondock and set up for days/weeks at a time.
cheers,
Bill

'95 Intrique #10005
www.rocksmudsand.com