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Hydraulic or electric levelling jacks for motorhomes ?

Hydraulic or electric levelling jacks for motorhomes ?

Are you looking for levelling system but you don't know what to choose ? We are here to help !


Levelling system

Welcome to the x-CAMPING blog, the place where we share our knowledge and passion for life on wheels. In this article we are going to look at a subject that will sooner or later concern all motorhome owners: choice between hydraulic and electric levelling systems. These systems are essential for the stability, keeping level, and providing better comfort for You and Your motorhome, especially if you are going to stay in one place for a long time.

We'll compare and show the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of both systems in details to help you make the best decision. From ease of use to maintenance and cost, we cover everything you need to consider before choosing the most suitable stabilizer jacks for your vehicle.

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Electric levelling system

Electric stabilisers are devices that use electric motors to lift and stabilise the RV. They provide a simple and practical way of levelling the vehicle and safely supporting it on uneven terrain. At the flick of a switch, user activate the electric motors, which in turn extend or retract the stabilizers.

As well as contributing to stability, the electric outriggers also improve living comfort by reducing the vehicle's roll and sway while you are spending time inside the RV.

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Hydraulic stabilizers jacks

Motorhome hydraulic stabilizers jacks are systems that use hydraulic mechanisms to lift and level the vehicle efficiently. These systems use hydraulic fluid pressure generated by a pump to deploy the jacks and stabilize the motorhome safely on the ground. Usually, they are controlled from a central control panel inside the motorhome, allowing the user to deploy the levelling jacks individually or simultaneously to achieve optimum levelling and stability.

Hydraulic systems offer a high load capacity and are renowned for their robustness and durability. They are particularly suitable for larger and heavier motorhomes where strong, reliable stabilization is required. By precisely controlling the levelling process, hydraulic jacks help to align the motorhome efficiently, improving living comfort by minimizing movement and sway, while protecting the vehicle and its body.

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Advantages and disadvantages of electric and hydraulic stabilisers

Take a look at the table comparing the advantages of electric and hydraulic levelling systems for RV:

Criteria

Electric levelling jacks

Hydraulic levelling jacks

Comparison

Benefits

·         Easy to use and assemble

·         Less maintenance

·         Quiet operation

·         More economical

·         High stability and load capacity

·         Precise control and adjustment

·         Ideal for heavy motorhomes

Electric systems are easy to use and require little maintenance, while hydraulic systems offer superior stability and adaptability.

Disadvantages

·         Limited load capacity

·         Not ideal for very heavy vehicles

·         Higher purchase price

·         More complex to install and maintain

·         Potential for hydraulic leaks

Electric systems are less suited to heavy loads, while hydraulic systems have higher costs and maintenance requirements.

Installation

Simpler, often suitable for amateurs.

Skills required for installation.

Electrical levelling jacks are easier to install, hydraulic stabilizers jacks may require professional installation.

Maintenance

 

Less effort, as there are fewer moving parts.

Regular maintenance of hydraulic components required.

Electrical systems generally require less maintenance than hydraulic systems.

Operating costs

 

Lower due to lower energy consumption and maintenance.

Higher due to maintenance and potential replacement of hydraulic parts.

Electric systems tend to have lower operating costs.

Energy consumption

Lower

Higher

Electric jacks are more energy efficient than hydraulic systems.

Noise level

Quieter

Can be noisier, depending on the pump.

Electric systems offer quieter operation.

Dead load

Lower, less influence on total weight

Heavier, influence on total authorised weight

Hydraulic systems are heavier, which must be taken into account in weight distribution.

Reliability

High, with less risk of error

Very high if properly maintained, but risk of leaks.

Both systems are reliable, although hydraulic systems require careful maintenance.

 

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When comparing hydraulic and electric lifting systems for motorhomes, it's essential to choose a solution that's not only suited to the size and weight of your vehicle, but also meets your personal needs and budget.

Electric levelling systems offer simplicity and ease of use, ideal for lighter vehicles, and for motorhome owners who value comfort and an economical option. Hydraulic levelling systems, on the other hand, are renowned for their robustness and ability to handle heavier loads, making them the preferred choice for larger motorhomes.

Whatever you choose, X-CAMPING offers a complete range of high-quality levelling systems. With us, you'll find the perfect solution to keep your motorhome safe and stable, wherever you go.

Whether you opt for a hydraulic or electric system, at X-CAMPING you'll find quality and service you can rely on.

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