View Bigfoot Leveling System, Platinum or auto?

[rreynolds51]

Those that have installed the Bigfoot leveling system which one did you go with? The Platinum or auto leveling? Is the auto leveling worth an additional $1K?

[Davelb]

What did you end up doing? I’m about to pull the trigger on the Bigfoot platinum and install myself. I’m tired of trying to sleep with a 90 LB dog and two kids shaking the heck out of my 31C. 2k isn’t a bad price for that.

[DavidM]

This is my understanding, not direct experience:

The automatic Bigfoot often raises both ends of the coach as it first levels fore and aft and as a result, one end is often raised too far, but that often doesn't level it. Since it isn't possible? to lower the high end, you have to start over or ???? The Platinum system levels fore and aft does much the same thing, so most owners of the Platinum (and maybe the automatic one as well) often just adjust each corner manually. That means there is little advantage to the automatic version.

Where we camp sometimes requires 6" of fore and aft adjustment (most rustic campsites slope down to the creek or pond) and as much as 6" of side to side adjustment. That leaves no room for lifting one end too high.

If I were to install one it would be the Platinum version. The automatic one is more expensive largely as a result of having four hydraulic pumps which adds complexity and weight.

David

[Morich]

We have not had a bigfoot but all the jacks systems we have had operate much the same way and all we have had do have some questions on the auto level operations as it can be great or totally irritate you!
So some thoughts on how you operate can help make the decision.
one thing to keep in mind, especially in smaller RV is that people moving around during the levels may throw the auto level off a bit while it is making decisions.
Also most systems want to avoid twisting the frame, so two jacks operate to lift at the same time.
Pull in and hit auto can be great but does often require staying still while it does it, so does it make a bit deal of difference if you are the one making those decisions, based on what LED is lit showing that end down? I've never had a fully manual one where that was the only choice but many times we do wind up with all four wheels off the ground if we do auto and that means we have to lower the whole thing and start over doing it manual! That tends to irritate me lots more than just doing it manual to start!
If I have to set still while it tries, I would rather just set there and push the right buttons to start with instead of waiting for it to screw it up so bad that I have to do it over!

[Davelb]

I’ve been reading around about the auto leveling and too me seems too aggravating to deal with, especially if paying 1k more. It’s also a 17 year old motorhome, though the entire interior I’ve redone I’ve got to stop putting so much $$$ into it! Thanks for your comments!