Bigfoot auto level needs calibration often - RV-Dreams Community Forum

nomorsno · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bigfoot auto level needs calibration often

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

With regards to the hydraulic jacks, they can have an internal leak that never shows up as fluid outside. If that is what is happening, then it may require more specialized work to get it fixed, or it might need to be replaced completely. Being a '15 model, I'd think it to still be in warranty, so that will help some, provided one doesn't have to travel a long distance to take the coach to a service location capable of rebuilding cylinders. However, Lifestyle might go along with you finding some place local to you that does that kind of work. Hopefully, any local service place wouldn't have an issue with having to remove the cylinder first.

Terry

nomorsno · RV-Dreams Family Member

Got a call today from Jim Armstrong from Quadra and it turns out there are others having the same problem. Jim explained that what they are finding is that some sensors are collecting data while the coach is in motion and not just a static level position. This collection of numbers is over loading the sensor and causes the leveler to malfunction like mine is doing. Explains why it goes back to near the same out of level position as before, it defaults to previous setting each time.

They are working on a permanent fix but for the mean time he recommends I unplug the sensor 4 pin connector while I am traveling and plug back in when parked. It will auto level to the new setting I have programmed because the sensor will remember the new setting and not be overloaded with garbage data. Hope I explained this right. Best to talk to Jim directly if anyone is having this problem and he will explain perfectly.

Feels good to know it wasn't just me having a malfunction!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Now that is interesting, unless I am misinterpreting something here. If the leveling system is "remembering" an older setting, is it really auto-leveling if it is used at a different site where the slope of the ground may be totally different? Is there a method with the Bigfoot system to override the auto-level feature and level it manually? Our 2010 Mobile Suites has manual leveling only, but newer ones have the Level-Up automatic leveling system and that can be overridden to allow manual leveling.

I think I'm glad ours is manual.

Terry

Jeffmarl · RV-Dreams Community Member

The Auto level feature remembers your last setting as to how you have programmed it to level. Such as nose high/low. Has nothing to do with the slope or angle of the ground. You can also run it in manual. We have had this system for five years and is one of our favorite features on our Carriage Cameo

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dave:

This is a known issue with the IDS Gen 2 “brain” as they call it. The black box that the two white molex connectors plug into including the newer “C” units. (I.e. 18512C on the top of the box) It is the sensor, not the computer, but the sensor is in the same box.

These comments only apply to “Gen 2” devices. Not the Original “Big Foot” controller. If you don’t have a Gen 2 system this does not apply to your Big Foot system.

It has nothing to do with the hydraulic jacks, leaks, memory or whatever. The new sensor is the problem and it gets confused when you travel from the road bumps. Jim’s answer is a straight up one.

I recommend using the fully manual operation (select Manual on the control panel) which we have done for some time. It’s so easy and actually faster sometimes than the auto system. Level front to back. Put the rear levers down. Level left to right - done. We use a level in the trailer to determine “level.” The read out on the panel will not be correct if the system won’t auto level. That’s the problem.

You can retract in manual as well including retracting just one side of the trailer at a time if you had to raise it much. I.e. in manual you can retract the front and rear jacks on just one side together. Works like a champ in manual and gives you very precise control. We’ve had to do a lot of “leveling” on our Alaska trip without issues.

Happy to provide more info if needed.

Bill

nomorsno · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill : You are 100% correct with everything in your post,thanks for clearing everything up. My sensor is the 18512C as you stated and also like you said I have become way better with manual leveling. It is actually really simple, you just lose the "wow" factor of one touch leveling. My friends impress easily :)

Will try what Jim at Quadra suggested about unplugging while traveling and auto level should work when I plug back in. If not the manual level is the way to go. Thanks everyone and safe travels from Alaska Bill.