After a long drive (or a short one for that matter), the last thing most of us want to do is spend 20 minutes with a spirit level on an intense yoga/upper body work-out, while shouting at our companions.
We’d much rather be exchanging pleasantries about the destination/campsite/pitch/neighbours over a glass of wine or a nice cup of tea.
Sadly, unless you like to sleep with your feet above your head, or take a shower in a cubicle that doesn’t drain, levelling a motorhome on its pitch is an absolute essential. Don’t forget that most motorhome fridges work better when they’re level, too.
The question
Without the current technologies, this process often involves using the best motorhome levelling ramps and backwards-and-forwards positioning, often only to find that you’ve still not managed to get the vehicle level when you settle down for the evening.
None of it is particularly difficult, to be fair, but it definitely falls into the category of ‘chore’.
The answer
The simple solution to the problem of laborious levelling is to invest in an automated hydraulic levelling system, a motorhome upgrade that can make life on-site much easier.
These motorhome self-levelling systems are a technological marvels that use state-of-the-art gyroscopic technology to assess the stance of the ‘van on the ground, and a computer brain then activates hydraulic rams fixed to the chassis. These drop down and lift the vehicle into a 100% level attitude, laterally and longitudinally.
Not only will your vehicle be more easy to level once you’ve pitched up at the best motorhome sites, you’ll also be able to use the system to allow you easier access to the underside if you need to work on it. In addition, it can help prevent theft, because the thief can’t simply drive the vehicle away.
Auto-levelling systems also offer the added benefit of steadying the motorhome, creating a solid base and eliminating the movement on the suspension, which can be quite annoying, especially when someone heavy moves around inside (particularly at night).
All of these systems work in a similar way, by using computer-controlled hydraulic power to level your vehicle, although the finer points of how they achieve it might vary.
Typically, the control unit is located in a protective case, which is often fixed under the motorhome. The case may also contain a hydraulic liquid reservoir, a pump and a series of computer-controlled valves that regulate the flow of hydraulic liquid to the rams and steadies.
Using a remote-control handset, an app or the fixed control panel (usually in a side locker), you power up the system and press ‘Start’. A central control unit manages the sequence
by using pressure sensors and angle monitoring to achieve a perfect level.
The system is powered via a 12V battery and uses hydraulic fluid to move the rams precisely. Everything happens automatically and the whole process is completed very quickly (typically under two minutes).
The result is a rock-steady, level motorhome without the need for ramps, chocks or guesswork.
Bear in mind that any automatic levelling system will use up some of your payload – hydraulic systems can weigh around 50kg – so you’ll need to factor in your motorhome weights in when deciding whether to have one fitted in your ’van.
Which suppliers offer auto-levelling for a motorhome?
There are plenty of these motorhome self-levelling systems to choose from, but here are four of the major suppliers offering hydraulic lifting solutions.
Amplo
Amplo has been producing hydraulic levelling systems for motorhomes since 1985. Its fully automated levelling set-up achieves stability and comfort in under three minutes, using telescopic jacks to provide level pitching on all terrains.
The maintenance-free design also offers a range of safety features, and is passcode protected to prevent theft.
Controlled via touchscreen or app, the system runs on a 12V power supply and completes the levelling process in a little over two minutes. Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, it takes up about 28kg of your payload.
Ground clearance is only minimally affected, because of the compact ram dimensions. Safety features include auto-retract, manual override and system diagnostics.
Address: Amplo, Unit 15 Aynsley Mills, Sutherland Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1HH, amplolevel.co.uk
Ma-Ve
Ma-Ve’s hydraulic levelling system for motorhomes houses four independent actuators, each with a 2500kg load rating. Fully automatic, it levels and stabilises via a 12V control panel or Bluetooth app. Each leg self-adjusts using integrated inclination sensors.
The total system weight is around 30kg. It includes safety cut-offs, manual controls and corrosion-proof components made from anodised aluminium and stainless steel.
Designed for the Al-Ko chassis, Ma-Ve ensures stable, level pitching on uneven ground, and is available through approved UK dealers.
Address: Ma-Ve International (UK), Rear of 57 Sladefield Road, Birmingham B8 3PF, ma-ve.co.uk
E&P Hydraulics
E&P Hydraulics’ Level M has four lightweight corner jacks attached to the motorhome’s chassis. The motorhome self-levelling system is controlled via a removable touchscreen control, so you can stand outside your ’van and watch for hazards that might cause issues.
Two levelling jacks operate at all times, to help avoid twisting of the chassis. You can also use the system manually, for example, in the case of having a flat motorhome battery.
Address: E&P Hydraulics, South Warwickshire Business Park, Kineton Road, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 0AL, http://ep-hydraulics.co.uk
M-Level
For 2025, M-Level is offering the new T2 hydraulic levelling system for ’vans with Fiat, Fiat/Al-Ko, Ford, Mercedes, VW Crafter or MAN base vehicles. The average full kit weighs around 55kg.
The latest version features a larger touchscreen control, as well as an Auto-level setting – handy if you’ve been pitched up for a while on softer ground, and want to check that your motorhome is still level.
The average time for the system to complete levelling is 60-90 seconds, and there’s also a manual function, allowing you (for example) to raise one side of the ’van to change a tyre.
Address: M-Level, Unit 11 Aynsley Mill, Portland Works, Sutherland Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1HH, m-level.co.uk
Buying tips for motorhome self-levelling systems
If you’re heading to the Motorhome and Caravan Show (14-19 October), you will be able to see all of the major brands there, so you can talk to the experts, chat with other customers and shop around. You might even bag yourself a discount! While you’re there, just remember to ask about:
- Speed
- Warranty
- Functions
- Customer service
- Cost and discounts
- Spares and servicing availability
Something else motorhome owners are likely to want to know how to do is the steps that can be taken to extend the life of a leisure battery; after all, most of the equipment in our ‘vans runs on them. The good news is there are things you can do, as Peter Rosenthal explains.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. Double check any warranty is not affected before proceeding.
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