Auto level on the Reflection series trailers

[howson]

Hello All,

I was at a dealer looking at reflection series 5th wheels and TT...

Don--keep in mind the Reflection bumper pull trailers do not have an auto-level system, just the 5vrs.

If it helps any, an auto-level system was on my "wish list" when I was shopping. Now that I have my 315RLTS I wouldn't trade any of the trailer's (limited) cargo-carrying capacity for the convenience of the auto-leveling system due to the weight of the system. As documented well on this forum, with a LevelMatePro and a set of Andersen levelers the leveling process is really easy (on a bumper-pull travel trailer). A 5vr is probably a different story due to not having the powered tongue jack.

[Cate&Rob]

Don--keep in mind the Reflection bumper pull trailers do not have an auto-level system, just the 5vrs.

If it helps any, an auto-level system was on my "wish list" when I was shopping. Now that I have my 315RLTS I wouldn't trade any of the trailer's (limited) cargo-carrying capacity for the convenience of the auto-leveling system due to the weight of the system. As documented well on this forum, with a LevelMatePro and a set of Andersen levelers the leveling process is really easy (on a bumper-pull travel trailer). A 5vr is probably a different story due to not having the powered tongue jack.

The Reflection 5th wheels without auto levelling (early models and the 150 Series) are just as easy to level side-to-side with the Andersen levellers as the TTs. The front landing gear is powered just like the TT tongue jack, for fore/aft levelling.

Rob

[backtrack2015]

I actually enjoy leveling it myself so I just ignore the auto-level feature.

[howson]

The Reflection 5th wheels without auto levelling (early models and the 150 Series) are just as easy to level side-to-side with the Andersen levellers as the TTs. The front landing gear is powered just like the TT tongue jack, for fore/aft levelling.

Rob

I didn't know that! Do the new Reflection 5vrs have a powered tongue jack, too, in addition to auto-leveling or just the early models?

[Cate&Rob]

I actually enjoy leveling it myself so I just ignore the auto-level feature.

We actually prefer the feel of the trailer and the action of the doors, with the front end set a little bit high.

Rob

[Cate&Rob]

I didn't know that! Do the new Reflection 5vrs have a powered tongue jack, too, in addition to auto-leveling or just the early models?

The front legs have always been powered (even before auto levelling). Even with auto levelling, you still need to manually control the front legs (like the tongue jack on a TT) to get the 5th wheel disengaged from the truck before you hit "auto level" (if you have and use this).

Rob

[huntr70]

Good to know. So both the electric (Reflection) and hydraulic (Solitude) systems use all true jacks.

Thank you

Chris

I would say you received some half truth.

The 150 series Reflections and the Reflection travel trailers do not have auto level.

The 320 such as you are looking does have electric auto leveling.

[Mountaindon]

Hello All,

I really thank you for all of the input, It really helps us a lot. I was really skeptical, when the sales critter told me that the electronic auto level was not "really " an auto level. It may be one of those things that in practice we end up caring less about than I think I will, but the thought of not doing the back and forth to get set up seems very appealing!!

We are getting close to retirement and In truth I am starting to pay in my body for all that "invincibility of youth" doh
While we really have no issues now with the process, I do wonder if it will be more burdensome as we get older and as our use of the trailer changes from camping to traveling around the country, setting up the trailer every day when we are moving.

There are three main issues that will drive our selection. First and foremost is durability and quality. If I am going to pay this money for an RV I want it to be designed around at least 3-4 months of use each year. Second is size/weight issues. We will be buying a new home about the time we buy our RV and because of issues in the past I really want to be able to have a building to store it in on my property. This is much easier to find if we were buying a TT than a full height 5er, but I am not sure yet if the one foot difference between the reflection and solitude, is really significant. This also caries over into towing. Will I use significantly less fuel towing a reflection 5er that is 2000 lbs lighter and a foot shorter? I know I would use less fuel towing a TT both for weight and wind resistance, but is the "tow ability of the unit" good enough to not be a problem traveling around the country.????

Lastly, Price and features certainly come into play, but honestly either a 320mks or 344gk have everything we could ask for ( and more ). I would have to give up a couple of things to go TT ( and I doubt we will )

In general we really appreciate the fact that Grand design has really good choices for what we want in all three categories. Our current brand does not

Thank you all again for all of the help. I know I will be asking many other questions as we move forward

Don

[WhittleBurner]

Hello All,

I really thank you for all of the input, It really helps us a lot. I was really skeptical, when the sales critter told me that the electronic auto level was not "really " an auto level. It may be one of those things that in practice we end up caring less about than I think I will, but the thought of not doing the back and forth to get set up seems very appealing!!

We are getting close to retirement and In truth I am starting to pay in my body for all that "invincibility of youth" doh
While we really have no issues now with the process, I do wonder if it will be more burdensome as we get older and as our use of the trailer changes from camping to traveling around the country, setting up the trailer every day when we are moving.

There are three main issues that will drive our selection. First and foremost is durability and quality. If I am going to pay this money for an RV I want it to be designed around at least 3-4 months of use each year. Second is size/weight issues. We will be buying a new home about the time we buy our RV and because of issues in the past I really want to be able to have a building to store it in on my property. This is much easier to find if we were buying a TT than a full height 5er, but I am not sure yet if the one foot difference between the reflection and solitude, is really significant. This also caries over into towing. Will I use significantly less fuel towing a reflection 5er that is 2000 lbs lighter and a foot shorter? I know I would use less fuel towing a TT both for weight and wind resistance, but is the "tow ability of the unit" good enough to not be a problem traveling around the country.????

Lastly, Price and features certainly come into play, but honestly either a 320mks or 344gk have everything we could ask for ( and more ). I would have to give up a couple of things to go TT ( and I doubt we will )

In general we really appreciate the fact that Grand design has really good choices for what we want in all three categories. Our current brand does not

Thank you all again for all of the help. I know I will be asking many other questions as we move forward

Don

Your comment about better fuel mileage with the TT Reminded me of a post I remember reading some time ago. A member had gone from a TT to a 5th wheel and got better mileage. Said he thought it might be because of how the 5th wheel goes over the bed of the truck and is close to the cab. where as the TT sits a ways back to catch the wind. Of course the difference in weight would play a role too.

[bertschb]

It may be one of those things that in practice we end up caring less about than I think I will, but the thought of not doing the back and forth to get set up seems very appealing!!

The auto level system is the coolest thing on our RV and I wouldn't own an RV without it. We've had both the electric and hydraulic systems and both have worked flawlessly. There are some folks who don't calibrate the system before first use and have trouble getting a true level. Calibration takes five minutes and is simple. Others try to use the system while the RV is at extreme angles which can cause problems because jacks can extend to their limit and stop. If you read the manual before you use the system, you should have no problems at all.