Setting up camp should be the easiest part of your adventure, yet a slanted floor can ruin the experience. We have all felt that annoying tilt while trying to sleep or noticed the fridge struggling to stay cold on an uneven surface. Learning how to use lippert auto leveling system correctly ensures your rig stays stable, your appliances run efficiently, and your slide-outs operate without binding.
In this guide, I will walk you through the precise steps to master your Lippert (LCI) system, whether you have the electric Ground Control or the hydraulic Level-Up version. We will cover everything from initial site prep to troubleshooting those frustrating error codes that pop up at the worst times. By the end of this article, you will feel like a seasoned pro ready to tackle any campsite terrain.
Our goal is to move you from “setup stress” to “campfire relaxation” in under ten minutes. We will focus on safety-first protocols and technician-approved tricks that prevent expensive damage to your jacks. Let’s dive into the mechanics of getting your home-on-wheels perfectly level every single time.
Understanding the Core Components of Your Lippert System
Before we push any buttons, you need to know what you are working with. Most modern RVs use either the Ground Control 3.0 (electric) or the Level-Up (hydraulic) system. Both use a central brain, often called the controller, which communicates with sensors located throughout the chassis to determine the current angle of the vehicle.
The interface is your primary point of contact. This is usually a small touchpad located in a storage bay or near the entry door. It features an LCD screen that provides real-time feedback, battery voltage readings, and those dreaded error messages. Understanding this screen is the first step in learning how to use lippert auto leveling system effectively during your travels.
The “business end” of the system consists of the jacks. Electric systems use high-torque motors and lead screws, while hydraulic systems rely on a pump and fluid lines. Regardless of the power source, these jacks are designed to support the weight of the RV, but they are not intended for changing tires or performing under-chassis maintenance without additional jack stands.
The Importance of Battery Voltage
One common mistake DIYers make is trying to level with a weak battery. These systems pull significant amperage, especially the hydraulic variants. Always ensure you are either plugged into shore power or connected to a running tow vehicle before starting the process. Low voltage is the leading cause of “Low Voltage” errors and erratic sensor behavior.
Locating the Rear and Front Sensors
Your system relies on internal “hall effect” sensors or remote leveling sensors. These are usually mounted to the frame or the ceiling of a storage compartment. It is vital to keep these areas clear of heavy gear that might bump or shift the sensors. A dislodged sensor will lead to a “Level Zero Point” error, requiring a recalibration of the entire system.
Essential Safety Steps Before You Begin
Safety is the foundation of every successful off-road or camping setup. Before you even touch the control pad, you must secure the perimeter. Ensure that all people, pets, and gear are clear of the RV’s underside. The jacks move with immense force and can easily crush objects or cause serious injury if someone is caught off guard.
Always chock your wheels before unhitching. While the leveling system provides stability, it is not a substitute for proper wheel chocks. On steep inclines, the RV can shift as the jacks extend, potentially causing the jacks to bend or the rig to slide off its blocks. Use heavy-duty rubber chocks for the best grip on gravel or dirt.
Check the ground consistency before deploying the feet. If you are parked on soft sand, fresh asphalt, or mud, the small metal feet of the jacks will sink. This creates an unstable base and can lead to an “Out of Stroke” error. Use leveling pads or “SnapPads” to increase the surface area and prevent sinking.
Disconnecting the Tow Vehicle
For fifth wheels and travel trailers, you must be disconnected before the “Auto Level” function can do its job. Pull the tow vehicle forward several feet to ensure the jacks have plenty of clearance. If the truck is still under the overhang, a sudden drop during the leveling process could result in the RV crushing your truck bed or tailgate.
Managing Slide-outs and Awnings
A golden rule among experienced RVers is to level before extending slide-outs. Extending slides on an unlevel rig puts massive strain on the slide motors and can cause the room to bind. Similarly, keep your awnings retracted until the rig is stable. A shifting RV can twist the awning arms if they are deployed and anchored to the ground.
Step-by-Step Guide on how to use lippert auto leveling system
Now that the site is prepped and the wheels are chocked, it is time to engage the system. Follow these steps precisely to ensure a smooth operation. Most systems follow a very similar logic, but always refer to your specific LCD prompts if they differ slightly from this general guide.
- Power On: Press the “Power” button on the touchpad. The green LED should light up, and the LCD will display “System Ready.”
- Drop the Front Jacks: If you are unhitching, use the “Front” or “Up” button to raise the nose of the RV until the weight is off the hitch. Once unhitched, pull your truck away.
- Lower the Nose: For most Lippert systems, the nose must be slightly above level before you hit the auto-level button. However, some newer versions prefer the nose to be lower. Check your manual, but “Nose High” is the standard starting point.
- Initiate Auto Level: Press the “Auto Level” button once. The system will begin by grounding the front jacks (if they aren’t already), then it will deploy the rear jacks.
- The “LCI Dance”: You will hear the motors or pump cycling. The RV will tilt forward, then side-to-side, and finally back-to-back. Do not panic; this is normal. The system is finding the “Zero Point.”
- Success Confirmation: Once the system is finished, the LCD will read “Auto Level Success” or “Green Light – Level.” The system will then automatically shut off after a few moments.
If the system stops and displays an error, do not force it. Usually, an error occurs because a jack has reached its maximum extension (Out of Stroke). If this happens, retract all jacks, add leveling blocks under the low-side jacks, and restart the process. This provides the extra height needed without overextending the mechanical components.
Knowing how to use lippert auto leveling system also means knowing when to stop. If you hear a loud “pop” or “grinding” noise, immediately press any button on the pad to abort the sequence. This safety override stops all movement instantly, allowing you to inspect for obstructions or mechanical failures.
Troubleshooting Common Lippert Error Codes
Even the best tech can have a bad day. Lippert systems are known for being robust, but they are sensitive to environmental factors. Understanding the most common error codes will save you a call to a mobile mechanic. Most of these issues are DIY-friendly and can be fixed in the field with basic tools.
The “Out of Stroke” error is the most frequent. This means the jack has extended as far as it can go but the sensor still doesn’t think the RV is level. The fix is simple: retract the jacks and place 2×9 wood blocks or plastic leveling pads under the feet. This “shortens” the distance the jack needs to travel to reach the ground.
The “Low Voltage” error is another common culprit. As mentioned earlier, the system needs a steady 12.7V to 13.5V to operate correctly. If your battery is cold or depleted, the control board will shut down to protect the motors. Plug into your generator or truck and wait ten minutes before trying again.
How to Perform a System Reset
If the touchpad becomes unresponsive or “glitches,” you may need to perform a hard reset. Locate the main controller (usually hidden in the ceiling of the pass-through storage). Disconnect the main power harness for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This clears the temporary memory and often resolves communication errors between the pad and the jacks.
Clearing the “Feature Disabled” Message
Sometimes you might see “Feature Disabled.” This usually happens because the system thinks the RV is in a dangerous position or the parking brake (on motorized units) isn’t set. Ensure your stabilizers are up and the rig is relatively stable before engaging the auto-level command. The system has built-in tilt limits to prevent the RV from tipping over.
Manual Mode: When Auto-Level Fails
There are times when the “Auto Level” function just can’t get it right, particularly on extremely uneven off-road terrain. In these cases, knowing how to use lippert auto leveling system in manual mode is a vital skill. Manual mode allows you to control pairs of jacks to stabilize the rig exactly where you want it.
To enter manual mode, press the “Enter” button or scroll through the menu until “Manual Mode” appears, then press “Enter” again. You can now use the “Front,” “Rear,” “Left,” and “Right” buttons. Note that the system moves jacks in pairs (e.g., pressing “Left” moves both the front-left and rear-left jacks). This prevents twisting the chassis frame.
Use a bubble level on the floor or the kitchen counter while in manual mode. Adjust the “Left/Right” axis first, then the “Front/Rear” axis. Once you are satisfied, press the “Retract” button to finish or simply turn the power off. Manual mode is also excellent for “hitching up” when the auto-reconnect feature fails to find the correct height.
Advanced Tips for Difficult Terrain and Off-Roading
If you take your rig off the beaten path, the ground will rarely be flat. Off-road enthusiasts often face “crowned” roads or soft silt. In these scenarios, your Lippert system needs a little help. Never rely solely on the metal feet; always carry a variety of lumber scraps or heavy-duty leveling blocks.
If one side of the RV is significantly lower than the other, use “ramps” or blocks under the tires first. The goal is to get the RV “close” to level using the tires before deploying the jacks. The Lippert system works best when it only has to make minor adjustments. This reduces the “stroke” required and keeps the center of gravity lower.
In high-wind conditions, the auto-leveling jacks can sometimes “creak.” This is caused by the friction of the metal components. A pro tip is to add a few drops of anti-stiction fluid (like Cat Hydraulic Oil Additive 1U-9891) to the hydraulic reservoir. This lubricates the internal seals and eliminates the “popping” sound often heard at night.
Using the Reconnect Feature
Most Lippert systems have a “Hitch Recognition” or “Reconnect” feature. After you are done camping, the system remembers the height at which you pressed “Auto Level.” By selecting “Hitch Recognition,” the front jacks will automatically return the nose to the exact height needed to back your truck under the pin. It is a massive time-saver for solo travelers.
Maintenance for Long-Term Reliability
A leveling system is a “set it and forget it” component until it breaks. To ensure yours lasts for years, perform a simple maintenance routine every six months. Start by fully extending the jacks and wiping the “pistons” (the shiny metal parts) with a clean, dry cloth. This removes road grime and salt that can tear the internal seals.
After cleaning, spray the pistons with a dry silicone lubricant. Avoid using heavy grease or WD-40, as these attract dust and grit, which act like sandpaper on your seals. The dry silicone provides a protective barrier and ensures the jacks slide smoothly without binding or chattering.
Check the hydraulic fluid level (for Level-Up systems) when the jacks are fully retracted. The fluid should be about one inch from the top of the reservoir. If it is low, use Type A Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). For electric systems, inspect the wiring harnesses for any signs of fraying or corrosion, especially where the wires exit the frame.
Protecting the Control Pad
The exterior control pads are somewhat weather-resistant, but they aren’t waterproof. If your pad is located in an unsealed compartment, consider adding a small plastic cover or “weather shield.” Moisture ingress is a common cause of button failure and “phantom” ghost-button presses that can trigger the system unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lippert Auto Leveling
Can I use the leveling system to change a tire?
No. Lippert explicitly states that the auto-leveling system is not a jack for vehicle maintenance. While it can lift the wheels off the ground, it lacks the secondary safety locks required to support the weight safely while a human is working nearby. Always use dedicated bottle jacks and jack stands for tire changes.
Why does my RV shake even when leveled?
Leveling is not the same as stabilizing. While the jacks hold the weight, the long “legs” can still allow for some sway. To fix this, use cross-brace stabilizers or “steady-fast” systems. Additionally, ensure your rear jacks are extended as little as possible by using more blocks; shorter jack extension equals more stability.
What should I do if a jack won’t retract?
Every Lippert system has a manual override. For electric jacks, there is usually a nut on the top of the motor that can be turned with a power drill and a socket. For hydraulic systems, you can use a hex bit on the end of the pump motor to manually cycle the valves. Always carry these tools in your “emergency kit.”
Is it okay if my wheels are off the ground?
While the system is capable of lifting the wheels, it is generally discouraged. When wheels are off the ground, the RV is only supported by the vertical jacks, which have very little lateral (side-to-side) strength. If you must lift the wheels to get level, ensure the opposite side is heavily chocked and consider moving to a flatter spot.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Leveling System
Learning how to use lippert auto leveling system is one of the most empowering skills an RV owner can acquire. It transforms a tedious, physical chore into a simple push-button operation. Remember that the secret to a long-lasting system lies in the preparation: choose a good site, use blocks to save your stroke, and always keep your batteries charged.
By following the safety protocols and maintenance tips outlined here, you protect your investment and ensure your “home” remains stable and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to use manual mode when the terrain gets tough, and always keep a can of silicone spray handy. A little care goes a long way in the world of off-road and RV adventures.
Now that you have the knowledge, it is time to get out there and explore. Whether you are parked on a mountain ridge or a beachside resort, you can rest easy knowing your rig is perfectly balanced. Stay safe and stay comfortable!
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