loedman1
Napa, Ca.
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Joined: 06/12/2006
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Cousin_Eddy wrote:3 legged chair won't rock on uneven ground. Is that the right answer?
Indeed it is.....
Resolution has been reached (till the next time)
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bsinmich
Holland, MI
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Joined: 11/18/2000
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I had 3 and now have 4. Both will do the job and that is all that matterws. I actually prefer the 3 because it seemed a little easier to level but there is very little difference.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, & 2002 PT Cruiser w/Remco lube pump, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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One thing you folks need to know is the number of jacks does not always equal the number of "Points"
On my coach there are 4 jacks, one near each wheel, attached to very solid main frame members
It is a 3-point system
How (you ask) can this be?
Simple.. The front two jacks are connected by a "T" fitting so if you extend them partially and were to get down there and push one up, the other would come down (Teeter totter like) So the actually jack point is a phantom point in the middle of the front Thus when the 4 jacks are down the plane is defined by the two rear jacks and the phantom point in the middle of the front.. But all 4 jacks share the load
On 3 jack systems the front jack is.. usually, in the center.. The problem is the frame member it is boolted to is not nearly as strong as the main rails
NOW.. That said, there are true 4-point systems out there two, where each jack is computer controlled.. Frankly I'd not want a system like this as if the computer messes up... Well.. There are threads on these forums from folks who had their computers mess up and twist the frame enough to do some serious damage.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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Cousin_Eddy
Peoria, AZ
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Joined: 01/23/2006
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Good answer Wa8yxm! Clap Clap. Thanks!
I think the 4 independant jacks you are talking about is the Bigfoot system. I was looking at that but will stay away now.
I am leaning torwards 3 pt. The only down side to 3 pt that I heard so far is stability. But I dont think the coach will flip over, so do you people mean that the coach moves and shakes when you enter and walk around, even though the jacks are down?
1995 33' Southwind Fleetwood Model LW
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Cloud Dancer
San Antonio and Livingston TX USA
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Joined: 06/08/2001
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Cousin_Eddy wrote:Good answer Wa8yxm! Clap Clap. Thanks!
I think the 4 independant jacks you are talking about is the Bigfoot system. I was looking at that but will stay away now.
I am leaning torwards 3 pt. The only down side to 3 pt that I heard so far is stability. But I dont think the coach will flip over, so do you people mean that the coach moves and shakes when you enter and walk around, even though the jacks are down?
You guys need to be better informed. ALL my posts were in favor of the HWH bi-axis system and NONE of the others. Obviously, you do not know how my HWH system works.
On the other hand, it doesn't really matter. What really matters is that I know how it works, and I'm very satisfied with it. This is my 6th motorhome, and I finally got it right (within my budget too).
Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat
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RognBon
Roseville, Calif.
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Joined: 03/02/2003
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I keep reading about the instability of the three point system and I have yet to experience this issue. Perhaps these other folks are square dancers or do a lot of jumping jacks or other activities that cause the rocking. 
RognBon
1997 Monaco Dynasty 40'
Cummins 8.3 325 HP
Aqua-Hot
'98 Saturn Toad
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jahapp
Wherever the soft breeze blows
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Joined: 04/10/2004
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I'm only on my 10th motorhome but have had both. A little more rocking when entering or exiting with the 3 point, but less chance of frame torqueing. With the 3 jack system there will be larger pistons than 4 jack systems for the same weight. This would be one of the last things I give consideration to when buying a coach, but, different strokes for different folks 
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Aridon
SE Florida
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Joined: 06/06/2007
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A 3 jack system if not properly used will twist the frame just like a 4 jack system.
So that is exactly the same.
Now you have to ask yourself which is more stable and which you prefer. To me 4 points down and on the sides of the unit offer SLIGHTLY more stability and ease of use than a 3 point system with one jack in the middle which IMO is a PIA should you have to put something under it.
In the end people defend what they have like it affects their wee wee size. Why I have no idea but in the scheme of things there are far more important things to worry about.
Personally I think Air leveling is a total sham but others swear by it. i personally would rather have something solid under me than some air bags which do move. But whatever. IMO its a way for manufactures to save a buck.
2008 Newmar 4330 (Modified)
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Cloud Dancer.. I did not even mention any system by name. Please, tell me how does the HWH system work...
And for Aridon.. how does a 3-point system torque the frame
Now if you were to tell me that the front jack can torque the cross member I'd believe you.. but the Power Gear system I have has two front jacks that work together to act like a 3-point system, but with the jacks attached to the primary frame rails.. There is no instability in this system at all, rock solid
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stevelv
FullTimers at Last!
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Joined: 05/24/2006
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The problem with the 3 point system is that when someone moves around in the front, the whole RV rocks.
It will still level the RV and I even managed to crack the front screen and twist the body so the front door will not open so it is powerful but I really dislike the rocking.
We had a 4 point on the Itasca gas (34') and that was far more stable at the front.
RV Park Finder
Fulltimers
2002 Beaver Santiam 38DST + Banks + 99 Jeep GC
DH,DW,Jake and Indie
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