EP Hydraulic levelling system

Tirril - I'll tell you what I do - but first of all, be aware that I have the Compact system fitted, so there may be other things to bear in mind with the full system.

What you suggest would probably work - but I have never tried it that way. I press the "Auto" button and let it level itself, just side to side  - in my case. Then I switch to "manual" and raise the nearside and fit the locks. Then I manually lower the van (the button sequence is in the handbook).  Switch off and then start again and auto level it with the locks fitted. I'll have to check, but I've a feeling that if you press "auto" once you have further raised the nearside to fit the locks, nothing happens - but I could be wrong - but this is probably where the Compact system will differ from the full system.

It's a bit long winded (but, that said we're only talking a few minutes, including fitting the locks) but I have found that if you just raise the nearside (i.e. just deploy one ram) the van can be a bit unstable (especially on a sloping pitch), and when it comes down again, it tends to skew round which isn't ideal.

I had the E&P fitted 4 years ago because of mobility problems and the fact that I was having great difficulty scrabbling about on my knees to deploy the previous Lock 'n Level.  It is probably the best bit of kit I have bought (or at least on a par with the motor mover) and if I ever came to buy another TA van (highly unlikely given our ages!), I would insist on E&P being fitted from day one!

Have a look at their website

https://www.ep-hydraulics.co.uk/products/level-c#howitworks

“By always deploying in pairs, the system helps prevent unnecessary strain or stress on the chassis and floor of the caravan. So you are able to confidently use the system to tilt the caravan to fit a wheel-lock, or change a tyre. The larger, pivoting corner steadies help spread the weight and give a much steadier and solid position.”

Lots of information there. Manuals and user guides etc.

The comment about always deploying in pairs refers to the automatically deployed steadies.

One of the biggest flaws in the system is that you can not lower manually (the "lower" button is ground floor only unless you interrupt it with the off button). If you lift the van using the auto setting, fit the wheel locks and then lower the van, when the fully locked wheels hit the ground the suspension travel causes the van to lurch clockwise.

I prefer to start from manual and lift the left hand wheels enough to fit the locks (careful use of the jockey wheel can assist with front/rear axle height) then carry on with manual mode lift whichever side needs it to get level. Manual winders front and back for me as I too only have the basic 2 ram system.

Notes

The left hand wheels will appear to be quite high when lifted enough for the wheel locks but as the rams are well inboard they will lower (a surprising amount) as you level the van using the right hand side.

Even when using manual mode the system will automatically stop if it detects that the van is level, it is possible to carry on if you are not happy with the auto setting.

My van is stored at home with the tyres off of the ground, I consider this one of the many benefits of the system.

"when the fully locked wheels hit the ground the suspension travel causes the van to lurch clockwise."

Have you tried putting the handbrake on, after you have fitted the locks and before you lower it? I've found this minimises any tendency to 'lurch' and deploying both rams as I have described certainly helps.

I never lower my van after I have fitted the wheel locks.

There is no guarantee (in fact unlikely) that the left hand side wheels will be off of the ground if you use auto levelling.

Once the wheel locks are fitted, the wheel(s) have the best handbrake they will ever get and they are going nowhere regardless of the position of the handbrake lever.

The van would be just as happy to spin around the right hand ram if lowered with the wheel  locks on, it must go somewhere or the locked wheels must slip (on gravel for example).

Many thanks to everyone for for the very helpful advice. A bit to learn but your explanations will be a great help. Regards

Tirril