The Leveling / Stabilizers for the RV ( I am told I can not call it a Bus any longer ) had posed quite a problem for some time as the commercially available units were some what more expensive than I was prepared to pay, I have looked into using individual Hydraulic components & modifying the RV’s Air bag system But both created problems of their own.

I have settled on a Mechanical system utilizing Semi Trailer landing legs, these units have a greater weight lifting capacity & are substantially less expensive once completed.

The ” Jost” Legs selected have a 490mm lift & 25 ton maximum weight. I am driving these units with 12v electric motors which are belt driven on the rear of the RV but chain driven on the front unit.

The drive motors were sourced from 3000lb winch units bought from Ebay, these units cost $86.00 each & come with both Wired & Wireless remote controls.

Pine Rivers bearings were very helpful when sourcing the Pulley & Belt / Chain & sprockets systems.

I will be using 2 stabilizers on the rear of the RV & 1 central unit on the front thus creating a tripod system, this will ensure no torsional stress will be applied to the Chassis when the lift system is used for long periods.

The Electrical system for the drive motors will consist of a Master solenoid to isolate the system, this is controlled from a switch box mounted behind the drivers seat. This houses a master fuse for all power to the lifting legs which are then controlled by separate wireless remotes, there is a facility to use wired controllers if necessary.

Machining the drive pulley to fit the Winch motor arbor. Lathe is a 1921 Hercus still going strong.

The winch arbor has been machined to take the driven pulley.

Setting the support bearing position prior to fitting the Drive pulley.

Machining completed & Pulley fitted, unit is being set up to make adjusting system for belt tensioning.

The unit is in correct position for mounting, to be rotated 90 deg. Anti-Clockwise & hinged by the lower edge where the belt is feeding out over the lower plate.

The mounting bracket in construction, this part will be bolted to the Leg mounting bracket once welded to the Suspension beam.

Landing Leg with the Driven pulley mounted, shaft has yet to be shortened.

Completed drive motor & bracket with adjustment facility.

Drive unit ready to be fitted to the Leg mount.