The provided document is a user manual for Bigfoot Hydraulic Leveling Systems, manufactured by Quadra Manufacturing Inc. The manual covers various control panels and system types, including Automatic, Platinum, and Manual systems, for both central and quad pump configurations, applicable to motorized or bumper pull applications.
Function Description:
Bigfoot Hydraulic Leveling Systems are designed to automatically or manually level a vehicle, such as an RV or trailer, using hydraulic jacks. The core function is to provide stability and a level living surface when parked. The systems utilize hydraulic cylinders that extend and retract to adjust the vehicle's position. Different control panels offer varying levels of automation and features.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Cylinder Lift Capacity:
- 8k Series: Cylinders rated at 8,000 lbs. lift capacity. Examples include:
- #M0211: 15" long retracted (Chevy 4500 Front, Ford E-350 Front)
- #M0213-F: 17" long retracted (Ford E-350 Front)
- #M0213-R: 17.5" long retracted (Ford E-350 Rear)
- #M0213-OCR: 18.5" long retracted (Transit Rear)
- #M0211S: 15" long retracted (Sprinter Van Rear)
- #M0213-OCF: 17" long retracted (Transit Front)
- #M0213-RC: 17" long retracted (Sprinter Front & Rear, Sprinter Van Front)
- 12k Series: Cylinders rated at 12,000 lbs. lift capacity. Examples include:
- QEI-12 (#M1012): 16.5" retracted
- QEI-16 (#M1016): 20.5" retracted
- QEI-14 (#M1014): 18.5" retracted
- QEI-24 (#M1024): 28.5" retracted
- 17k Series: Cylinders rated at 17,000 lbs. lift capacity. Examples include:
- QEII-21 (#M7000): 15" stroke
- QEII-24 (#M1300): 18" stroke
- QEII-26 (#M8000): 20" stroke
- QEII-30 (#M9000): 24" stroke
- Hydraulic Fluid: Automatic Transmission Fluid Dexron III ATF.
- Power Supply: The system relies on the vehicle's house batteries, requiring a nearly 100% charge for proper operation (voltage should not drop below 9.5-10V under load).
- Wiring:
- Central Pump & 2pt Systems: 4 gauge battery cable to an 80 amp breaker, then to the positive terminal of the house battery. 10 gauge ground cable from pump assembly to vehicle frame or negative battery terminal.
- Quad Pump Systems: 4 gauge battery harness from house battery to all four pump assemblies.
- Main Wire Harness: 14-pin and 6-pin connectors for sensor/panel interface.
- Pump Motor: Parker 108 Pump Motor (#M3522 for Central Pump, #M35201 for Quad Pump).
- Solenoids: Retract Solenoid (#M47050), Extend Solenoid (#M47050).
- Limit Switches: Mechanical ball switches, normally closed circuit, part #M50003 for the switch and #M83000 for the limit pin.
- Tank Assemblies:
- Central Pump: EZ 203 108 Tank Assembly (#M26635), 203 Plastic Reservoir (fill to 1.75" below top).
- Quad Pump: Medium Tank Assembly (#M26850), 64 oz. Plastic Reservoir (#M25500). Dimensions: 9" WIDE, 12.5" TALL, 5.75" DEEP.
- Mounting Hardware: 3/8" & 7/16" hardware to 70 ft/lbs., 1/2" hardware to 100 ft/lbs.
Usage Features:
- Automatic System (Page 3):
- Automatically levels the vehicle with precision.
- Manual operation feature.
- All-up & Ignition safety features (panel turns on with ignition to monitor cylinder retraction).
- Emergency Retract operation (overrides electronic safety features to retract all cylinders).
- Panel shuts off automatically after 5 minutes of no use.
- Auto Leveling: Press AUTO button once. Requires vehicle ignition/accessory OFF and slide-outs retracted. No movement during the 60-90 second process.
- Manual Mode: Press and hold MANUAL. Individual buttons extend corresponding cylinders (FRONT for right front, RIGHT for right rear, REAR for left rear, LEFT for left front). Retract by pressing RETRACT and cylinder button simultaneously.
- Retract All: Press RETRACT. Pump shuts off when ALL UP light comes on. Emergency Retract button for override.
- Programming Mode (Zero Mode): All lights flashing. Used to set the level program. Involves extending cylinders to touch the ground, manually leveling the vehicle using a bubble level, and then pressing RETRACT three times to store the program.
- Platinum System (Page 9):
- Automatically deploys all four jacks to level the vehicle from front to rear.
- Manual operation feature.
- All-up & Ignition safety feature (extend functions disabled when ignition is on).
- Simple, no-nonsense design.
- Start Function: Press and hold START for one second to bring the front of the vehicle nearly level and stabilize the rear.
- Extend Mode: Press EXTEND. Individual buttons (LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR) extend corresponding cylinders. Recommended to level by raising low points.
- Retract All: Press and hold RETRACT ALL for one to two seconds. Pump runs until ALL UP light is constant.
- Alarm: Sounds if ignition is ON and ALL UP light is OFF, indicating unretracted jacks.
- Manual System (Page 12):
- Operates jacks individually or all at once.
- All-up safety feature ("JACKS UP" lights for individual cylinder retraction).
- Emergency Retract operation.
- Ignition safety feature (disables extend functions when ignition is on).
- Ignition alarm if jacks are not fully retracted.
- Extend All: Press & hold.
- Retract All: Press & hold.
- Individual Operation: Press EXTEND MODE, then press and hold desired jack button. Same for Retract Mode.
Maintenance Features:
- General & Limit Switch Maintenance (Page 13):
- Power Supply Check: Test battery voltage under load (should be above 10-11V). Check pump power and ground connections.
- Limit Switch Inspection: Inspect and maintain limit switches (7/8" wrench for removal). Apply di-electric grease to the ball and pin.
- Fluid Leak Check: Inspect for ATF leaks (red fluid). Check fluid level in the pump reservoir (1-1.5" below top for central pump, 1.5-2" below top for 4pt systems).
- Cylinder Rod Lubrication: Spray dry Teflon spray on chrome shafts/rods if exposed for long periods, especially in salty environments.
- Hardware Check: After a few uses, re-torque all mounting hardware (3/8" & 7/16" to 70 ft/lbs., 1/2" to 100 ft/lbs.).
- Bleeding the System (Page 14, 22):
- Initial Bleeding (Central Pump): Requires two people. In Manual Mode, extend each jack individually while a second person loosens the extend hose fitting until a solid stream of fluid appears, then retighten. After all jacks are bled, extend them fully for 15 minutes, then retract and check fluid level.
- Quad Pump Bleeding: In Manual Mode, extend all four jacks to full extension and leave for 20-30 minutes to allow air to escape by weight pressure.
- Secondary Air Bleeding: If air persists, loosen all four extend hose fittings (15mm wrench) on the jacks. In manual mode, extend each cylinder until solid fluid comes out. Tighten fittings. Repeat for retract hose fittings.
- Troubleshooting (Page 7, 14):
- Low Voltage Code: FRONT and REAR lights flashing. Charge house batteries. Unplug/re-plug interface harness if code persists.
- Time Out Code: LEFT and RIGHT lights flashing during AUTO leveling. Retract system, re-park, or add blocks.
- Alarm with Engine On: Indicates unretracted cylinder. Visually inspect, then use Emergency Retract (Auto system) or Retract Mode (Platinum system) to fully retract.
- False ALL UP Light: Check limit switch wire connectors, inspect for moisture/rust, or defective switch. Override with Emergency Retract.
- Cylinders Running Choppy: Bleed the system.
- Cylinders Squeaking: Spray rams with Teflon spray.
- Hydraulic Fluid on Footpad/Ground: Loose fitting or broken hydraulic line.
- Cylinders Creep Down/Don't Hold Pressure: Check fluid level, leaks, correct plumbing, relief valve failure, or hydraulic seal failure.
Warranty:
- Activation: Must be registered within 30 days of purchase at BIGFOOTLEVELER.com.
- Coverage:
- OEM Level Auto Quad/Central System: 1 year parts & labor.
- Platinum Central Pump System: 1 year parts and labor.
- Automatic Leveling System: Lifetime Cylinders, 2 years parts, 1 year labor.
- Manual Leveling Quad Pump System: Lifetime Cylinders, 2 years parts, 1 year labor.
- Exclusions: Freight, replacement of footpads/bolts/brackets/fluids due to lack of maintenance, damages from abuse/misuse/negligence/misapplication/faulty installation, liability for loss to vehicle/property, and transportation/service call costs.
- Service: An authorization number must be obtained by calling 269-483-9633 for warranty parts or service labor.
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