The best hydraulic levelling jacks for a Class C motorhome

By Elaine Knight
Page last updated: 27/09/2023 | Next review date: 27/09/2025
close

Author bio


Elaine Knight
View More north_east

In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: What are the best hydraulic levelling jacks for a Class C motorhome? We will review five popular models of hydraulic levelling jacks and explain how they work. 

What are the best hydraulic levelling jacks for a Class C motorhome?

When choosing a hydraulic levelling jack for your Class C motorhome, first, it is important to think about the material of the equipment, which should be steel, since it resists greater weights. 

However, aluminum hydraulic jacks work best if you need a portable model that weighs a little less. Then you should check the load capacity, which is generally measured in tons and is usually one or two. Although there are models that lift up to three tons.

Then you have to consider the lifting speed. This is measured in how many times you have to operate the device for it to charge its limit capacity and, in general, it is 10 times. Lastly, the elevation range and design are checked. In the case of Class C motorhomes, you will need a jack that reaches quite high. 

Now we invite you to choose one of our comparative lists with the best models on the market:

  • Rodcraft RH 151 Hydraulic Jack (1.5 Ton, 80-540mm)
  • Unitec 10022 hydraulic jack.
  • Hydraulic Jack, Load Capacity 2 T Michelin 92416.
  • Hydraulic Jack, High Lift, 2.25 t ProLift F5210.
  • Metalworks CAT25TL Truck Jack.

Review of the best 5 hydraulic levelling jacks for Class C motorhomes

Let’s now review the above jacks model in order to help you choose the best one for your Class C motorhome. 

  1.  Rodcraft RH 151 Hydraulic Jack (1.5 Ton, 80-540mm): Good capacity

You can lift any lightweight Class C with this 1.5-ton capacity model and a lift range between 8 and 54 cm. It is a very resistant and robust model that withstands many uses without yielding or losing capacity, so it will make you feel calm under the car. It has rotating wheels in the part of the handle to facilitate the transfer.

  1.  Unitec 10022 hydraulic jack: Robust and convenient

It has a 1.5-ton capacity that works well for both your home garage and mechanical workshop. It is made with an aluminum base and is rigid and of high quality. Protect the trolley with the included rubber pad and it comes with a fairly long and easy-to-use handle so you don’t have to work to operate it.

  1. Hydraulic Jack, Load Capacity 2 T Michelin 92416: Capable and resistant

As a leading brand in tires and mechanics, it is no surprise that this Michelin hydraulic skid or wheelbarrow jack is so good. It has a load capacity of 2 tons and a lifting range of 10.5 to 35 cm. The wheels and the body are made of steel and it includes a rubber pad at the base in contact with the trolley.

  1. Hydraulic Jack, High Lift, 2.25 t ProLift F5210: Powerful and reliable

This low profile model allows a great lift of 15 to 53 cm. It is also capable of carrying up to 2.25 tons of weight and is made of steel, so you know that it has the necessary resistance to give you peace of mind in your car repairs or even DIY jobs. Besides, it weighs 20 kg and the lever measures 60 cm.

  1. Metalworks CAT25TL truck jack: With enough force

It is not a bottle model, but a wheelbarrow, which has a capacity of 2.5 tons, wheels made with steel for greater durability and the body made of steel. It has a low profile for low cars that allows it to reach up to 9 cm, while the highest point is 45 cm.

Everything you should know about hydraulic levelling jacks

There are twelve types of jacks that are used for different purposes because they have different lifting capacities and are suitable for different vehicle heights. For this reason, we put together this section to help you understand what they are, how they work, what types of cats exist, and how you can identify high-quality models.

What are hydraulic jacks?

A hydraulic jack is a device used to lift heavy loads by applying a force through a hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic jacks lift loads by using the force that creates pressure in the cylinder chamber. This process can be repeated many times, allowing your load to rise higher and higher.

What types of hydraulic jacks are there?

As we mentioned earlier, jacks can be mainly divided into mechanical and hydraulic jacks. In this guide, we will focus solely on hydraulics. Furthermore, this category can be divided into two types of jacks suitable for different circumstances: hydraulic floor jacks and hydraulic bottle jacks. Here we explain them:

  1. Floor jacks – They are often found in professional auto shops and garages. Their lifting capacity varies depending on their design and material, but they are usually much stronger and more resistant than mechanical jacks. They have wheels for easy handling and movement.

Floor jacks are not compact and generally not suitable for transporting in your car. These jacks are relatively large and heavy, and should only be used on flat, hard surfaces. This makes them an excellent choice for workshops and home garages of all sizes.

  1. Bottle jacks – It is named after its shape and size resembling a bottle. But don’t let that fool you, as these jacks are powerful and use a piston mechanism to lift a vehicle with just a few pumps. This makes them a popular choice when it comes to lifting tractors, forklifts, and other heavy machinery parts.

Bottle jacks, also called piston jacks, have one important but: their retracted height is only half the full lift height. They are not suitable for lower vehicles and sports cars, so they are only used for trucks, SUVs and other vehicles with much higher clearances.

  1. Hydraulic jacks – hydraulic jacks lift loads by using the force that creates pressure in the cylinder chamber. This process can be repeated many times, allowing your load to rise higher and higher.

Do I need a hydraulic jack for a motorhome?

The short answer is yes – having one of these tools comes in handy.  By lifting heavy loads, they can turn a relatively small area into a 100% functional workspace. Then you can make extensive repairs to your vehicle, with the help of jack stands, of course. Depending on the maximum height and load capacities, floor jacks can be used for a variety of RV models.

Summary

After reading this guide, you should have a much better idea of the type of hydraulic jack that best suits your needs. Take into account the complexity and frequency of the repairs you will carry out, and choose the one accordingly. Regardless of the model, remember to choose the correct weight limitation to create a safe work environment.

Once you get the most convenient hydraulic jack along with its accessories (if you want it, of course), you are ready to perform the most complicated repairs on your vehicle from the comfort of your home! In addition to transforming it into a small repair and maintenance shop, you will also save a lot of money.

How did you find the article? Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please feel free to get in contact!

FAQ on Hydraulic levelling jacks for Class C motorhomes

Should an RV be stored level?

It is recommended to store the RV as level as possible.  This way, you relieve the tires and the suspensions of a lot of pressure. By using a jack stand kit, your RV is more stable and the weight of the tires is evenly distributed. 

Should my trailer be level when towing?

Yes, your trailer should be level when towing to improve your driving stability, braking performance, ground clearance,  and ultimately to prevent unwanted movement.  Swaying is one of the main causes of accidents when towing a trailer. Using a sway control system can help tremendously with towing any trailer. Accidents occur when trailers begin to sway due to a change in load or suspension problems. 

What happens if your trailer is not level?

If your trailer is not level when towing, it will affect your braking performance, handling and it will cause your trailer to wear out more quickly. Another danger when your trailer is not level is that it can sway, causing unnecessary accidents. 

Will my RV fridge work if not level?

No, your RV fridge will not work properly if not levelled. Its cooling fluids flow through the ducts using gravity. If it is not arranged properly, it can overheat and be damaged! Some compressors only carry out their task when they are located in a perfectly vertical position. 

References

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!