Setting up camp should be about unwinding, not wrestling with bubble levels and manual winding. Modern electric and hydraulic levelling gear can transform your setup routine from a 20-minute ordeal into a quick, precise process that gets you relaxing sooner.
The caravan levelling market has evolved significantly in recent years, with digital monitoring systems leading the charge. While full automatic levelling systems exist, they’re typically $5,000+ investments better suited to new van builds. For most Big Lappers, the sweet spot lies in digital levelling monitors paired with electric jacks and stabilisers.
Digital Levelling Monitors
Digital levelling monitors are the most practical upgrade for existing caravans. These systems use accelerometers to provide precise levelling feedback, eliminating guesswork and reducing setup time. The market offers several solid options, each with distinct advantages.
SavvyLevel S5 System
The SavvyLevel S5 $365 represents the premium end of digital levelling monitors. This wireless system connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, providing real-time levelling data through a dedicated app.
The S5 excels in versatility. You can store multiple vehicle profiles, making it perfect for couples who tow different caravans or use the same monitor across multiple rigs. The app displays both longitudinal and lateral angles with colour-coded feedback, guiding you to perfect level without stepping outside.
The SavvyLevel S5’s calibration feature lets you set your “level” reference point with furniture deployed, accounting for the weight distribution changes when your slide-out or awning is extended.
Elam Level & App
At $175, the Elam Level system $175 bridges the gap between basic bubble levels and premium digital systems. This Australian-developed system pairs a wireless sensor with a smartphone app, providing accurate levelling feedback at a reasonable price point.
The Elam system’s strength lies in its simplicity. The sensor mounts permanently inside your caravan, connecting wirelessly to the smartphone app. The interface is clean and intuitive, showing both current angles and the direction you need to move to achieve level.
Oricom Smart Leveller
The Oricom Smart Leveller $199.99 offers excellent value for money. This magnetic wireless device can be placed anywhere on your caravan’s metal surfaces, transmitting levelling data to a handheld receiver with a clear LCD display.
The Oricom’s magnetic mounting system provides flexibility that permanently installed units can’t match. You can move the sensor to different positions depending on your setup needs, or even use it on your tow vehicle for unhitching on slopes.
Electric Trailer Jacks
Electric trailer jacks eliminate the physical effort of manual winding while providing precise height control. These systems work particularly well when paired with digital levelling monitors, creating an efficient setup workflow.
$464
Black Jack Electric Systems
Black Jack dominates the Australian electric jack market, and for good reason. Their systems are built to handle our harsh conditions while providing reliable operation across thousands of setups. The MINI Electric Jack suits most touring caravans, offering 1,500kg lifting capacity with precise electric control.
The key advantage of electric jacks lies in their precision. Manual winding often overshoots the target height, requiring multiple adjustments. Electric systems allow fine control, particularly useful when working with tight tolerances on uneven ground.
Installation Considerations
Electric jacks require 12V power, typically drawing 15-20 amps during operation. Most installations tap into the caravan’s house battery system, though some travellers prefer a dedicated battery to avoid draining house power during extended setup sessions.
Always check your A-frame’s weight capacity before upgrading to electric jacks. Some older or lighter caravans may require structural reinforcement to handle the additional weight and mounting forces.
Hydraulic Levelling Systems
Hydraulic levelling systems represent the ultimate in automated setup convenience. These systems can level your caravan at the touch of a button, adjusting all stabiliser points simultaneously. However, they come with significant cost and complexity considerations.
Full Automatic Systems
Complete hydraulic levelling systems typically cost $5,000-$8,000 installed, making them a substantial investment. Brands like HWH and Lippert offer systems designed for the Australian market, but installation requires significant modifications to your caravan’s chassis and electrical system.
These systems excel in frequent-use scenarios. If you’re moving every day or staying in locations where precise levelling is critical (like concrete pads with specific requirements), the time savings can justify the cost. For typical Big Lap travel patterns, the investment is harder to justify.
Semi-Automatic Options
Semi-automatic systems provide a middle ground, offering hydraulic assistance for stabiliser legs while maintaining manual control. These systems cost $2,000-$4,000 installed and provide much of the convenience without the full complexity of automatic systems.
Hydraulic systems work best when planned during caravan construction. Retrofitting hydraulic levelling to an existing caravan often requires extensive modifications that can exceed the system cost.
Choosing Your System
The best levelling system depends on your travel style, budget, and mechanical comfort level. Most Big Lappers benefit from a digital monitor paired with selective electric upgrades rather than full automation.
Budget-Conscious Approach
Start with a digital levelling monitor like the Oricom Smart Leveller. This single upgrade eliminates guesswork and speeds up your setup process significantly. You can always add electric jacks later if the manual winding becomes tiresome.
Convenience-Focused Setup
Combine a premium digital monitor like the SavvyLevel S5 with an electric trailer jack. This combination provides precise feedback with effortless height adjustment, covering the most labour-intensive aspects of levelling.
Maximum Automation
Full hydraulic systems make sense for specific situations: frequent moves, physical limitations that make manual setup difficult, or luxury builds where convenience justifies the cost. Consider these systems during new caravan construction rather than as retrofits.
Installation Considerations
Most digital levelling monitors install easily, typically requiring basic 12V connections and simple mounting. Electric jacks and hydraulic systems require more substantial modifications, often best handled by professional installers.
Power Requirements
Digital monitors draw minimal power, typically under 100mA during operation. Electric jacks require substantial current during use but operate for short periods. Hydraulic systems need both high current for pumps and continuous power for monitoring systems.
Mounting Locations
Digital sensors work best mounted on the caravan’s main structure, away from slide-outs or other moving components. Avoid locations near appliances that generate vibration, which can interfere with accelerometer accuracy.
Professional vs DIY Installation
Digital monitors typically suit DIY installation, especially wireless models. Electric jacks require mechanical skills and potentially structural modifications. Hydraulic systems almost always require professional installation due to their complexity and safety requirements.
- Digital levelling monitors offer the best value upgrade for most caravans, with options from $175-$365
- Electric trailer jacks eliminate manual winding effort and provide precise height control
- Full hydraulic systems cost $5,000+ and suit new builds better than retrofits
- Start with a digital monitor, then consider adding electric jacks based on your setup frequency and physical capabilities
- Professional installation is recommended for electric and hydraulic systems due to structural and electrical complexity
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