Is a levelling system only used in RVs, where else is it useful?

Besides caravans and tiny houses the KTS200 is used on drilling rigs, mobile cranes, hoists and farm machines. Condition: 12V DC supply, 2000 kg per jack.

The KTS200 is not specific to caravans. The fields of use stated by the manufacturer cover, besides touring caravans, motorhomes and tiny houses, machines that work in a fixed position: drilling and boring machines, mobile cranes and access platforms, hoists and facade lifts, agricultural machines such as combine harvesters, and container and cabin levelling. The common condition is that a 12V DC supply can be provided and that a load capacity of 2000 kg per jack is sufficient.

The fields of use stated by the manufacturer

The need for levelling is not specific to caravans. Every machine that works at a fixed point needs a horizontal position for a correct result or for safe working:

• Touring caravan, motorhome, tiny house - for comfort and for the services to work properly. The fixed cabin application is dealt with under a separate heading.
• Drilling and boring machines - the hole staying vertical depends directly on levelling.
• Mobile cranes and access platforms - the chassis has to be horizontal for safety against tipping.
• Hoists and facade lifts - the uprightness of the mast depends on the levelling of the base.
• Combine harvesters and agricultural machines working in a fixed position.
• Container and cabin levelling.

The three limits that decide suitability

A total load capacity of 8000 kg does not mean the capacity to lift the whole machine into the air; the jacks carry a part of the weight. Jack load capacity is moreover a figure given for a vertical and static load; the lateral forces the machine produces while working are assessed separately.

Points to watch in applications outside caravans

• Does the load shift while working? On machines such as drilling rigs and platforms the load moves during the job; levelling is not done once and left, it is checked at intervals.
• The ground. Site ground is either far harder than a caravan pitch or far softer; a foot plate becomes compulsory on most sites.
• The supply source. Will the machine's own battery be used, or will a separate battery be fitted? Which battery it is connected to is settled on the same logic as on a caravan.
• Vibration. On machines that vibrate continuously the cable route and the connectors have to be fixed down more tightly; a connector working loose is the most frequent cause of a jack not working.
• The tilt reference. On a caravan the aim is for the floor of the vehicle itself to be horizontal; on an earthmoving machine what really matters is often not the body but the uprightness of the mast or the tower. Settle before installation which plane you will zero the sensor against.

Where it is not suitable

• Lifting and suspending. The system is not for lifting the machine into the air or holding it suspended for maintenance; that is a job for a jack and axle stands.
• Braking and parking safety. On wheeled vehicles do not lift all the wheels off the ground, and use chocks; jacks do not take the place of the parking brake and chocks.
• Use while moving. The jacks only work in the standing position.
• Machines above the capacity. If the share falling on each jack exceeds 2000 kg the system is not suitable.

Test your application with three questions: does the machine work in a standing position, is the share of load per jack within the capacity, can a 12V supply be provided. If all three are yes, the installation proceeds on the same logic as on a caravan; consult your machine manufacturer over load distribution and mounting points.

The full topic: RV automatic levelling guide

Knowledge Center