Bigfoot Levelling Retrofit

I have a 2009 Cameo 32FWS with electric landing gear that struggles with the weight of the unit. I am looking at ordering the 4 jack Bigfoot hydraulic system to replace it with. Has anyone performed this install and if so could you please provide as much input as possible as to the difficulty of the install? I would like to perform the majority of the install myself but would have the welding for the mounting plates done by a professional. Thank you for any advice you can provide. I am in British Columbia, Canada so I am too far away to visit Bigfoot in Michigan.

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[JohnD222ParticipantTopics - 8Replies - 518Total - 526]

I cannot help with your question, but there is some good info on the traditional leveling subject.

My landing jacks motor assembly (From TapaTalk Forum)

 

photos are gone due to them being lost on the old servers.

If I were you, I would start with beefing up the wire size as discussed.  That may solve all of your problems if it is 12 gauge now.  I would go AWG8 from battery to switch to motor- no harm nor great expense to oversize that distance.  Also check for a clean + connection at each connector, AND tight ground with no corrosion.  The fuse protects  the wire, so you may find it can be increased to motor max if you increase the wire size.  Motor amps should be on label, also some discussion in the string above.

there is talk of a more powerful motor being available for the traditional, but no resolution or conclusion.

I do know that the Bigfoot is engineered draw 50 amps each unit, but I have not seen mine draw more than 44 when lifting the front two. But the rears will need heavy wire.  Each leg has its own pump and ATF reservoir, and heavy wires for pump and smaller wires to control relay.  If you go that route, add mudflaps in the rear – easy and they keep debris out of the pad and the quasi-enclosed motor/tank housing.  NAPA has perfect (narrow) fit.

If you go Bigfoot, I see no need for all 4 unless you really want self leveling that mandates a sensor and a controller.  The front two would be a lot faster and a pretty easy install, and cheaper.  Pretty tight quarters in the rear.  Bigfoot people have been great over the years and could explain viability.  The Michigan # is +1 (800) 699-6680.  I have also talked to the branch in Tampa FL.  There may be others closer to you, but all shipping comes out of Michigan

 

photos are gone due to them being lost on the old servers.

If I were you, I would start with beefing up the wire size as discussed.  That may solve all of your problems if it is 12 gauge now.  I would go AWG8 from battery to switch to motor- no harm nor great expense to oversize that distance.  Also check for a clean + connection at each connector, AND tight ground with no corrosion.  The fuse protects  the wire, so you may find it can be increased to motor max if you increase the wire size.  Motor amps should be on label, also some discussion in the string above.

there is talk of a more powerful motor being available for the traditional, but no resolution or conclusion.

I do know that the Bigfoot is engineered draw 50 amps each unit, but I have not seen mine draw more than 44 when lifting the front two. But the rears will need heavy wire.  Each leg has its own pump and ATF reservoir, and heavy wires for pump and smaller wires to control relay.  If you go that route, add mudflaps in the rear – easy and they keep debris out of the pad and the quasi-enclosed motor/tank housing.  NAPA has perfect (narrow) fit.

If you go Bigfoot, I see no need for all 4 unless you really want self leveling that mandates a sensor and a controller.  The front two would be a lot faster and a pretty easy install, and cheaper.  Pretty tight quarters in the rear.  Bigfoot people have been great over the years and could explain viability.  The Michigan # is +1 (800) 699-6680.  I have also talked to the branch in Tampa FL.  There may be others closer to you, but all shipping comes out of Michigan

Good luck and tell us how you progress.

JohnD222
Based in Florida except summer
2013 36FWS Lifestyle (our great 2010 Cameo 36FWS has happy owners)

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