Stable support in every situation with the right caravan support legs
For campers, supporting the caravan correctly is crucial for a successful holiday. Only then can you be certain that the caravan will not wobble at the slightest movement and will remain as level as possible.
We show you the differences between all AL-KO VT support leg systems and answer the regularly asked question of whether support legs may be used for levelling or jacking up the caravan – for example, during the winter break.
Support legs for the caravan: the essentials at a glance
- Even with simple manual plug-in support legs, you can achieve secure and stable support. It gets even more comfortable with electric and hydraulic support systems.
- Hydraulic levelling support systems will automatically level your caravan at the touch of a button.
- Relieving the load via the crank supports is completely sufficient for winter storage.
Hydraulic caravan support legs
The Rolls Royce of support leg systems
If you are on the road with your caravan and have finally found a nice spot for the night, all you want is to set up and relax. But usually there is a slope, and hardly any pitch is so level that setting up the caravan is quickly done. Normally, this takes up valuable holiday time spent using a spirit level and placing wheel chocks.
But there is a solution: with hydraulic levelling support systems, the stress of setting up and levelling your caravan is now a thing of the past. Unlike mechanical and electromechanical systems, hydraulic levelling support systems will automatically level your caravan at the touch of a button. In just a few minutes, your caravan is perfectly level, both in length and width, and your holiday can begin.
LevelC hydraulic levelling support system by AL-KO VT
The hydraulic LevelC levelling system by AL-KO VT only takes a few minutes to bring a caravan to a perfectly level position automatically.
In total, six hydraulic support legs do the hard work. In the first step, two main legs mounted right and left of the axle extend to bring the caravan level across the width; in the second step, the lengthwise axis is levelled. Instead of mechanical corner steadies, the LevelC system uses hydraulic Big Foot corner steadies to bring the caravan to a perfectly level final position. An electronic spirit level built into the control unit provides assistance throughout the process.
The system can be operated via a permanently installed control panel or a small touchpad that is stored in a fixed charging cradle in the caravan, but can be removed at any time. In this case, the tablet functions as a wireless remote control, permitting the entire system to be operated from outside as well.
You could hardly set up a caravan more quickly or conveniently. By first levelling the caravan across the width and only then in length, and by moving two support legs in parallel at a time, the chassis is also protected from harmful torsional forces.
LevelC is available as a complete system with six hydraulic support legs, but can alternatively be ordered as a compact system with two hydraulic axle legs and four mechanical corner steadies. A real advantage: LevelC is compatible with almost every type of caravan and can be removed at any time and fitted to your next caravan.
- Suitable for: LevelC is compatible with almost every type of caravan up to 3.5 t permissible gross weight and can be removed and fitted again at any time.
- Price: €3,500 plus installation (Note: LevelC may only be retrofitted by certified specialist workshops or in an AL-KO VT customer centre)
- Weight: The additional weight is approx. 20 kg compared to the standard equipment (the existing corner steadies are replaced).
Electrically operated support legs
For extra convenience when parking
If you are tired of cranking and no longer want to do knee bends, support leg systems with electric motors offer a comfortable alternative. Electric support legs are ideal for anyone who wants to protect their back and park their caravan as effortlessly as possible. Touring campers in particular, who change pitches frequently, will appreciate the added comfort.
Tip: On small pitches, electric support legs offer another advantage: the caravan can be parked close to hedges or other boundaries, since no clearance is required for manually winding down the support leg.
UP4 electromechanical support system by AL-KO VT
With the UP4 electromechanical support system by AL-KO, setting up is quicker and more convenient than with a hand crank. Using a remote control, all four legs can first be extended electrically, then operated individually to bring them to the correct level. This saves you time during setup, and you can park your caravan stably at the push of a button – with no effort.
UP4 is compatible with caravans up to 2.5 tonnes and, thanks to its hot-dip galvanised metal parts, is protected against corrosion for a long service life. In the premium version, AL-KO VT Big Foot jockey feet come as standard, ensuring stability even on soft ground.
Another advantage: The UP4 can be perfectly combined with the AL-KO VT manoeuvring system Ranger. Together, they are a real dream team. While the AL-KO VT Ranger will manoeuvre your caravan safely into place – even on steep terrain and in tight spaces – the UP4 support system does its job immediately afterwards. Both can be conveniently operated using a single remote control.
And when it comes to security, the UP4 leaves nothing to chance. A built-in anti-theft device ensures that the support legs can only be moved manually with a special key. Unauthorised access is ruled out.
- Suitable for: The UP4 support legs fit almost all caravan chassis and can be retrofitted at any time.
- Price: €1,400 plus installation
- Weight: The additional weight of the UP4 is just 17.5 kg compared to the standard version, as the four existing corner steadies are also replaced.
Mechanical support legs
The classic caravan support leg
Suitable for all campers who like to manually support their vehicle by cranking, mechanical support legs offer secure support on any surface. They are easy to install and available in various versions for every chassis. However, if you park your caravan on soft ground such as sand, mud or snow, even the best support leg may sink in slightly. In this case, it is advisable to use a stable base (e.g. wooden boards, stone slabs or AL-KO VT Big Foot jockey feet).
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Mechanical support legs are resilient and straightforward. However, one common bad practice should be avoided: raising and lowering the supports using a cordless screwdriver. While this might seem more comfortable than manual operation, particularly powerful tools may unintentionally lift the caravan. This can cause damage to the structure, the thread or the attachment point. If you still wish to use a cordless screwdriver, proceed with extreme caution and make absolutely sure that the tool is not operating at full power.
AL-KO VT plug-in support legs
The plug-in support legs from AL-KO VT are available in two versions: as stabilform legs, they can support up to 1,000 kg permissible gross weight, and as premium legs, up to 2,500 kg.
For special ground conditions such as soft or uneven surfaces, AL-KO Big Foot feet are helpful. These support leg accessories are extra wide at 20 x 18 cm and therefore offer an enlarged contact area. Directly mounted onto the support legs, these ‘flat feet’ provide extra security when stationary – slipping on poor surfaces is virtually impossible.
They are also a much neater solution than placing planks underneath. When the supports are folded in, the Big Foot fits directly under the floor of the caravan.
Retrofitting the mechanical AL-KO VT support legs with Big Foot jockey feet is very easy. They can be fitted to any AL-KO VT stabilform or premium leg from model year 2001 onwards. Even older supports can be retrofitted with the AL-KO VT Big Foot. To do this, simply drill attachment holes as per the instructions before mounting.
- Suitable for: all stabilform support legs
- Price: €129
Why mechanical and electric caravan support legs are not a substitute for a jack
Support legs are called support legs for good reason. Contrary to what many campers believe, they are not designed to level the caravan, but rather to provide stable support. If you lift a caravan using the support legs – for instance, to level the vehicle or change a wheel – significant point loads are exerted on the chassis. This risks distorting the chassis or damaging the structure.
The only exception: With the LevelC hydraulic caravan support leg by AL-KO VT, the caravan may be lifted. Unlike other support leg systems, the main hydraulic legs of the LevelC system are mounted at the axle. This means that the main load is transferred to the frame close to the axle via the large legs, so there is no risk of torsion.
Wheel change
Wheels must always be changed using the AL-KO VT jack, which has been specifically designed for AL-KO VT chassis and attaches to the chassis in such a way as to prevent damage. The AL-KO VT jack is available as a mechanical model for caravans up to 2,000 kg and as a hydraulic model for caravans up to 3,000 kg.
Jacking up for the winter – necessary or pointless?
Again and again, the question of jacking up a caravan for the winter is debated in camper forums. But is this really necessary?
Expert Oliver Drinkwater has a clear recommendation: "In fact, chassis are now built so robustly that they can withstand long stationary periods without any issues. Nevertheless, tyres or the axle's spring pack will benefit if some of the weight is relieved during this period. This can be achieved by using axle stands placed at the frame near the axle. This area is the sturdiest part of the entire suspension. Additionally, the caravan can be supported by the support legs. However, relieving the load via the crank supports is completely sufficient for winter storage."
To avoid damage to the chassis, you must only relieve the load and not lift the caravan entirely off the springs. This means the axle should only be slightly raised. You can tell by the wheels: the axle is properly relieved when the wheels are not hanging in the air, but still touch the ground slightly. The “bulge” normally caused by the caravan's weight on the tyres will no longer be visible.
