7 Best Hydraulic Stabilizing Jacks For Fifth Wheels For Rock-Solid Comfort

That subtle, but constant, bounce every time someone walks to the fridge or rolls over in bed. It’s the tell-tale sign of a fifth wheel that isn’t truly stable, turning your solid home-on-wheels into a slightly wobbly platform. True comfort isn’t just about a nice mattress; it’s about the rig feeling as solid as a foundation, eliminating the shakes and sways that disrupt your peace. Hydraulic stabilizing and leveling systems are the ultimate solution, transforming a shaky setup into a rock-solid living space with the push of a button.

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Choosing Your Hydraulic 5th Wheel Leveling System

Before you even look at brand names, you need to understand what you’re buying. A hydraulic leveling system isn’t just about convenience; it’s a structural component that directly impacts your rig’s stability and longevity. The single biggest decision is choosing between a 4-point and a 6-point system. A 4-point system places jacks near the front and rear axles, which is a massive upgrade from standard stabilizers, but a 6-point system adds two mid-ship jacks, virtually eliminating all frame flex and bounce.

Think about how you use your rig. If you’re a weekend warrior on mostly level concrete pads, a 4-point system might be perfectly adequate. But for full-timers, especially those with larger, heavier fifth wheels who park on uneven terrain, the 6-point system is non-negotiable for achieving that "rock-solid" feeling. It distributes the load more evenly across the frame, reducing stress and providing a foundation that feels completely planted.

Finally, consider the core specifications and features. Every system has a total lift capacity that must exceed your rig’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)—don’t cut corners here. Beyond that, you’ll want to look at a few key factors that define your daily experience:

• Auto-Leveling: Most modern systems offer this. It uses sensors to automatically deploy and adjust jacks until the rig is perfectly level. This is the feature that changes the game.
• Manual Override: A critical backup. If the electronics fail, you need a way to retract the jacks and get back on the road.
• System Integration: If you’re buying a new rig, it will likely come with an OEM system. If you’re retrofitting, you’ll be looking at an aftermarket kit, where installation support and component quality are paramount.

Lippert Level Up: The Industry Standard Choice

Walk through any RV park and you’ll see Lippert’s "Level Up" system everywhere. As the dominant OEM supplier for the majority of fifth wheel manufacturers, it has become the de facto industry standard. This ubiquity is its greatest strength; parts are readily available, and nearly any RV technician in North America will know how to diagnose and service it.

The Level Up is a proven, reliable 6-point system that does its job well. It provides excellent stability, and its one-touch auto-leveling feature is both fast and effective for most situations. For the average RVer, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution that delivers on the promise of a stable living environment. It just works.

However, being the standard also means it’s built to a certain price point. While generally robust, some components can feel less heavy-duty than those from more specialized manufacturers. Over years of full-time use, it’s not uncommon to see minor leaks or sensor issues crop up. Think of it as the reliable family sedan of leveling systems—it gets you where you need to go comfortably, but it isn’t a high-performance machine.

Equalizer Systems: Unmatched Durability & Support

If Lippert is the standard, Equalizer Systems is the heavy-duty upgrade. Known for their commercial-grade construction, these systems are often found on higher-end fifth wheels, horse trailers, and specialty vehicles. Their jacks are visibly more robust, their hydraulic lines are often better protected, and their pumps are built for continuous, hard use.

The biggest advantage of Equalizer is its direct-to-customer support model. When you call them, you’re talking to an expert who knows the system inside and out, which is invaluable when you’re troubleshooting an issue in a remote campground. This level of support, combined with their reputation for bulletproof reliability, makes them a top choice for serious full-timers who demand the best.

The trade-off is primarily cost and, to a lesser extent, familiarity. An Equalizer system is a significant investment, whether specified on a new build or added as an aftermarket upgrade. While any competent tech can work on it, they may be less familiar with its specific architecture compared to a Lippert system. For those who prioritize long-term durability over all else, the extra cost is easily justified.

Quadra BigFoot: Four-Pump System Performance

Quadra’s BigFoot system operates on a fundamentally different principle than most of its competitors. Instead of using a single hydraulic pump and a manifold to direct fluid to six different jacks, BigFoot gives each jack its own dedicated pump and motor. This is a massive advantage in both performance and redundancy.

With four pumps (the two front landing gear jacks typically share one), the system can operate jacks independently and simultaneously. This often results in faster and more precise leveling, as the system isn’t waiting for a central manifold to switch between jacks. More importantly, this design provides incredible redundancy. If one pump fails, you still have three others to operate the remaining jacks, which could be the difference between being stranded and being able to safely retract and get to a service center.

This unique design makes the BigFoot a favorite among RVers who value technical superiority and fail-safe operation. The system is incredibly powerful and known for its ability to handle heavy rigs on severely uneven sites. While the installation can be more complex due to the additional wiring and components, the performance and peace of mind it offers are unmatched.

HWH Corporation: Precision Hydraulic Control

HWH has been a giant in the high-end motorhome world for decades, and their expertise in hydraulic systems is legendary. While less common on fifth wheels than Lippert, their systems are synonymous with smooth, quiet, and incredibly precise operation. They are engineered for precision, not just brute force.

The hallmark of an HWH system is its control. The jacks extend and retract with a controlled smoothness that other systems often lack, reducing the jarring motion during setup. Their control panels and internal logic are highly sophisticated, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments. This is the system for the owner who appreciates meticulous engineering and wants the most refined leveling experience available.

Because they are primarily focused on the motorized RV market, finding an HWH system on a fifth wheel is less common, often appearing on custom or ultra-high-end models. Support and parts are excellent, but you may need to find a dealer that specializes in high-line coaches. For those retrofitting an older rig, HWH offers a premium, reliable option backed by decades of proven performance.

Bullseye Leveling: A Solid Aftermarket Option

For owners looking to upgrade from electric jacks or install a no-nonsense hydraulic system on a rig that didn’t come with one, Bullseye Leveling is a fantastic choice. They focus on creating robust, straightforward aftermarket kits that are designed for durability and ease of installation. Their systems are known for being overbuilt and simple to operate.

Bullseye often appeals to the DIY-capable RVer or someone who prefers mechanical simplicity over complex electronics. While they offer auto-leveling, their core design philosophy is centered on a powerful pump, strong jacks, and reliable manual controls. It’s a workhorse system designed to solve one problem: making your rig stable.

You won’t find Bullseye offered as an OEM option from major manufacturers, so it exists purely in the aftermarket world. This means their reputation is built entirely on product performance and customer satisfaction. For an older fifth wheel needing a new lease on life, a Bullseye system can be a transformative and cost-effective upgrade.

Power Gear Leveling: A Trusted Legacy System

If you’re shopping for a used fifth wheel from the mid-2000s to the late 2010s, you’re likely to encounter a Power Gear leveling system. For years, they were a major competitor to Lippert and were known for producing incredibly durable, albeit sometimes slow, hydraulic systems. Many of these units are still in operation today, a testament to their build quality.

Power Gear was acquired by Lippert, so the brand itself is no longer producing new systems under that name. However, Lippert still provides support and parts for many of the legacy Power Gear products. The key consideration for a buyer is identifying the exact model number to ensure parts are still available.

While they may lack the speed and fancy interfaces of modern systems, a well-maintained Power Gear system is a reliable workhorse. If you find one on a prospective used rig, don’t be deterred. Simply factor in a thorough inspection of the hydraulic lines, pump, and jack seals as part of your due diligence.

RVA Jacks: A Custom Solution for Your Rig

RVA is a name that comes up when you’re dealing with anything outside the mainstream. They specialize in custom and semi-custom hydraulic leveling solutions, particularly for heavy or uniquely configured rigs like toy haulers with massive garage weights or custom-built full-time fifth wheels.

Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all kit, RVA often works with owners or builders to engineer a system with the correct jack placement, lift capacity, and controller for a specific application. Their three-jack systems were once popular for travel trailers and smaller fifth wheels, offering a unique and stable triangular footprint.

Choosing RVA means you’re stepping away from the off-the-shelf market and into a more tailored solution. This is not the first stop for most RV owners, but if you have a heavy, custom, or older rig with unique frame challenges, RVA may be the only manufacturer that can provide a perfectly engineered and reliable solution.

Ultimately, the "best" hydraulic system is the one that best matches your rig’s weight, your budget, and your tolerance for potential maintenance. Whether you stick with the industry-standard Lippert or opt for a specialized system like Quadra or Equalizer, the goal is the same: to turn your campsite into a stable, comfortable home. A solid foundation is the first step to truly enjoying your life on wheels.