Leveling your fifth wheel doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if your rig is equipped with a BAL automatic leveling system. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from basic operation to how to set your zero point, plus a few key maintenance tips to keep your system running reliably.

Hey Happy Campers!

Todd here from Great American RV SuperStores, and today we’re taking a closer look at the BAL leveling system found on many fifth wheels.
This system replaces traditional stabilizers with fully automatic leveling jacks, helping you get set up faster and more accurately every time you park.

We’ll walk through:

• How to operate your system correctly
• How to set your zero level point
• What to do if you need to manually override the jacks
• A few pro tips to avoid common setup mistakes

Before You Touch the Screen: Prep Your Jacks

Before you even power up the control panel, make sure your front and rear jacks are properly extended.

• Front landing gear: Pull the pin and extend each leg manually before using landing gear mode. If you skip this step, your jacks may not have enough travel to level properly.
• Rear jacks: Do the same. Extend them down using the pin holes (usually 3–4 positions available).

When breaking down camp:

• Retract all jacks fully.
• Pull the pins and raise each leg to travel height so they don’t catch on anything during transport.

Manual Override Access

Sometimes you’ll need to move a jack manually, like if power is lost or a fuse blows.

• Rear jacks: Use a 5/16″ socket in the override port on the bottom of the motor.
• Front landing gear: Access the ports in the front compartment using a 3/8″ extension.

⚠️ Important: Always disconnect your 12-volt power before using manual override to avoid system kickback.

Using the Touchscreen Control Panel

Once everything’s in position and connected to 12V power, you’re ready to operate the system.

Disconnecting at the Campground

1. From the Home Screen, go to Landing Gear Mode.
2. Extend your front jacks until the trailer is lifted enough to disconnect from the truck.
   • Always do this through Landing Gear Mode, not Manual Mode.
   • This ensures the system records your Reconnect Height, making hookup easier later.

Auto Leveling the Unit

1. Once you’re disconnected, go back to the Home Screen and tap Auto Level → OK.
2. The system will first drop the rear jacks, then level the trailer automatically.
3. Once complete, the system shuts off, and you’re leveled and ready to camp.

Auto Reconnect

When it’s time to leave:

1. Power the system back on.
2. Tap Auto Reconnect → OK.
3. The rear jacks retract, and the front landing gear extends to the exact height it was during disconnect, aligning your kingpin perfectly with your truck’s hitch.

💡 This only works if you originally used Landing Gear Mode to disconnect.

Manual Mode

If Auto Level ever fails or you need fine-tuned adjustments:

1. Select Manual Mode from the top-right corner.
2. Use Front, Rear, Left, Right controls to tweak your setup.
3. To retract, tap Retract and select the legs you want to move.

⚠️ Ignore “Stabilizer Mode.” It doesn’t apply to this system. BAL uses leveling jacks, not stabilizers.  This would be for travel trailer setups.

Setting the Zero Point (Calibration)

If your system loses its reference or you want to reset your auto level point, follow these steps:

1. Turn the system on.
2. Hold the battery button on the panel until the keypad appears.
3. Enter the access code: 3-7-5-9.
4. Using a 3–4 ft. carpenter’s level, manually level your RV:
   • Start by extending all jacks until they contact the ground.
   • Level front to back first using the corresponding buttons.
   • Then level left to right.

1. Once you’re satisfied, press Set to save the new zero point.
2. Turn the system off, then back on, before operating normally again.

Your BAL system will now use this reference for every Auto Level command going forward.

Quick Tip: Canceling a Command

If you start a function by mistake, just hit Stop. The system will pause and let you select another mode or restart.

Final Thoughts

The BAL automatic leveling system takes the guesswork out of setting up your fifth wheel, but it still relies on proper prep and calibration. Always:

• Extend your legs manually before leveling
• Use Landing Gear Mode before disconnecting
• Set your Zero Point if things ever feel off-level

Master these steps, and setup day becomes effortless.

Watch the Full Video Walkthrough

Catch the complete visual demo on our Great American RV YouTube channel under the Hap’s Helpful Hacks playlist.
We break down this system step by step and share more troubleshooting and maintenance tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About BAL Leveling Systems

How long does it take for a BAL leveling system to level a fifth wheel?

Under normal conditions, the auto-level process usually takes 1–3 minutes. Terrain, how far out of level the campsite is, and whether the jacks were properly pre-extended all affect timing. If the system seems slow, it’s often because the jacks had to travel farther than necessary due to skipped prep steps.

Can I use the BAL system without being connected to shore power?

Yes. The BAL leveling system operates on 12-volt DC power, not 120-volt shore power. That means your batteries must be healthy and fully charged. Weak batteries are one of the most common causes of slow operation, fault codes, or failed auto-level attempts.

If your battery voltage is low, the system may start but shut down mid-cycle to protect itself.

What happens if I try to auto-level without extending the jacks manually first?

This is one of the most common mistakes owners make.

If the jacks aren’t pre-extended using the pin holes, the system may:

• Run out of jack travel
• Stop mid-cycle
• Throw an error
• Leave the unit partially unlevel

The system assumes the jacks are already close to the ground. Skipping this step forces the motors to do extra work they weren’t designed to handle.

Is it normal for the BAL system to make noise during operation?

Yes. Some motor noise, clicking relays, and jack movement sounds are completely normal. What is not normal is:

• Grinding noises
• Loud popping
• One jack moving while another doesn’t
• Repeated stopping and restarting

Those usually point to low voltage, binding jacks, or a mechanical issue that needs inspection.

How often should I reset or set the zero point?

You typically only need to reset the zero point if:

• The RV consistently feels unlevel after auto-level
• Flooring, suspension, or tire sizes were changed
• The system lost calibration due to power issues
• Major service work was performed

There’s no benefit to resetting the zero point routinely if the system is working correctly.

Can I level the RV while still hooked to the truck?

No — and you shouldn’t try.

Auto-leveling while connected to the truck can:

• Put stress on the hitch
• Skew the level readings
• Cause the system to miscalculate jack movements

Always disconnect using Landing Gear Mode first, then run Auto Level.

Can I damage the system by using Manual Mode too often?

No. Manual Mode is safe and sometimes necessary. It’s designed for fine adjustments or troubleshooting.

The only real risks come from:

• Holding buttons after the jack has fully extended
• Ignoring uneven ground conditions
• Forcing movement when something is binding

Use Manual Mode intentionally, not aggressively.

What should I do if one jack won’t move?

Start with the basics:

1. Check battery voltage
2. Inspect fuses and breakers
3. Listen for motor noise
4. Look for visible obstructions

If the motor runs but the jack doesn’t move, stop immediately and switch to manual override. Continuing to command a stuck jack can cause internal damage.

Is manual override safe for regular use?

Manual override is meant for emergency or troubleshooting situations, not everyday operation. It’s perfectly safe when used correctly, but frequent use usually means there’s an underlying electrical or mechanical issue that should be addressed.

Always disconnect 12-volt power before using override to avoid system kickback.

Will uneven campsites hurt the BAL system?

Uneven sites won’t hurt the system, but extreme slopes can exceed its operating range. If the site is severely out of level:

• Use leveling blocks under the tires first
• Reduce the amount of jack travel needed

This protects the jacks and improves stability.

Does the BAL system stabilize the RV as well as level it?

Yes — but with an important distinction.

BAL systems use leveling jacks, not stabilizers. That means once the unit is level, the jacks are already providing stability. You do not need separate stabilizer steps for normal camping use.

Why does the system shut off after leveling?

That’s by design. Once the auto-level sequence completes successfully, the system powers down to prevent accidental input and conserve battery power.

What maintenance does the BAL leveling system require?

Very little, but don’t ignore it completely:

• Keep jack legs clean
• Inspect mounting bolts periodically
• Listen for unusual noises
• Maintain strong batteries

The system is reliable, but like anything mechanical, it benefits from basic awareness.

When should I call for service instead of troubleshooting myself?

Call for service if:

• Error codes persist after voltage checks
• Jacks move unevenly
• The system won’t enter certain modes
• Manual override doesn’t move a jack

At that point, guessing can cost more than getting it diagnosed properly.

Need a Hand?

If your BAL system isn’t responding or you’d like help checking calibration, visit your nearest Great American RV SuperStores location.
Our service team can walk you through diagnostics and make sure your leveling system is dialed in perfectly.

Like, share, and subscribe on YouTube, TikTok, or wherever you found us, because here at Great American RV SuperStores, we bring the how-to to you.

*This content is not a legal standard or regulation, and does not create any new legal obligation. It is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist and educate consumers in the use and enjoyment of their recreational vehicles. Great American RV SuperStores does not hereby make any warranty, express or implied, and does not assume any liability with respect to the use of, or damages resulting from the use of any information, method or process included in this content.