HPC Hydraulics: levelers and auxiliary air systems
HPC Hydraulics, based in Twente, is experiencing the rising popularity of motorhomes firsthand. Every year, the company grows by double digits, and there seems to be no end in sight. However, the sale of so many motorhomes is not the only reason for this. HPC is the developer of leveling systems and auxiliary air suspension that are unparalleled in their specifications.
More and more motorhome owners and builders are discovering the benefits of a lightweight system that excels in user-friendliness.
HPC Hydraulics is an initiative of Peter Olde Daalhuis. Started in 2004 with the sale of an American brand of leveling systems for motorhomes. However, there was room for improvement, after which HPC launched a similar product in 2009, but self-developed with all the experience gained in the first years incorporated into it. Lightweight jacks, over-dimensioned and corrosion-free.
Through an extensive dealer network with an importer in every European country, further developments, new products such as auxiliary air suspension, activities aimed at bodybuilders, and direct supply to motorhome manufacturers followed in rapid succession. Even today, the company is not standing still, with a scoop that will be introduced this year at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.
Leveling system for caravans
Lightweight, favorably priced, and user-friendly are the requirements that an HPC system must meet. The latest product with these characteristics is a leveling system for caravans. A hydraulic-electronic lightweight solution that can be loaded up to 3 tons.
The most extensive set consists of four electric motors that are mounted in the existing corner steadies, and two hydraulic jacks for the transverse axle. With this, you can lift, level, and stabilize the caravan within 90 seconds. Only two jacks on the axle for leveling, or just the four electric corner steadies for stabilization is also an option. You operate the system with an app on your smartphone. If the caravan's battery is drained, you can still operate the leveling system with a manual emergency control. The price for all this caravan convenience is around € 3500.-
Leveling system for motorhomes
The automatic leveling system from HPC can lift, level, and stabilize a vehicle up to 30 tons, preventing unwanted movements. And all this without endlessly fiddling with ramps. The HPC system has a number of striking advantages.
Weight
Its weight is one of them. By manufacturing the jacks from anodized aluminum instead of steel, not only is corrosion excluded, but it also significantly reduces the weight that a leveling system adds to a motorhome. Where another steel system weighs about 90kg, the HPC leveler weighs about 55kg. A difference that can prevent a fine for overloading.
System
HPC has integrated the system's controls into a touchscreen. An advantage over just a few buttons, as you can display a clear image to show what the system is doing. Error messages can be read out, and it is ready for the future; updates can be performed via a USB port or Bluetooth connection.
In addition to the touchscreen, the system can also be operated with an app on your smartphone. An extra safety feature that allows you to see from outside the motorhome if everything is going as you wish. And in case of a power outage, there is an emergency control with a hand pump.
Safe
Furthermore, the necessary safety features are provided. The system does not work without applying the handbrake. Should you want to drive off with the jacks still extended, warnings will follow, and you can only set off once you have corrected the mistake.
Fast
It also works fast. Within 90 seconds, you are level or ready to drive again. The footplates of the jacks can move so that they stand firmly even on uneven ground. When retracted, the plates lock into place so that they cannot rattle during the journey.
In addition to comfort and convenience, the system has a few more advantages: by tilting the motorhome, the tanks drain completely, and in storage, you can lift the motorhome, which saves the tires. A complete HPC leveling system has a price of around € 5500.-
Auxiliary air suspension systems
Every motorhome driver knows it: overtake a truck when it's windy, and quite a bit of swaying occurs. The standard suspension of the commercial vehicle that serves as a motorhome base is not designed to always drive with maximum load. Auxiliary air suspension helps prevent this problem. An air bellows is then added to the existing suspension.
The HPC air system is double-acting, with each bellows controlled separately by an air pump. This greatly improves driving behavior. Crosswind sensitivity decreases, and with more pressure on the front wheels, the motorhome steers much better. It also reduces tire wear. In addition, with air springs, you can also level the motorhome, provided the unevenness is not too great. However, stabilization as is possible with a leveling system is not possible. For that, you can combine both systems for ultimate convenience and comfort both at the motorhome pitch and on the road.
For more information about HPC Hydraulics and dealer addresses: www.hpc-hydraulics.nl
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