Should I Sell My Atwood Level Legs Parts or Trade to BigFoot?

Short Answer

Yes, you should absolutely keep and sell your hydraulic leveling yourself rather than letting the BigFoot installer take them. Given that your 2006 Pace Arrow 38L has relatively low miles at 25k and the previous owner invested heavily in repairs, those Atwood units likely have valuable components that could potentially fetch money on the used market. The BigFoot installer discouraging you from selling them yourself is understandable - they want the parts for their own refurbishment business. Since Atwood parts are increasingly scarce and many RV owners are desperate to keep their systems running, you're in a good position to recoup some of your $8k BigFoot investment.

Understanding the Problem

Your situation is actually quite common with older Atwood Levelmatic systems. These hydraulic leveling systems were popular in the mid-2000s but had notorious reliability issues, particularly with the control modules, hydraulic pumps, and solenoid valves. The fact that you "dumped thousands" into repairs and got them working temporarily suggests the major components are likely sound - common causes of current failure include electrical or control system issues.

The BigFoot dealer's reluctance to give you credit and discouraging you from selling the parts yourself tells you everything you need to know about their value. These dealers make significant money refurbishing and reselling Atwood components because original replacement parts are no longer manufactured by Atwood, though some components may be available through Lippert Components who acquired Atwood and the used market is strong. Your 38-foot Pace Arrow would have had a substantial 4-point leveling system, which means you have four complete leg assemblies plus the control system.

Since you're planning to live in the RV semi-stationary, a future buyer who might use it occasionally for weekend trips may find the system acceptable despite its known reliability issues. Many RV owners would rather buy used Atwood components and attempt repairs than face the $8k cost of a complete BigFoot replacement.

What You'll Need

To properly evaluate and sell your Atwood system, you'll need to gather some key information. First, locate the model number and serial number on the control panel and each leg assembly - this information is crucial for potential buyers to ensure compatibility. Take detailed photos of all components including the legs, hydraulic lines, control panel, and any visible damage or wear.

WARNING: Before handling hydraulic components, ensure system pressure is fully relieved. Hydraulic fluid under pressure can cause serious injury.

Research current market prices by checking eBay sold listings, RV forums, and Facebook Marketplace for similar Atwood components. Pay particular attention to complete 4-point systems from similar vintage coaches. Document what repairs were previously attempted - if you can get records about what was replaced or serviced, this adds value for potential buyers.

You'll also want to test what's currently working versus what's failed, following proper safety procedures. First ensure the RV is properly supported and the hydraulic system is secured before testing. Can the system extend or retract any legs? Do you get error codes on the control panel? Does the hydraulic pump run? When testing electrical components, ensure proper safety procedures for 12V DC systems, disconnect power before testing resistance, and verify voltage readings match manufacturer specifications in your service manual. This diagnostic information helps buyers understand exactly what they're getting and what might need attention.

How to Fix It

For selling purposes, focus on presentation rather than repair. Clean all visible components thoroughly and take high-quality photos in good lighting. Create a detailed listing that includes the specific coach information (2006 Pace Arrow 38L), system specifications, known issues, and what repairs were previously attempted. Be honest about the current non-working status while emphasizing the potential value of the components.

List the system on multiple platforms: eBay (great for nationwide reach), Facebook Marketplace and RV groups, Craigslist, and specialized RV forums like iRV2 or RV.net. Research current market conditions and recent sales data for similar systems to establish competitive pricing. Consider selling as a complete system first, then parting out individual components if needed.

Package everything properly if shipping is required. Hydraulic components need careful protection, and leg assemblies are heavy and awkward to ship. Local pickup is often preferred for these systems, so emphasize your Florida location in listings since it's a major RV market.

Leave It to the Experts

While you handle the sale, consider having the BigFoot installation done by the same dealer you spoke with. His $8k quote for a complete 4-point BigFoot system on your 38-footer is reasonable for professional installation, and these systems are extremely reliable once properly installed. The peace of mind for full-time living makes the investment worthwhile.

However, negotiate the timing. Ask the installer to remove your Atwood system carefully and store it until your sale is complete, then schedule the BigFoot installation. Most dealers will accommodate this request, especially if you're firm about keeping the old system. You might even find a buyer before the installation happens.

Consider consulting with an RV mobile mechanic for a diagnostic assessment of your Atwood system before selling. A professional evaluation might identify a simple fix that could significantly increase the system's value, or confirm that major components are indeed salvageable for parts. This professional assessment also provides credibility when listing the system for sale.