SavvyLevel S5 RV Leveller-User Guide


Preamble

Be sure to read this guide in its entirety, it contains important information on how to install and operate your SavvyLevel.

This user manual applies to all Savvylevel® S5 RV Leveller models (referred to as Savvy5 in this guide). Throughout this guide we will make a reference to an ‘RV’ that equally applies to Caravan, Campers, Trailers, Motorhomes, 4WDs, Vans and Food Trucks i.e., all Recreational Vehicles.

Introduction

Figure 1                                                                              Figure 2

                   

Savvy5 solution is a fully integrated levelling system designed for caravans, campers, trailers, motorhomes, vans, 4WDs and food trucks.

A small, lightweight device installed in your RV provides real-time (and silky-smooth display motion) levelling information so you can effortlessly level your RV, all from the comfort of your seat.

The Savvy5 solution comprises a precision level detection Bluetooth® device, Figure 1, mounted internally within your RV, that communicates with your Apple or Android smart phone/tablet, Figure 2.

It is easy to install and use. It boasts an amazing accuracy of ±0.1° across its operating temperature range. Once installed, it only requires you to enter dimensions of your specific RV and capture/save your preferred level.

There are 2 Apps available:

-       SavvyCV5 to be used with caravans, campers and trailers.

-       SavvyMH5 to be used with motorhomes, vans, 4WDs & food trucks.

Both Apps display your RV’s Pitch and Roll in both degrees and height in millimeters or inches.

 

SavvyCV5 provides a feature that enables users to record their preferred hitching and unhitching height (height of the A-frame at the release point from tow vehicle).

 

In addition, SavvyMH5 displays a ‘Top View’ window that lets you know each wheel’s adjustment requirement.

 

‘Block Type’ functionality, when enabled, will display the number of blocks to be used when adjusting Roll.


Key Features

  • For use with
    • Apple™ devices, Software Version 13 and above.
    • Android™ devices, Android Version 7.0 and above.
  • Designed to be powered by USB-C or your Caravan battery supply (12V/24V).
  • Extremely simple to operate
  • No WIFI required. Connection is via Bluetooth to your smartphone (internet not required).
  • After the 1 connection is completed, it will auto connect when the device is in range.
  • When connected to your RV battery, it provides real-time voltage reporting of that battery.
  • Each device is 100% factory tested and calibrated.
  • Includes thermal calibration and compensation resulting in superb accuracy of ±0.1° over normal operating temperatures.
  • Engineered to the highest standards using only the finest materials.
  • Supports landscape and portrait orientation for caravan/camper/trailer.
  • Displays ‘Top View’ of 4WD/van/motorhome with accurate level requirement for each wheel.
  • 10x zoom feature to obtain outstanding accuracy and visual clarity for level of angles less than 4.5°.
  • Inclinometer style gauges display ±45° and ±4.5° in 10x zoom mode.
  • Quick display of number of Blocks when roll needs to be corrected (when using blocks).
  • For caravan/camper/trailer, hitching/unhitching height recording indicator that captures the height of the A-frame at the release point from tow vehicle.
  • Sensor fusion preventing un-readable jitter when in 10X zoom and during motion whilst levelling.

Specifications

  • Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 Low Energy connectivity (no internet or cloud services required).
  • BLE transmit power 15dbm and receiver sensitivity -96dbm.
  • Full device BLE backward compatibility using 1M PHY.
  • Advanced gyroscopic sensor fusion with sample phase matching and AI mix selection.
  • Device range typically 80-200m in an open environment.
  • Combined pitch and roll data streaming ultra-low latency of 75mS.
  • Accuracy better than ±0.1° over entire operating environment.
  • Precision better than ±0.02°.
  • Supply voltage: either USB or internal RV’s 12V/24V system.
  • Fully protected against reverse wiring when the internal RV 12V/24V connection is used.
  • Low operating current when app connected < 12 mA @ 12V.
  • Operating temperature extremes -40°C to +85°C.
  • ± 45° pitch and roll in normal operation.
  • ± 4.5° in (10x) zoom mode.
  • Physical dimensions measure 73mm x 58mm x 22mm.

Installation of Savvy5 Solution

    SavvyLevel Positioning Guide.

    CHOOSING A SUITABLE LOCATION                                              Figure 3

    Savvy5 is a Bluetooth® device that is mounted inside your RV. It needs to communicate with your Smartphone device while you are inside your RV or tow vehicle (RV:  caravan/camper/trailer or 4WD/van/motorhome).

    In order to ensure stable Bluetooth® connectivity, you will need to mount Savvy5 unit where there are minimal metallic obstructions between the unit and your Smartphone as metallic obstructions weaken Bluetooth® signal.

    Since there are many different types of caravans, we cannot give definitive statements regarding the exact location to install your device. Instead, we can only provide general guidelines – the app provides a Bluetooth® signal strength indication for guidance in positioning.

    Since there are many different types of caravans, we cannot give definitive statements regarding the exact location to install your device. Instead, we can only provide general guidelines – the app provides a Bluetooth® signal strength indication for guidance in positioning.

    To ensure a good Bluetooth® connection between your Savvy5 unit and your Smartphone, you will first need to conduct some simple practical tests.

    POINTS TO CONSIDER

    • Do not mount the device externally where it is exposed to the weather.
    • Do not mount the device in wet areas.
    • Do not mount the device inside sealed metallic enclosures, or where there are significant amounts of metallic obstructions that may limit Bluetooth® signal range.
    • Do mount the device as close to the front of the caravan as possible, driver side, face up (floor mount) or face down (ceiling mount) with double white arrows at the back of the base and logo on the lid (Figure 4) pointing toward the tow vehicle.
    • Do mount the device where, if concealed, it is readily accessible (e.g. inside a cupboard, on a ceiling of the tunnel boot or something similar).
    • Do mount the device where there is access to either a USB socket or the RV battery supply (12V/24V).
    • Do mount the device where there are minimal metallic obstructions between Savvy5 unit and the interior of the intended tow vehicle (where you use your Smartphone for connection within in the tow vehicle). This includes caravans that are constructed with aluminum cladding at the front.
    • Do mount the device on solid surface that will not flex independently of the vehicle.

    MOTORHOMES, 4WD and VANS

    • Do mount the device on solid surface that will not flex independently of the vehicle. The Bluetooth® restriction does not apply here as there is sufficient power to manage all typical situations. 

    IDENTIFYING THE BEST LOCATION

    To identify a suitable location to mount your Savvy5 unit and ensure stable Bluetooth® connectivity, use the following as a guide:

    1. Because Savvy5 unit must be mounted inside your RV, consider the following:

    • Caravan / camper / trailer: Park in an open area to avoid nearby metal surfaces that can reflect and "boost" Bluetooth® during testing. Position the tow vehicle at the front (ideally hitched).
    • Motorhome / van / 4WD / food truck: This Bluetooth® limitation generally doesn't apply. Focus instead on choosing a mounting surface that is rigid and does not flex independently of the vehicle.

    2.     Make sure you have the latest Savvy5 app installed on your Smartphone (either: ‘SavvyCV5’ for caravan/camper/trailer or ‘SavvyMH5’ for motorhome/van/4WD/food truck).

    3.     Power up your Savvy5 unit using the USB cable provided (use a portable power bank device for temporary connection (Savvy5 draws very little current, so many power banks may shut off. To keep the power bank on, connect a second device that draws enough current to keep it active.).

    4.     Ensure that you can connect to your Savvy5 unit with your smartphone. Refer to section, ‘Basic Operation’, of this document for more details on how to operate Savvy5 solution.

    5.     With Savvy5 connected, move to different locations in the RV, see Figure 3. With the smartphone at the driver's steering wheel, choose the best mounting point based on the app's Bluetooth® signal strength indicator (even no indicating bars are sufficient for a stable connection).

    When performing these tests, make sure that your Savvy5 is orientated correctly, Figure 4 & Figure5.

    Figure 4   

    For the first placement test, choose a spot near the front on the driver’s side. Mount Savvy5 face-up on the floor or face-down on the ceiling. The lid logo and double white arrows must point toward the front of the vehicle.

    Note the best location (found during your testing) and mark it for permanent Savvy5 unit mounting.

    Figure 5

     SavvyLevel Wiring Guide

     The Savvy5 unit can be powered either by:

    • Using the supplied, USB-A to USB-C cable: Connect Savvy5 using the provided USB-A to USB0C cable (or any other cable with at least a USB-C end). In this mode, the app's Battery Indicator will display USB.
    •           Using your RV battery (optional): if you wish to monitor your RV’s battery voltage, Savvy5 must be hardwired using a PH 2mm connector lead supplied in the Accessory Wiring Kit (purchased separately). Connect to a suitable 12V or 24V RV battery voltage source. Once connected, the app will display the RV battery voltage. See below for wiring details.

    Important: if you are an existing Savvy customer and you have a PH 2mm cable from Savvy3 or Savvy4, do not use it - it is not compatible with Savvy5.

    Fixed wiring of the SAVVY5 using PH 2mm cable (RV internal battery supply)

    The Savvy5 may use an existing wired supply or its own dedicated supply with a DC voltage of 12V/24V. The current drawn is ~12mA (0.012A) with a 12V supply, which can be considered negligible regarding current capability of the supply wires.

    For more information, please choose one of the following recommended wiring options. Note: use of the words ‘extension wires’ refers to the wire that you choose to connect to Savvy5 unit with.

    Recommended wiring options

    Option 1 (internal wiring from an existing fused cable/circuit – refer notes 2, 3)

    If Savvy5 unit is to be connected to an existing circuit, the following is recommended:

    Note 1: If wiring directly to a battery or unfused source, a fuse must be used. This fuse will protect the extension wires. The fuse should be mounted as close to the battery (or unfused source) as practicable. The value of the fuse is based on the extension’s wire current capacity. For example: if 18 A.W.G extension wire (current capacity 7 Amp) is used, use any fuse between 100 mA to 7 Amp.

    Note 2: If wiring to a fused source with extension wire of the same gauge as the source, then a separate inline fuse is not required.

    Note 3: If wiring to a fused source with extension wire of a lighter gauge than the source, then a separate inline fuse is required.

     Any gauge wire between these values is also acceptable, the concern is for structural reliability and protection against the environment. Any accidental reversal of polarity will not harm the SavvyLevel – it will work again once correct polarity is re-established.

     Permanent Mounting Guide

     Savvy5 will arrive in a package as shown below:

                                                                 Figure 6

     Please take the following steps when installation of the Savvy5 solution post position testing:

    1.     You should now have selected a suitable mounting location. If not, refer to then SavvyLevel® Positioning Guide section.

    2.     The supplied Savvy5 mounting hardware, (see Figure 6) comes pre-assembled and consists of three parts: Savvy5 unit, cradle, and retainer clip. Disassemble by removing the retainer clip and sliding Savvy5 unit out of the cradle (see Figure 7).

                                                                Figure 7

    3.      Mount cradle with rear section oriented as shown above, Figure 7, and with red arrow facing the front of the RV (towards the tow-vehicle, if it is used). Secure using double sided adhesive or small screws (not supplied).

    4.      Slide the Savvy5 into the cradle, note orientation of the red arrow. 

    5.      Insert the retainer clip to secure Savvy5 in the cradle.

    6.      Connect Savvy5 to power using your chosen method: USB or hardwired option.


    Downloading Mobile Apps

    The Savvy5 Apps are free and are available on App Store™ and Google Play™. They contain no advertising, no upselling/in-app purchases, and no personal data collection:

    •            SavvyCV5 for caravan/camper/trailer.
    •            SavvyMH5 for motorhome/van/4WD/food truck.

    For use with:

    •           Apple™ devices, Software Version 13 and above
    •           Android™ devices, Android Version 7.0 and above.

    Install the SavvyCV5 on your smartphone or tablet to communicate with the Savvy5 device in your caravan/camper/trailer. Savvy5 uses a Bluetooth® 5.2 Low Energy connection, so no internet connection is required.

    Scan the QR code below that matches your mobile device type (Apple™ or Android™) to download and install the app.

        App Store™ SavvyCV5 QR Code       Android™ SavvyCV5 QR Code                                 

                                                                                           

    Install the SavvyMH5 on your smartphone or tablet to communicate with the Savvy5 device in your motorhome/van/4WD/food truck. Savvy5 uses a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection, so no internet connection is required.

    Scan the QR code below that matches your mobile device type (Apple™ or Android™) to download and install the app.

        App Store™ SavvyMH5 QR Code       Android™ SavvyMH5 QR Code   

                                               

    Basic Operation

     First Time Connection

    Note: The first time you open the Savvy5 app it will not automatically connect to a powered Savvy5 unit. You will need to allow the connection when prompted – for your convenience this is performed through the app, you do not need to access you phone Bluetooth® settings directly.

    After the initial setup, reconnection is normally automatic - simply open the app and it should connect to Savvy5.

    When you finish using Savvy5, we recommend closing the app (it is best not leave it running in the background as Savvy5 enters a lower-power mode when it is not connected).

    During first-time connection, your phone will display standard system permission prompts (for example, access to Bluetooth® and/or Location). These permissions must be allowed for the connection to work. The exact prompts vary depending on whether you are using Apple™ (iOS) or Android™, and your operating system version.

    SavvyCV5 App Displays

    Follow the steps below to familiarize yourself with the smartphone displays that you will encounter as you progress with the connection of SavvyCV5:

    Note: The first time you connect to Savvy5 (and any time you delete and reinstall the app), the app will automatically open a tutorial explaining the main features. Tap through the screens to complete the tutorial.

    On subsequent connections the tutorial will not appear. To view it again, go to ‘SETTINGS’ and select ‘Show Tutorial Again’.

    SavvyMH5 App Displays

    Follow the steps below to familiarize yourself with the smartphone displays that you will encounter as you progress with the connection of SavvyMH5:

    Note: The first time you connect to Savvy5 (and any time you delete and reinstall the app), the app will automatically open a tutorial explaining the main features. Tap through the screens to complete the tutorial.

    On subsequent connections the tutorial will not appear. To view it again, go to ‘SETTINGS’ and select ‘Show Tutorial Again’.

     

     RV set u following app install

     Once connected, complete the following quick setup steps to ensure all displayed information is accurate (for example, height adjustment in mm). Without this setup, values other than the angle may not reflect your actual situation. Please follow the steps below:

    Select your Span Unit of choice

     

    Enter dimensions of your specific RV

    Note: once you enter your RV’s dimensions, they will be saved in Savvy5 unit itself.

    Set Level

    Savvy5 units are preset with 'Set Level = Horizontal'. To capture your preferred personal level within Savvy5, please proceed with the following steps:

    • Level your RV using spirit level or whatever other means available to you (consider your bed level, water drainage, fridge level, etc.).
    • Once you are happy with the level you have achieved, click 'Set Level' button.
    • Click OK button below to save your level in Savvy5 unit itself.

     10X Zoom

    SavvyCV5 - Set Hitch and Clear Hitch

    ‘Set Hitch’ refers to recording and displaying a pink arrow on the caravan pitch image graduation scale; this captures the height of the A-frame at the release point from the tow vehicle (we recommend that you raise the  A-frame about 100mm above towing ball of the vehicle to compensate for any weight decrease due to baggage, people and petrol change after disconnection). This applies only to caravan/camper/trailer. It is a very useful feature that helps prepare the A-frame at the end of your holiday stay and prior to bringing your tow vehicle for recoupling with the caravan.

    Note: After leaving the caravan site you will need to ‘Clear Hitch’ as ‘Set Hitch’ is unique for each site.

    SavvyMH5 and ‘Top View’

    For four-wheeled vehicles (motorhomes, vans, 4WDs and food trucks), it is not possible to level pitch and roll independently - adjusting one axis affects the other. For this reason, SavvyMH5 provides a highly complex computed solution with a step-by-step process that makes it easy to level both axes together using whatever levelling equipment you prefer.

     

    Depending on the situation, levelling may require height adjustments at up to three of the four wheels. To make this simple, and to take advantage of the system’s high sensor precision, SavvyMH5 includes a Top View display. This shows a top-down view of your vehicle and the required adjustment at each wheel in step height, block height, or height in mm (see below).

    Power Save Mode

    Power Save Mode switch can be enabled or disabled in ‘Settings’ of the app.

    Enable this setting to operate your SavvyLevel unit in power-saving mode.

    When enabled, the unit will automatically enter a low-power (sleep) state when it is not connected to the app.

    Current consumption in ‘sleep’ mode is around 0.5 – 1.5mA.

    Please note that all LEDs will be turned off while the unit is in this mode to minimize energy consumption.

    Note: setting of ‘Power Save Mode’ will be saved in Savvy5 unit itself.

    Using SavvyLevel® S5 for 4WDriving

    One Savvy5 - Two Great Uses!

     

    Your SavvyLevel® S5 (Savvy5) is designed to make levelling your caravan, motorhome, camper, van or other recreational vehicle (RV) simple and accurate.

    But did you know that your Savvy5 can also accompany you on your 4WD adventures?

    If you enjoy exploring off-road, you can use the same Savvy5 unit to monitor your 4WD vehicle's Roll (side-to-side) and Pitch (front-to-rear) angles as you travel over uneven terrain.

    All you need is an additional Savvy5 mounting cradle, available separately, and a suitable USB power source in your 4WD.

    There is no need to purchase a second Savvy5 unit or install another App.

     

    1. How Does It Work in your RV?

    Savvy5 is normally installed in your RV using the supplied mounting cradle and retaining clip.

    During the initial RV setup, you position your RV at your preferred level and use the App's Set Level function to save that position as your reference.

    Your preferred level does not necessarily need to be perfectly horizontal. For example, you may prefer a slight inclination to assist shower drainage or make sleeping more comfortable.

    Savvy5 stores this reference, together with your RV configuration settings, for future levelling.

    When you want to use Savvy5 for 4WDriving, simply transfer the unit from your RV to an additional cradle installed in your 4WD.

    Your existing SavvyCV5 or SavvyMH5 App can then be used to monitor the changing Roll and Pitch angles as your 4WD travels across uneven terrain.

    Important: When used for 4WDriving, Savvy5 is an angle-monitoring aid only. It is not being used to level your 4WD.

     

    2. Installing an Additional Cradle in Your 4WD

     

    To use Savvy5 in your 4WD, you will need to purchase an additional Savvy5 mounting cradle.

    The cradle allows you to transfer your Savvy5 between your RV and 4WD without disturbing the original installation.

    Installation procedure:

    1. Select a suitable mounting location inside your 4WD that provides reliable Bluetooth reception and allows Savvy5 to be securely mounted.
    2. Position the cradle in accordance with the mounting instructions in this User Guide. The red orientation arrow must point towards the front of your 4WD vehicle.
    3. Securely attach the cradle using a suitable mounting method.
    4. Ensure the cradle is firmly mounted and will not move or become dislodged when travelling over uneven terrain.
    5. Arrange a suitable USB power connection for Savvy5.

    Important – Mounting Orientation

    Correct mounting orientation is essential for meaningful Roll and Pitch angle monitoring.

    The additional cradle in your 4WD must follow the same mounting orientation principles as the original cradle in your RV, with the red orientation arrow pointing towards the front of the vehicle.

    Refer to the mounting illustration and instructions provided earlier in this User Guide.

     

    3. Transferring Savvy5 from Your RV to Your 4WD

    When you are ready for your 4WD adventure:

    1. Disconnect the power supply from Savvy5 in your RV.
    2. Remove the retaining clip securing Savvy5 in its RV cradle.
    3. Carefully slide Savvy5 out of the cradle.
    4. Insert Savvy5 into the additional cradle installed in your 4WD, ensuring the correct mounting orientation.
    5. Insert the retaining clip to secure Savvy5 in position.
    6. Connect Savvy5 to a suitable USB power source.

    You can power Savvy5 using either:

    • A USB socket in your 4WD vehicle.
    • A compatible USB power bank that can operate in Always Active mode, ensuring continuous power to Savvy5.

    Once Savvy5 is powered, open your existing SavvyCV5 or SavvyMH5 App on your mobile device and connect to Savvy5 using the normal Bluetooth connection procedure.

    You are now ready to monitor your 4WD's Roll and Pitch angles.

     

    4. Monitoring Roll and Pitch Angles While 4WDriving

     

    As your 4WD travels over uneven terrain, Savvy5 measures changes in vehicle inclination and displays them in your App.

    Two angle measurements are provided:

    Roll à Side-to-Side Inclination

    Roll indicates how far your 4WD is leaning to the left or right.

    As the vehicle tilts sideways, the Roll angle changes and the vehicle illustration rotates to reflect the changing inclination.

    Pitch à Front-to-Rear Inclination

    Pitch indicates how far your 4WD is tilting forwards or backwards when climbing or descending slopes.

    As the vehicle's inclination changes, the Pitch angle and corresponding illustration respond accordingly.

    These visual displays allow you to observe your vehicle's changing orientation as you negotiate uneven terrain.

    Understanding the Colour-Coded Angle Scales

    The graduated angle scales in the App use colour to provide a visual indication of increasing inclination.

    • Dark-coloured graduations: Lower inclination angles.
    • Orange graduations: Increasing inclination — caution advised.
    • Red graduations: High inclination — heightened caution required.

    As the Roll or Pitch angle increases, the indicator moves along the graduated scale, providing a clear visual representation of the vehicle's inclination.

     

    Important Safety Information

    The colour-coded scales are visual inclination indicators only. They do not represent guaranteed safe operating angles or determine the rollover limits of your particular 4WD.

     

    Vehicle stability depends on several factors, including the vehicle's centre of gravity, suspension, tyre characteristics, loading, speed and terrain conditions.

    Savvy5 should be used only as an additional source of information and must not replace safe driving practices, vehicle-specific operating guidance or careful assessment of terrain conditions.

    The driver should not operate or study the mobile App while driving. Where practical, a passenger can monitor the display.

     

    5. Understanding the Saved Set Level Reference

    When Savvy5 is initially configured in your RV, the Set Level function saves your preferred RV levelling position as its reference.

    This reference may include a slight inclination selected for personal comfort or practical reasons, such as shower drainage.

    The Roll and Pitch angles displayed by Savvy5 are measured relative to this previously saved Set Level reference.

    Consequently, when Savvy5 is transferred to your 4WD, the displayed angles may include a small offset from the vehicle's actual inclination relative to horizontal.

    For general 4WD angle monitoring, this small difference may have little practical significance. However, the displayed angles should not be interpreted as independently calibrated absolute angles relative to horizontal.

    Do not use Set Level while Savvy5 is installed in your 4WD.

    Doing so would replace the saved reference used for levelling your RV.

     

    6. Important – Do Not Change Your RV Settings

    When using Savvy5 for 4WDriving, you must not enter or alter any vehicle dimensions in the App's Settings, as these are reserved for levelling your RV.

    You must also not use the Set Level function or change any other saved RV configuration settings.

    The dimensions stored in Savvy5 are used by the App to calculate the levelling adjustments required for your RV, displayed in millimetres or inches.

    These dimensions do not influence the measured Roll and Pitch angles.

    Therefore, when using Savvy5 in your 4WD:

    • Monitor only the Roll and Pitch angles and the corresponding vehicle illustrations.
    • Ignore the levelling adjustments displayed in millimetres or inches.
    • Do not enter your 4WD dimensions.
    • Do not alter the existing RV dimensions or other saved settings.
    • Do not press Set Level.

    Following these instructions will preserve your RV levelling configuration for use when Savvy5 is returned to your caravan, motorhome, camper or van.

     

    7. Returning Savvy5 to Your RV

    When your 4WD adventure is over:

    1. Disconnect the USB power supply from Savvy5 in your 4WD.
    2. Remove the retaining clip and carefully slide Savvy5 out of the 4WD cradle.
    3. Return Savvy5 to its original cradle installed in your RV.
    4. Slide Savvy5 into position, ensuring the correct mounting orientation.
    5. Reinsert the retaining clip to secure Savvy5.
    6. Reconnect the RV power supply.
    7. Open your SavvyCV5 or SavvyMH5 App and connect to Savvy5.

    Provided you have not changed the saved configuration while 4WDriving, your preferred RV Set Level reference and vehicle dimensions will remain available.

    You can continue levelling your RV as normal, without needing to re-enter dimensions or repeat the Set Level procedure.


    SavvyLevel® S5 – From the Campsite to the 4WD Tracks

    Whether you're setting up your RV at a campsite or exploring challenging terrain in your 4WD, your Savvy5 offers useful information in both situations.

    One Savvy5. Two mounting cradles. Two useful applications.

    Enjoy the convenience of RV levelling and 4WD angle monitoring using the same SavvyLevel® S5 unit.