General question from a newbie about exterior "level"

[jrussjr]

Any suggestions for a good replacement for this exterior level? I am a proud new owner if a '78 Sovereign and am beginning restorations on a small scale for now.

[aftermath]

You can get something very similar to this at almost any trailer supply store. The challenge will be installing it so that it accurately displays true horizontal.

[Ag&Au]

Keep in mind that accurate leveling is not as critical as most would think. In most cases, if it feels level inside the trailer, it is close enough. I use these:

RV Levels, Set of 2 - RV Designer E401 - Levels - Camping World

They don't require mounting holes (or you may use screws if you desire) and can be removed without leaving scars with a bit of cleaning (if you don't use screws).

They have the advantage of the mounting tape being somewhat flexible, so you can make it read level even if it is not exact.

Don't be surprised if your question develops into a discussion (argument) about how level you should or must be. Personally, I think exact leveling is overrated.

Ken

[J. Morgan]

Ken, I an laying in bed getting ready for a nap angled slightly downhill....

So I agree,

Sleeping uphill kind of sucks though.

[sandlapper]

Originally Posted by jrussjr

Any suggestions for a good replacement for this exterior level? I am a proud new owner if a '78 Sovereign and am beginning restorations on a small scale for now.
Attachment 205715

The Master Level was standard issue on most Airstreams for many years, and are still easily available as already mentioned. I really like mine.

They need to be installed with the help of a carpenters level the first time, on a fairly level pad. They have adjustments for the left to right leveling as well as the front to back.

A new one will likely attach in the same holes as the original.

John

[Silver Hawk]

The only real reason to level is for the refrigerator when in propane mode. The more level, the more efficient the cooling action. It's the cooling plate inside the freezer that needs to be level in both directions.

[PharmGeek]

I just use a carpenters level and wife talks to me through walky talkie - but something mounted could be cool

I forgot to check the level on our second trip and it did not bother me - until I made pancakes the next morning - then I felt like Lucy in long long trailer

[SuperTrouper]

I have 4 of the stick ons that Ken recommended. Two at the front left corner so I can see both side to side and front to back in the same place one near the door and one just above the license plate at the rear. They are small enough to be unobtrusive, large enough to read and graduated in inches so you can count the blocks you need for side to side leveling.

[Sbb]

Oh gosh, I park, step back, eue it up and decide which end my head will be on the bed, so far it works for me. Btw, mostly boondock and fridge ok.

[Cannonball]

The iPhone 5 with the latest update has a bubble level built into the compass app under "Utilities". Bring up the compass, calibrate it by rolling the little ball around, and then swipe the screen. Voila, bubble level. I put it inside the door to set the side to side level, and then put it on the trailer tongue and work the jack to level it in that dimension. Done.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by Cannonball

The iPhone 5 with the latest update has a bubble level built into the compass app under "Utilities". Bring up the compass, calibrate it by rolling the little ball around, and then swipe the screen. Voila, bubble level. I put it inside the door to set the side to side level, and then put it on the trailer tongue and work the jack to level it in that dimension. Done.

If I were using something that expensive to perform such a simple job, somewhere in that sequence of steps would be, "drop in the mud puddle in the dark".

Ken

[Jim Foster]

I placed the round level on my iPhone on the grill on the top OB the stove. Then leveled the trailer, then adjusted the external level. The is will be close enough for fridge and oil and eggs will not run to the side of the frying pan.
Works for me.

[Cannonball]

I failed to mention that I use my wife's iPhone for this task. Mine is in the cupholder in the truck.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jrussjr

Any suggestions for a good replacement for this exterior level? I am a proud new owner if a '78 Sovereign and am beginning restorations on a small scale for now.
Attachment 205715

That level has had the same problem, from the first day one was ever installed, many many years ago.

The sun heats up the glass, causing the fluid to leak out.

That then becomes the end of the level.

Reese at one time, had a two unit level that was installed on the A-frame, and was calibrated to the cooling plate in the reefer. But it's now NLA.

Actually, the real purpose of the level is not to level the trailer, but to level the reefer so that it would cool properly.

Andy