Leveling

[Hans627]

Not sure if this is the best section to post this question but....!

When you pull into a new campsite and you want to get your trailer relatively level what tools/techniques do you use? I'm speaking of mostly fore and aft not cross trailer (as I know you may need to use blocks to lift one side or the other).

Do you actually carry a level?

Next week we make our virgin trip so just looking for any tips on leveling.

Thanks!

[A W Warn]

First level trailer wheels/axels left to right by using blocking, ramp, etc, whatever you choose. I use a combination of plastic interlocking blocks, wood blocks, and a ramp, depending on the site condition. If I get this within an inch, I say close enough!
Then after the axles are leveled left to right, I use the tongue jack to level front to back.
Then put the stabilizers down. If I'm only staying one or two nights I might not put the stabilizers down. The bounce of the suspension does not bother me.
I carry a torpedo level and use it to level on the cook top. (if I'm cooking I don't want the pans tilted)

[tjdonahoe]

I use a 2" square level in the freezer compartment of the refergerator.

[Al and Missy]

My trailer had one of these on it when i bought it. One tick mark is just about equal to one 2x4. I calibrated the AccuLevel with a small level in the freezer.

Camco Level AccuLevel - Walmart.com

Put the trailer in its final position. Read the level. Pull forward or back to clear the wheel locations. Place the requisite number of blocks and pull up on them. Then, as Alan said, level front to back with the jack. For sites with a lot of slope in both axes i use blocks on both sides to equalize the load on the axles. In my driveway which slopes more front to back than side to side i use 1 block on left front, 1 block on right rear and 2 blocks on right front. That gives me a 1 block difference left to right and front to rear.

I made some blocks by layering 3 pieces of 2x8 and bevelling the fore and aft edges. I put 1" dowels in the bottom two and 1-1/8 inch holes in the top two. That way they won't slide apart when i get up on them. Start with the top block and add lower blocks as required.

Another thing i did was to buy a tongue jack extension foot. It eliminates the need to carry blocks for the front, except one for soft ground. The only negative is it has to come off for towing.

My trailer came with a set of the lego blocks but i couldnt figure out how to use them for higher lift with a two axle trailer. I use them, inverted, under the levelling jacks, again in soft ground.

[68 TWind]

I carry a small torpedo level and lay it on the floor right in front of my fridge. I have done it so much I can tell about how may turns on the jack I need to get it level if my wife is not inside to watch it. I did put a stick on level on the A frame but I like the small torpedo level best. My fridge is really needs to be level to work at its best.

One more tip: carry several big wooden blocks ( I have some 12 inch 6x6). If you are at a campsite that runs uphill you may run out of jack before you get the front of the trailer far enough off the ground to get the trailer level. Once while camping on the Tennessee River at a state park I had to use all the wood blocks I had plus a couple of lynx level blocks to get the trailer level because the site was so sloped uphill.

[ghaynes755]

Torpedo level and also a Levelup Lite (http://www.amazon.com/Lippert-Compon.../dp/B00BFTYZA6) that I put on the front exterior window as I do the side to side. Pop it off the velcro and do the front to back using the rub rail.

The Levelup is easy to see in the rearview mirror as I am pulling on to the Andersen Levelers.

[FishinHatteras]

if you have an Apple iPhone, under the utilities is a level. Works great for me.
When side to side is being performed, I get the better half to stand outside the trailer. Once we are good side to side, she steps into Eloise to observe the phone while I am using the jack for fore & aft.
Gavin

[BoldAdventure]

Start with this:



Drive up on these:

[Gearheart]

I would be thinking fore and aft first, unless using ramps /boards for side to side. once outrigger jacks are down adjusting the tongue jack is not a good idea.

[featherbedder]

I have older round reese level that has screw off lid, mounted on aluminum angle bolted onto front of propane bottles ring. Has front to back bubble and side yo side bubble, very accurate.

[NoNameinNM]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

I carry a torpedo level and use it to level on the cook top. (if I'm cooking I don't want the pans tilted)

That is some great advice right there!

We just spent our first weekend out with our new Airstream after taking delivery on Friday. We quickly learned that the floor slopes up a bit over the axles and is a bit more flexible in other places, leading to some degree of error when checking things with a level on the interior of the trailer vs. on the exterior.

As soon as I had to fight to keep my skillet from sliding off the stove top while cooking breakfast, I realized that in the future I'm going to focus on getting the fridge and stove top level first, and hope that the rest of the trailer follows!

[robert claus]

Originally Posted by NoNameinNM

That is some great advice right there!

As soon as I had to fight to keep my skillet from sliding off the stove top while cooking breakfast, I realized that in the future I'm going to focus on getting the fridge and stove top level first, and hope that the rest of the trailer follows!

Of course, Lucille Ball flashes into the picture. Hope you had a good time and enjoyed the learning curve!

[NoNameinNM]

Originally Posted by robert claus

Of course, Lucille Ball flashes into the picture. Hope you had a good time and enjoyed the learning curve!

It was definitely Lucy-esque!

We did have a good time and learned a lot-- especially about leveling the trailer!

[Hans627]

Great ideas and much appreciated! I particularly like the idea of focusing on starting with getting the stove level.

Thanks!

[ROBERT CROSS]

......"Do you actually carry a level?"


Yes....

Bob

[kb0zke]

Actually, I carry a 4', a 2', a torpedo, and a countertop bubble. Yes, I do some construction work.

[Gearheart]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

Actually, I carry a 4', a 2', a torpedo, and a countertop bubble. Yes, I do some construction work.

Me too and then there are the stick on thunderbird levels on the outside.

[DanB]

I had my balls calibrated (eyeballs, geez). I can level fore and aft damn precisely.

Side to side, not to much. We have a small level for that.

On my sov, the previous owner mounted a fancy level to the propane tank cover. What a buffon......

[SeeMore]

My Atwood power jack has a bubble level built into the head assembly. Once you set it, it is quite accurate.