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09-07-2017, 11:32 AM
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#1
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Silver is the new black
2018 30' Classic
NAPA
, California
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 34
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Leveling Airstream
We just purchased our 2018 Classic 30. Comes with auto jacks.
We recently had great difficulty leveling. The undulation of the pad was down in front and sideways. I tried lego blocks, no help. I finally had to reconnoiter a new spot and move there. Any other solutions out there?
__________________
KT
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09-07-2017, 11:42 AM
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#2
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4 Rivet Member
2005 30' Safari
Montgomery
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 385
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The jacks are only for stabilizing the rig. What you want to do is use those lego blocks to drive the trailer tires on to level the trailer side-to-side. Then your trailer jack is used to level front-to-back after you unhitch.
After getting level, then the stabilizer jacks are put down to keep things a little more stable as you guys walk around and move inside the trailer. The stabilizer jacks are only meant to be a "snug fit" in contact with the ground. I'm probably a little OCD, but I typically adjust the jacks after a day or two in a site to account for waste tanks filling, everyone in a bunk and being still at the time, etc.
Dave
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09-07-2017, 12:25 PM
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#3
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Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
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If the site slopes diagonally so that you've got to elevate three wheels to get them up to the level of the highest wheel, the "Lego Blocks" are the best way to do that.
There are leveling apps for iPhones and Android smartphones that will allow you to lay the phone down on the floor of the trailer and determine how high each low side needs to be raised using the phone's own sensors.. You can set the phone right next to the door so you can see the screen from outside.
DaveMC is right about the jacks. I've seen folks destroy their stabilizer jacks trying to use them as levelers. They're not designed to lift the weight of the trailer, only to prevent teeter-tottering and/or bouncing on the suspension as people move from front to back or from side to side in the trailer. The suspension and the tongue jack are still the load-bearing devices.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
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09-07-2017, 12:52 PM
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#4
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Site Team
2017 30' International
Broomfield
, Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,555
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I moved from the lynx lego blocks to Anderson levelers. I like them better - just stick them under the wheel and roll onto the levelers until level. Fast and easy.
I use my iPhone (built-in compass app) to confirm when we are level.
https://andersenhitches.com/Products...r-leveler.aspx
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09-07-2017, 12:58 PM
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#5
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,746
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Hi
If the site is whacked enough to give you leveling problems, it probably also is one that needs good chocking on the wheels. It's really easy to get caught up in leveling and forget about the safety side of things. A quick walk around just about any campsite will show you *lots* of examples.
How many lego blocks are "to many" probably varies from area to area in the country. To me, if you are over three or four blocks under the wheels, that's getting a bit exciting.
Part of this can also be how you are parked on the site. In some cases it's a constant slope. In a lot of cases there are lumps and dips. Doing a quick check of what's what while still hooked up is a good idea. With the TV (and WD) still hooked up it will never be a perfect test. It will give you some idea though.
Lots of fun !!
Bob
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09-07-2017, 08:24 PM
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#6
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Registered User
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Fairfield
, California
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 905
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I too put in a vote for the Anderson Levelers, you just drive up on them and stop when level side to side. Only had them slip once on wet fine loose gravel, on 2nd attempt they didn't.
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09-07-2017, 08:30 PM
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#7
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Silver is the new black
2018 30' Classic
NAPA
, California
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 34
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TY both
__________________
KT
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09-11-2017, 05:53 PM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
1991 29' Excella
Currently Looking...
Marco Island
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 164
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Anderson Leveler & Chock Kit
We chucked the Lego blocks except for using them under the stabilizing pads.
We now use the Anderson Levels & chocks which you back up onto and level off in mere seconds! You simply MUST check these out! They sell them in one or two packs. We use two.
As the trailer is backed on to the levelers, I have a level on the counter inside the door and as soon as the bubble is dead on I yell "Stop!" Chock it and you're done!
https://www.amazon.com/Leveler-Ander...derson+leveler
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09-11-2017, 06:32 PM
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#9
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New Member
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Ormond-by-the-Sea
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 2
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I too use Anderson. Quick and easy.
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09-11-2017, 07:07 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County
, NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
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When I first started trailering I used scrap wood blocks to level side to side, 3/4" and 1 1/2" thick.
I have a set of those stackable lego blocks that I use now. They have an expire date due to plastic degradation from UV light and rough use. I suppose the other plastic chocks and blocks have this same issue.
I'm going back to wood.
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
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09-11-2017, 07:42 PM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
2007 23' Safari SE
Annandale
, New Jersey
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 448
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The skeptic in me says if I need to pull up to the 4in level, or even 3 inch area, there really isn't much of a "chock" in front of the tire if youre parking on a site that also slopes back to front.
Started using the lego chock that fits onto the lego below it and it holds very tight. Actually works great when not using the levelers as it gives it a good starting angle to get under the tire.
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09-11-2017, 07:51 PM
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#12
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Site Team
2017 30' International
Broomfield
, Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,555
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Leveling Airstream
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred L
The skeptic in me says if I need to pull up to the 4in level, or even 3 inch area, there really isn't much of a "chock" in front of the tire if youre parking on a site that also slopes back to front.
Started using the lego chock that fits onto the lego below it and it holds very tight. Actually works great when not using the levelers as it gives it a good starting angle to get under the tire.
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I chock the opposite side as well with a $10 pair of yellow plastic chocks....... I had to do the same thing when I used lynx logo blocks because even with the matching orange wheel chicks that are part of the system I could never get them to wedge in well enough....
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09-11-2017, 08:12 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Parker
, Colorado
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,772
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I use andersons, they are awesome. Paired it with the Levelmate Pro and leveling is cake. It's an app that tells you when you are good and level while backing up on the andersons.
We then chock opposite sid like wulfraat, but we also then use x-chicks as well on both sides of the dual axel tires. I be
Dive these help with the "bounce" movement issues.
__________________
Thanks,
Troutboy
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09-11-2017, 11:47 PM
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#14
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Maniacal Engineer
1971 25' Tradewind
Lopez Island
, Washington
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,244
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Since we're often boondocking, we take 2 x 6 and 4 x 6 wood sections with the ends cut at a 45 degree slant. This makes it easy to deploy substantial amounts of leveling if needed. Note that if a 2 x 6 is too much, just placing it under one wheel on one side is perfect.
We use X chocks to help keep the trailer from moving, and place traditional chocks on the low side if we're fighting a fore-aft hill too.
When jacking the trailer off the hitch ball, we leave the safety chains connected in case the trailer decides to go for a ride.
Wood is strong and relatively cheap. You can paint it silver if you like, or stain it to match your favorite campground dirt .
- Bart
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09-12-2017, 05:27 AM
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#15
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TinCan
2016 30' Classic
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 880
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I also use the Anderson levelers. Lately when driving forward the level seems to slide forward also. Maybe I should be backing onto them?
__________________
TinCan
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09-12-2017, 07:55 AM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
2011 30' Classic
Kingwood
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 262
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I too use the Andersen levelers and think they are great. We pull forward or back onto them, doesn't seem to make a difference. We also chock both sides with the Xchock to dampen the bounce.
__________________
2011 30' Classic
2015 Ford F250 4X4 Platinum
ProPride Hitch
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09-12-2017, 09:31 AM
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#17
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Lynnsr
2018 20' Flying Cloud
Colorado Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 91
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Trailer Leveling
Ditto the Anderson levelers, I have the 20 with only one axle which makes it a little easier, however I have friends with dual axles that love them also.
Regardless of how you level your trailer, I would not be without LevelMatePRO
look them up, if you ever use one you'll never be without.
LynnSr
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09-12-2017, 09:52 AM
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#18
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Mike from Canmore
2018 27' Flying Cloud
Calgary
, Alberta
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 234
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wulfraat
I moved from the lynx lego blocks to Anderson levelers. I like them better - just stick them under the wheel and roll onto the levelers until level. Fast and easy.
I use my iPhone (built-in compass app) to confirm when we are level.
https://andersenhitches.com/Products...r-leveler.aspx
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I got the Anderson levelers after seeing their video on YouTube. Easy.
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09-12-2017, 10:19 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2005 30' Classic
Burlington
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
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Can you use the Anderson levellers to change tires?
I use lynx levellers all the time for removing wheels for brake and bearing work and find that very handy. I do carry two sets in order to make a pyramid high enough to get the wheels high enough - but it is always handy to have a couple of sets anyway to use to level the trailer and use under the stabilisers.
They do work very well, and I have never had the slightest problem with them moving on asphalt, dirt. grass or concrete.
I feel much safer changing a tire with the levellers than using a bottle or trolley jack - although when i have used those, I have also always used them in conjunction with axle stands.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell
2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
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09-12-2017, 10:47 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2004 28' Classic
Monument
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,566
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So, I just checked the Anderson leveler on Amazon. There are several complaints (One Star) and pictures about the levelers snapping in half. I was ready to buy a pair, but this stopped me.
Has anyone seen them snap in half?
__________________
DaveP
2004 Airstream Classic 28 "Willard"
2023 Ram 3500 4x4
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