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05-19-2018, 07:56 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
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LEVEL your Airstream... Forever
Level here. Level there. Level is never completely level, when you believe you are level.
I have always been level or close to level when our Airstream is sitting on a… perfectly un level surface on a round planet. From space, the Earth is a perfect sphere. But in Nevada or even Iowa… finding level is close to impossible.
Equipment Needed:
A carpenter’s level… the longer the better. I use a 4 foot for perfection, and a 2 foot and a 1 foot depending on how things are going and space. The 4 foot level with multiple bubbles is the most exact for front to back, as there is space down the hallway to under our table up front. The 2 foot for side to side, unless the four foot can fit. The 1 foot or smaller is to go around and put at any directions to just… confuse the patience of anyone helping.
The Front to Back and the Left or Right need to be at Right Angles to one another. When 'perfectly level' which may never happen, move the level in different directions to see how... far from level you are at this time in your life. It will be a challenge, but worth every hour or day or two to finish this simple improvement to your life.
I think those exterior RV Levels with the large ball not a great choice. Maybe for a 40 foot RV Bus… but Airstreams are the Pretty Girls on the Road and I found the best option for this jewelry added after purchase.:
Hopkins 08525 Graduated RV Levels- 2 pack- $10.75 (One for side to side, the other for front to back.)
(See them for free observation on an Internet Search) I think ours came from Walmart and do not recall the price. I do not recall my name at times, so this is just a matter of four years of wear and tear Boondocking.
To do it right, find a ‘fairly level parking spot’. Use the longest level you own. Do all directions. If it is close, it is better than most driveways which had better drain away from your garage door. Otherwise you will have water issues, sooner than later. But there are some fairly level places to be found… you just need to find it.
Levels do not lie or exaggerate. If you are off an inch side to side and three inches front to back… you are not level. You have some levelers, flat sections of 1”x12” to put under your tires to get yourself level SIDE to SIDE first. This is the hard part. You can celebrate… after you find as close to level as possible. It will be well worth it.
Now that you have found a perfect, within a fraction of the twisted frame on your Airstream, or your warped floor plywood, or the Linoleum is wavy, bubbled or irregular, nothing is level to begin with attached to the frame… you will figure out a compromise… Level. Like your salesman is ‘on the level’, Level. Close is good enough.
Once you have the left to right as close to level. This is 75% of the job. It is frustrating to some. Tell them you had your Hopkins 08525 done for $100 at an RV Dealership. That will inspire others to do it themselves. A little incentive works for even lazy people that are rich beyond belief.
The front electric jack will do the front to back leveling… to the micro inch. Even though the Hopkins 08525 Graduated RV Level are by the inch and your estimate of fractions.
I installed the Left to Right Level below the front window, down about an inch and centered between the left and right rivets going up and down on each side of the window… possibly as close to center as possible. Unless, of course, your trailer was built after a long Holiday weekend... just saying.
Maybe check any trim that you can use as... level. That would not be cheating. I admit, I have only done this twice in my lifetime. Your Doctor, at best, examines hundreds, if not thousands of patients and is an expert. You hope...
I am a fumbler... at best. I can lose a tool or hammer easily. You cannot be any worse at doing this work than myself.
Do not scratch your aluminum with your level. Tape one edge if necessary.
I install the Front to Back about 12 inches forward the door, below the trim (although the trim may be level, so put the ‘Hopkins 08525’ on the edge and check it out.
The more difficult part is to peel off the paper that covers the ‘very adhesive’ tape. You better be careful, as this is where the ‘frustration’ may come to your doorstep. Once your Hopkins 08525 bubble is centered… check again, and press it to your… clean… aluminum surface. It will not come off for… years. Maybe forever, unless you do it yourself. I add a bead of clear silicone along the top edge and sides to keep water out.
I like the ‘clear’ fluid with bubble. The green fluid will turn clear over time, from my first attempt at this in 2006. I see the one on the Internet is green. Maybe they are all green so you can see the bubble better.
I know… already… there are some other Bubble Graduated RV Leveling Airstream owners out there. You may have a better way than mine.
Nothing in your home… is level. Do not even think of using a four foot level on your tile floor, you will be absolutely… sick. While towing you will want to see if your Airstream is towing level… well, good luck. Then stick a couple of the Hopkins 08525 on your tow vehicle, as well.
Why stop there… but I will. If I had to suffer to learn all of the above, so do you. I have Jen in mind with her Super Solar System and Ice Man in Tucson with his forest of Cacti. I am so envious… but MY Airstream has a matched pair of Hopkins Towing 08525 Graduated RV Levels. Get your own. I will check theirs out with my 4 foot level if they are brave enough to go through with all of this.
Oh... this is best done disconnected from your tow vehicle. Already you are going to give up. As... once you attach the Airstream to your Tow Vehicle... then an argument is going to happen about your Hitch, the suspension of your Tow Vehicle and never cared if your Airstream is level at any time.... Forever. Do it right once, your Airstream will never be truly LEVEL, but now you will understand why I am the way I am...
__________________
Human Bean
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05-19-2018, 08:43 PM
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#2
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Rich and Kat
2017 30' Classic
Alexandria
Alexandria
, Virginia
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 275
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray Eklund
... Tell them you had your Hopkins 08525 done for $100 at an RV Dealership. That will inspire others to do it themselves...
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Ray, I've had those same green levels in the original package since I bought my trailer. I happened across them this past week and held off on sticking them because I only had the accuracy of my 10" level ... in fact, chasing perfection is exactly why I haven't gotten them installed yet. I keep forgetting my 4' level (I probably paid $29 for it so it's probably as accurate as my 10" level anyway) ... I keep saying I'm going to buy pro-grade levels but haven't gotten around to it. :-)
"... but now you will understand why I am the way I am..." Too funny. I get it.
__________________
Rich
2017 Classic 30', ProPride 3P Hitch, 2016 RAM 3500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 SRW w/ 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel and Retrax Pro MX Tonneau Cover
KB2ZMF Save
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05-19-2018, 09:05 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,620
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On my last RV I chased "level" and walked around with a small torpedo level. It was determined the the floor did not agree with the countertop which did not agree with the fridge which did not agree with the table.
They all felt level and they looked level. First, pick a spot, and that's your reference level. If you're really anal, roll a ball bearing on it.
After that experience I used my torpedo level, called it good and moved on.
Really, are you going to lie awake in bed because the bed is 1/2" out of level?
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05-19-2018, 09:12 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’m good with +\- 1 degree of level on any given plane. I use the built-in level on my iPhone quickly placed on the battery box to determine if we are close enough front and back, side-to-side.
Never try to level with the stabilizers - that is what will twist your frame and stress the semi-monocoque construction.
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05-19-2018, 09:22 PM
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#5
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Journeyman
2016 25' International
Amherst
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 956
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The LevelMate Pro bluetooth level and app... combined with graduated levels like those made popular by Andersen... makes leveling take seconds.
Co-pilot hops out and puts the levelers under the wheels. Driver watches screen as they move the truck... and when it hits perfect level, they apply the brakes. Then, beer.
Not cheap, but boy is it helpful if you move a lot (which we do).
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05-19-2018, 09:35 PM
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#6
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Site Team
2017 30' International
Broomfield
, Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,555
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Or you can use your phone with built in gyroscopic level or have your co-pilot use his or her phone
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05-19-2018, 09:38 PM
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#7
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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If you’re using an ammonia absorption fridge, e.g. a standard Dometic fridge, the only measure of level that matters is the one inside your freezer. Good luck getting a 4’ or 2’ level in there.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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05-19-2018, 10:25 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
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I agree with Rocinanti. Way too much over thinking.
If you are sensitive about your head being lower than your feet. As I am. Just turn around in the bed.
Note: The newer refers are not a sensitive about being out of level. Front to back lecel is more important than side to side with the coach when it comes to the refer.
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05-19-2018, 11:42 PM
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#9
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Journeyman
2016 25' International
Amherst
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 956
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocinante
If you’re using an ammonia absorption fridge, e.g. a standard Dometic fridge, the only measure of level that matters is the one inside your freezer. Good luck getting a 4’ or 2’ level in there.
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My understanding is that the fridge/freezer does not require precision and that if it "feels level enough" then it will work just fine...
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05-20-2018, 12:49 AM
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#10
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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It’s your rig, do what you like. We quickly level ours via a simple bubble level we place on the bottom shelf of the freezer.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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05-20-2018, 06:12 AM
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#11
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Wheels Itch)(Must Travel
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
- east coastal area -
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 683
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As I recently posted in the ‘stupid airstream tricks ‘ thread - there is a quick and dirty method to see how level yr rig is.
Open yr bathroom door 90 degs and let go. If it swings back or forwards- well now you know to raise or lower the front. Next open the door 45 deg. If it stays put you are pretty level side to side . If it swings in or out - well now you know.
This method Works well enough for us.
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05-20-2018, 06:46 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thiel
My understanding is that the fridge/freezer does not require precision and that if it "feels level enough" then it will work just fine...
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Yup.
Just walk up and down the interior, and trust your body. Of course using a level of any kind makes it easier to get things close more quickly. We use a short level on the floor just inside the main entry door, turned 90 degrees to check both ways.
Avoid "analysis paralysis" . . .
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05-20-2018, 07:42 AM
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#13
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Luminous
1983 27' Excella
Vesuvius
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 228
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I use a little app on the iPhone that shows both axes simultaneously.
I place the phone on the bed. That might not be floor level, refrigerator level, or counter level, but as the saying goes, if mama is happy, everybody's happy.
__________________
Steve
83 Excella 27
07 Tundra Limited
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05-20-2018, 08:06 AM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
2007 27' Classic FB
Richfield/SLC
, Utah
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 404
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LEVEL your Airstream... Forever
Quote:
Originally Posted by LY007
I use a little app on the iPhone that shows both axes simultaneously.
I place the phone on the bed. That might not be floor level, refrigerator level, or counter level, but as the saying goes, if mama is happy, everybody's happy.
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Thanks, cool app - I just downloaded and will test on our next trip up at Alpine Junction. We tend not to be too picky, just level enough so it’s not distracting. Heck, I don’t even put the stabilizers down on most short stays. Yes, heresy...
Regards - Ron
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05-20-2018, 08:33 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
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The refrigerator operates just fine at any deviation of level. If you are walking down the hallway and tossed into the side wall like a Sailor in a rough sea... maybe get some leveling blocks out and 'eye ball' your situation.
I have seen the IPhone app at work. It is absolutely ingenious. We have a $10 a month phone that does nothing outside of taking and making telephone calls.
Some very good responses. We have camped on the side of a mountain in a tent with our Blue Heelers. When you wake up and you have slid to the entrance and need to climb back to the opposite side... this is what you are trying to avoid. Some people make a big issue of 10% off level. We are used to 35 degrees as a Flat Spot on Mount Antero, Colorado looking for Beryl 'aquamarine' Crystals. Did not find aquamarine crystals... but did find a nice watch melting out of a snow drift at 14,000+ feet and I still have it, replaced batteries when needed and carry it in my pocket, sometimes, when camping. It had no watch band... Nice watch.
For the 'perfectionists' out there. Which I am not among the group as nothing I possess is perfect.
The Air Pressure in your tires will most likely not be the same.
The Suspension of your axles may vary.
If you are traveling and carry a 10 pound watermelon... store it under the pillows and covers on the bed. It will stay cool and we have never had one get loose. We also use blankets in the shower floor to hold 'fragile items'... again, my appetite for fresh Green River, Utah watermelon and 'cants'.
Stabilizers are for those who are sensitive to the trailer rocking in the wind, or walking in the trailer. Our 2014 International's stabilizers have never touched the Earth's Surface. You step up the stairs to enter and the trailer rocks... big deal. Some day you may forget to crank them up and be in for some bad news. If you are camped somewhere for a long period of time... that is the time to use them. For Boondocking... get use to not using them.
We have been at sites in western Utah in canyons that are beautiful. The possible campsites require the front of the trailer to be raised in FEET... to get front to back level. Just not going to work. It is worse on the side to side. Even with over a foot of wood blocks and the front lift... some campsites are reserved for Tent Campers only.
__________________
Human Bean
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05-20-2018, 08:52 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,620
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray Eklund
The refrigerator operates just fine at any deviation of level. If you are walking down the hallway and tossed into the side wall like a Sailor in a rough sea... maybe get some leveling blocks out and 'eye ball' your situation.
Stabilizers are for those who are sensitive to the trailer rocking in the wind, or walking in the trailer. Our 2014 International's stabilizers have never touched the Earth's Surface.
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If I'm stopping just for one night of sleeping, I do nothing to level.
If I'm staying a month, I'll take more time on day 2.
Since I tour solo, rocking of the floor doesn't bother me. BTW my last RV had hydraulic jacks and if guests moved around it still rocked. So far, the AS "anti-rocking devices" have not touched the ground either. But I have an cordless drill with a 3/4" socket in case there's an emergency.
(Once in the Poconos we stayed at a place called "Pocono Manor" my room floor was so out of level if you placed a bowling ball against one wall it would have punched a hole through the opposite wall!)
It's all relative.
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05-20-2018, 09:26 AM
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#17
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retired USA/USAF
2001 30' Excella
Somerset
, New Jersey
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,418
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I just take a shower and see where the water puddles on the wheelwell seat. Problem solved. Should just run off into the shower pan.
__________________
Roger in NJ
" Democracy is the worst form of government. Except for all the rest"
Winston Churchill 1948
TAC - NJ 18
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05-20-2018, 09:27 AM
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#18
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2016 19ft flying cloud
Spokane
, Washington
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 165
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After I level as close as I can
I pull put my 5 cent favorite marble....it tells the whole story
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05-20-2018, 09:45 AM
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#19
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4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Lebanon
, Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 250
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My method to find level:
When wife rolls out of bed in middle of night, time to level.
And yes, she does make me aware of the event.
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05-20-2018, 09:47 AM
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#20
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Journeyman
2016 25' International
Amherst
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 956
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray Eklund
If you are traveling and carry a 10 pound watermelon... store it under the pillows and covers on the bed. It will stay cool and we have never had one get loose.
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That is both oddly specific and oddly helpful information
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