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Larry-D View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Leveling
    Posted: 07 Dec 2017 at 8:36am
Update on the broken Anderson Leveler.  Received the replacement from Anderson.  It had a small diagram/note in the box that explained/showed that on twin axles if the tires are too close together the leveler can be cut (happens to be at the same point the first one broke) and used on the front axle.

So yesterday while setting up or 28’ camper at a state park I tried to use the “broken” one.  It worked but using them on the low side I still needed more lift.  Had to put a 2x6 under them.  One held the “broken” one slipped on the board so I couldn’t use it.  The new “full size” leveler would not fit because of the axles moving closer together during leveling.  I think if I put some tape like that used on stairways the leveler will stay put on a slick surface.

Lessened learned: If it’s broke it ain’t necessarily broke.
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Nov 2017 at 12:17pm
I use a clutched Milwaukee cordless drill to set the stabilizers. I think I put the clutch on "5" or some low-mid level setting. Then I put the drill into low speed mode (most torque), and run it on high until the clutch slips. I go around the pod once to get all the stabilizers down, then I make a second pass in case anything has moved. Takes all of a minute to do the whole thing.
bp
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Larry-D View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Nov 2017 at 11:36am
Charlie,

Excellent information I hadn't thought of.  I believe you're exactly right.  Even though I had used the jacks for leveling, the impact driver I was using did struggle which was concerning.
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Nov 2017 at 11:31am

Let me add a different view of stabilizing vs leveling. It’s not a strength issue but a flex issue. When the trailer is fully supported by the wheels the frame is slightly bowed downward at the front and rear of the camper. The bow at the front is somewhat compensated by the tongue jack but the rear bow remains. If a leveling force is applied by the stabilizers the bow is reversed and the frame will be slightly bowed upward at front and rear. In the extreme the camper could be totally supported by the rear stabilizers and the tongue jack resulting in maximum slight upward bowing of the frame. Although slight the change in frame bow will flex all wall and roof joints, stressing seals and aggravating potential leaks. Although not an overstress risk to the frame it would add to the known leak potential of all campers. The stabilizers are for stabilizing; plastic or wood levelers are for leveling. Keep the load on the wheels.

Charlie
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Larry-D View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Nov 2017 at 9:56am
Originally posted by Larry-D

After using 2x6s for year I finally sprung for the Anderson levelers.  Big improvement.  Quick and easy, heavy duty.  Once level I use the corner jacks to stabilize and everything is good to go.  5 minutes at the most.

Update on the levelers.  Worked great for the Rpod.  We also have a 28' TT with twin axles.  Used them over Thanksgiving.  For one of the levelers it was the first use and the other one it was the second use.  Set up was quick and great.  When leaving and pulling the trailer off the levelers the one one the rear axle broke.  There were no rocks or debris beneath the leveler and it didn't get caught on anything to "snap" it.  The trailer was not overloaded.

When looking on Amazon for reviews the posted photos of failures matches my failure exactly.  Maybe there was a bad batch or too much plastic was removed or not injected in the manufacturing process.  I contacted Anderson and they are sending a replacement.  Great and easy concept I hope the next lasts longer.
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rawest50 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 6:36pm
Originally posted by Larry-D

Since the question of stabilizers vs leveling jacks comes up every so ofter.  I emailed Forest River and asked simply if the corner jacks were for leveling or stability.  Below is the response.
<b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
<b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Subject:<span ="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RE: RV Site - r-pod - Contact Us: "Jacks"</span><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-size-adjust: auto;"><p ="Msonormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span>

<blockquote id="MAC_OUTLOOK_ATTRIBUTION_BLOCKQUOTE" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-size-adjust: auto; border-style: none none none solid; border-left-width: 4.5pt; border-left-color: rgb181, 196, 223; padding: 0in 0in 0in 4pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; margin-right: 0in;"><p ="Msonormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Larry,Thank you for contacting Forest River. The scissor jacks on the four corners on the unit are for leveling.<span ="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thank you,Samantha FergusonSurveyor/RpodClaim Processing/Warranty Part Returns<span><span id="gc-number-0" ="gc-cs-" title="Call with Google Voice">(574) 642-3119</span> option 2</span>sjhoover@forestriverinc.com<span>fax: <span id="gc-number-1" ="gc-cs-" title="Call with Google Voice">(574) 343-5920</span></span></span>



I got the same answer from Samantha. I replied, you are telling me I can lift a wheel off the ground like the big rigs?. Never got an answer.
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Happy Tripping View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Nov 2017 at 9:32am

The stabilizer jacks are not strong enough to do much leveling in the first place, and I still buy into the notion that the frame isn't made to handle that kind of stress. 

TT[/QUOTE]

-------------

I've been out of town fishing. This thread appears to be 'hi-jacked',  however I agree with Tars. Every-so-often someone reports here that their door doesn't open freely and I bet that they are using their stabilizing jacks as levelers and are bending the R-Pod's frame.

(BTW I love the 'leggo blocks')

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rawest50 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 8:56pm
FR has many different brand names. Was the question for the RPod specifically? Some other models do level. Samantha needs to be specific about the RPod.
2017.5 RPod 179
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 10:42am
I'm with the stabilizer only opinion. When we purchased our R-179, the dealer made very clear that the scissor jacks are for stabilizing; not leveling.

They are not strong enough to do leveling.
bp
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fwunder View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 10:30am
I'm with TT on this one.  Besides, I think it's quicker and easier to level side to side with blocks and front to back with tongue jack. Hopkins Level Gauges make it even easier.

fred
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