Leveling
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10799
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Topic: Leveling
Posted By: RMP
Subject: Leveling
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 6:56am
| any sugestions on good ways to go with levelers |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 7:07am
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On the Pod, we absolutely loved using the http://www.amazon.com/BAL-28050-Light-Trailer-Leveler/dp/B000BH5MAA - BAL Small Trailer Leveler.
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Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 7:52am
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I use the old reliable carry a few pieces of 2x10, and a bag of " legos " for fine adjustments. Most places i have been i hardly need more than an inch of adjustment. I mostly hate being on an angled lot because even though i can level the pod, its a little harder to get the dome to touch ground all the way around. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 9:48am
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We use an Andersen leveler/chock. It's simple, and chocks as well as levels. https://www.amazon.com/Andersen-Hitches-3604-Camper-Leveler/dp/B001GC2LVM - https://www.amazon.com/Andersen-Hitches-3604-Camper-Leveler/dp/B001GC2LVM ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 11:14am
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We are going with the Andersen for ease of use and the recommendation on forums, plus our home made 4x4 wheel chocks made for our first tent trailer, one named for our daughter and one for our son whose jobs it was to place each chock properly, great memories. You need the extra wheel chocks from what we have read. |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 12:50pm
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We bought the Tri-Lynx (lego-style) levelers in 2011 for $ 14.99. They now run around $ 28.00 on Amazon. Pretty simple and lightweight to use. Sometimes we get into very uneven terrain where we have needed all 10, but have never run out. Furpods is at the top "fancy" list, ours is at the bottom and the price reflects that. www.amazon.com/Tri-Lynx-00015-Lynx-Levelers-Pack/dp/B0028PJ10K ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: RMP
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 1:20pm
| Thanks. Lot of good help |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 1:53pm
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Andersen leveler for simplicity and adjustment that is not in steps like the block type levelers or boards. Plus it is easy to carry. I have used the BAL leveler and like it also, but it is harder to carry since it is both heavy and bulky. Plus, I don't care for the way it tilts, putting pressure on the side-walls instead of staying square with the treads. At home, I do tend to use the block type as I have had a problem with the Andersen slipping on my driveway. I haven't tried the Andersen since I poured the extension to the driveway though. Next time I move the R-Pod, I think I will give it another try. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 8:27pm
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Stephen, can you explain the Andersen slipped on your driveway statement. Once we take delivery it will be parked on our slopping drive, I had hoped the ndersen plus our old wood chocks would be sufficient.
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Posted By: Joe-n-Terri
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 8:39pm
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I use the step up block type and always keep the Pod a little downhill towards the slide side since we have discovered when level and it rains water runs in on the slide track. ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 9:02pm
It was not the Andersen leveler as such, but before I poured the extension, the slope of the driveway was such that leveling our R-Pod needed more than 4" of lift. I was trying to use a 2x10 under the Andersen leveler and could not figure out how to stop it frrom slipping, even though I tried using some non-skid material between the board and the leveler. With the extension, I think the Andersen leveler by itself will be sufficient so I wuld not have the same issue as I had before. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 12:19pm
Slipping? Sideways or in the direction of the tow hitch? The Anderson is only for left and right leveling. Up to 4". I have an electric jack for front to rear leveling and I do chock the opposite tire from the Anderson leveler. I do not want my jack holding the trailer in place. Just to level. We were on a fairly steep pad and my jack slipped about an 1". That is when I realized I need to chock the other wheel before taking it lose from the tow vehicle. No problems since. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing. 
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Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 12:23pm
| +1 for the Andersen. We had the BAL and managed to damage the screw using a battery-operated impact driver. The Andersen lets the TV do all the lifting. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 12:46pm
Not sideways. When I was trying to use a block under the Andersen to gain the additional height, the Andersen leveler would slide instead of the tire rolling up onto it. If it did start, then when I let off the brake, the Andersen would slide and pop out from under the tire. That does not occur if I am using it directly on the concrete. It also has not slipped when directly on blacktop or gravel or ground. It was only when trying to use it on top of a 2x10 piece of lumber that it slipped. I really like the Andersen leveler, but if you need more than 4" of lift, you will need to go with an alternative unless you can figure out how to keep it from slipping when placed on top of a piece of lumber. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 1:36pm
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 4:13pm
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RMP, we use the BAL, really like it. Chock and leveler at same time, drive into site, and only 1 person to level. I also use a set of chocks on the off side of the BAL, just for safety sake. Bonus is, you get more than 4in of lift.... LOL that being said.. if you need say more than 5in, your on the side of a mountain... I can and have the pod leveled side to side, front to back, by myself in under 5 minutes from getting out of the tv. ------------- Ron & Shirley 2020 Tacoma 2012 177 rpod |
Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 8:15am
| 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 stabilaize and everything is good to go. 5 minutes at the most. |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 3:39pm
They make a pad for the Andersen levelers. Says it can be used on dirt, grass, sand, slick pavement, etc. I do not have one so I cannot say if it works or not. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 4:58pm
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Another method...NOT! On a recent trip, while wife was cooking dinner in the pod and I was enjoying a cocktail or three under the dome I was struck with a great (read, Don't do this!) idea! The pod was slightly pitched toward the slide side. No levelers. Dome always fits a bit better when level or slightly pitched toward dome side. "How much time before dinner?" I asked. "Ten minutes", she says. "Plenty of time", I think. I really haven't had much opportunity to use the hydraulic floor jack I carry. This seemed like a perfect time! I sat my cocktail down and got to work. Figured one Lynx leveler would do it and the dome would fit perfect! Slid the jack under the axle riser and slowly pumped the pod up. Didn't want to scare the wife or mess up my dinner. Of course, you gotto raise quite a bit to lift the tire and slide a Lynx leveler under it. I got it all the way up and leveler under and she didn't say a word. Surprised me. I was a bit too confident... It's generally a good idea to very, very slowly release the hydraulic valve to lower the jack. I was so proud of my new found leveling method, I sorta forgot and gave the valve a crank. Pod came down with a crash. Surprised me. Scared the sh*! out of wife in the galley. She came running out thinking someone just drove into our Pod! "It's all good Hon. We're perfect now!" I tried to sound convincing and confident. "Don't EVER do that again!" she quietly exclaimed in a slightly above average campground voice. Suffice to say...I won't do that again. Should make sure the level is exactly where I want it before putting dome up and definitely before cocktail hour! Or, buy an Anderson leveler. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 7:46pm
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I am always concerned when I hear "hold my beer while I."
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Jasp
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 8:09pm
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Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2017 at 7:52am
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We have not bought the Andersen leveller yet but now wonder if their jack unit would be better as it has more than 4" of lift. Maybe both then everything covered and tongue pad too. Any one else tried/thought that? ------------- Susan and Norm 2016 Venza, V6 factory tow 2018 RP179 |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2017 at 8:00am
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I think it all depends on how much of a problem leveling is to you. I intended to get an Anderson when I first got our pod. Seven years later I still don't have one. Most places where we camp I can easily get the trailer level side to side, often without even using the Legos. YMMV
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Patriot Dave
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2017 at 12:17pm
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As was suggested the Anderson Leveler is awesome. No tools required. Comes with its own chock. Its range id about 5" or so if you need more put down a short board. ------------- Dave & Joyce Never Forget, In God We Trust; This Our National Motto. Member; Patriot Guard Riders, Michigan Chapter Retired; So Every Day is Saturday.... Except Sunday |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2017 at 3:17pm
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Camile
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2017 at 4:24pm
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I’m a bit ignorant so bear with me... So do you use this instead of the corner jacks? Or in addition to...... Thx
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Posted By: ParPod
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2017 at 4:30pm
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Nope.....the corner jacks are for stability only. The leveling everyone is talking about here is side to side and front to back after you've arrived at the campsite. The levelors they are talking about are for the wheels - side to side. If you google them you'll see how they work. Front to back is the crank at the front......then once level you put the corner jacks down. ------------- Bob&Margaret 2017 179 2016 Toyota 4Runner 2 sets of Golf Clubs |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2017 at 4:42pm
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ParPod is correct. Stability only. I usually have to adjust my jack after a day or two if I notice the RV rocking. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 9:11am
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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. Subject: RE: RV Site - r-pod - Contact Us: "Jacks"
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 9:43am
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Wow. The dealer I bought my pod from said not to level with them unless I wanted to replace them. Thanks for that info. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 10:06am
I'm sorry, but I don't buy that. Don't get me wrong; I love my Pod and by reference, Forest River, but this is the same company that installs check valves backwards from time to time. I think you got an answer from someone at Forest River who didn't understand the question or just didn't know what she was talking about. 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 ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 10:08am
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When looking at the rpod in September I was also looking at another light-wight camper. The rpod had the four corner jacks and the other one had stabilizers, our 28'TT has stabilizers. The salesman confirmed the jacks were for leveling. Our previous Forest River 16' Wolf Pup had the jacks and we used them all the time to level the TT. Looking at the same jacks on etrailer, etc they advertised them for "leveling" and with the discussions here I thought I would get a definitive answer.
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Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 10:12am
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Here is the original question I sent to Forrest River using their "contact us" option on their web site. " 2017 rpod 172. Are the jacks/levelers at the four corners for stabilizing only or for leveling? I am reading conflicting information. Thanks for your help Larry " If they misunderstood then I suggest someone contact them again. In my experience, if the trailer is chocked against movement the jacks can be used to level. If someone doesn't want to use them to level then another method may be used. |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 10:30am
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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. https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-8525-08525-Graduated-Level/dp/B000AA4RWM - Hopkins Level Gauges make it even easier. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 10:42am
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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 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2017 at 8:56pm
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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 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2017 at 9:32am
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 6:36pm
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. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2017 at 9:56am
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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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2017 at 11:31am
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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 Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2017 at 11:36am
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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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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2017 at 12:17pm
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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 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 07 Dec 2017 at 8:36am
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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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