BAL Leveler
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1561
Printed Date: 10 May 2025 at 4:45pm
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Topic: BAL Leveler
Posted By: iamsmonk
Subject: BAL Leveler
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2011 at 10:11pm
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I have a question I'm sure someone here can answer.
I'm fixing to purchase a BAL leveler for my new R-177. The campgrounds we usually frequent do not have concrete pads, therefore not entirely level. The past few years in our pop-up I was using the Lynx leveling blocks and wasn't crazy about the back and forth trial and error of setting the right amount of levelers. Usually just 1, sometimes 2, rarely needed 3. So I'm looking to get the BAL leveler because it looks easier plus I like the idea that it will also chock the wheel prohibiting back/forward movement. I've been reading reviews and cannot find any real negatives regarding this product. So here is my question: What is the maximum height I can expect from it? Would it be prudent to keep a piece of plywood handy to put under the tire to make sure the tire and leveler are on the same surface prior to raising the tire?
Any suggestions/comments on this subject would be much appreciated. ------------- Sherrie & Carol, Henri, Jay & Tanner 2004 Dodge Dakota w/4.7 V8 2011 r-pod 177 Let's go camping! |
Replies:
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2011 at 12:19am
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I've never owned a Bal leveler, so can't really comment. I do know that most people who've bought a Bal really like it. But, to assist with leveling whether it be lynx, boards or Bal, I recommend a http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/hoppy-hitch-level-03-0206.html - Hoppy Hitch Level . Its a neat little device which tells you (a) which side of the trailer is low and (b) exactly how many inches the low tire must be raised. Here's mine: http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2181986210105331225YTXizI">  To use it, you simply back into the campsite and position the trailer to where you want to set it up. Get out of your vehicle, go to the tongue and turn the dial on the Hoppy until the side-to-side bubble shows level. One arrow on the gauge points to the low tire on the trailer. Another arrow points to a number which indicates the number of inches (ie rows of lynx  ) which have to be used under the low tire. After putting down the necessary blocks, pulling the trailer on the stack and chocking, the Hoppy Hitch level has a second front-to-back gauge to help you level the trailer with the tongue jack. Its really simple and effective.Of course, the Hoppy will also tell you if you've chosen a bad spot where you simply won't have enough blocks or boards or height from your Bal.  ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2011 at 7:29am
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I use a BAL Leveler on my Pod and and am very glad I purchased one. I have not measured the maximum lift on the BAL but I do know that it can lift the POD to the same extent as about 6-8 plastic leveling pads. I have also found that the plastic in most leveling pads becomes brittle in as little as one camping season. The weight of the POD will cause the pad(s) to crack and fall apart. If the camping spot has fairly soft soil, the weight of the POD will force the BAL into the soil. When you try to lower the POD the sides of the BAL will still be up preventing the removal of the BAL. I found that you need to place one or two leveling pads under the lifted POD wheel so that the BAL can be completely flattened. Pull the BAL out from the wheel, and then drive the POD off the pads. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2011 at 9:47am
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I bought from our RV store and inexpensive set of leveling bubbles, one I attached to the front left corner and the other right around the corner on the side. They tell you exactly how many inches you need to raise which side to be level. After backing onto the blocks and dropping the POD you use the one on the side to get your front to back level. They are not an all in one device like OUTBOUND'S but they all work the same.
Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2011 at 10:32am
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We like the Hoppy Hitch Level but there is a advantage to a bubble level placed where you can see out your back window. When your backing into a site you can sometimes see if the trailer is level and know when to stop by looking at the level. We would like to have both but for now only have the bubble levels on the front and side of the trailer. David and Danette ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: jjbescher
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2011 at 10:36am
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I have the BAL leveler, as Tidalwave stated, on grass/gravel/dirt, it is best to actually drive on a piece of wood/leveling block, then place the BAL Leveler in. Otherwise, you will not be able to get the leveler in the whole way. You may also want to place wood or something hard under the leveler itself so it does not sink into the ground. jon ------------- '10 R-pod 173T. TV - '03 Honda Pilot |
Posted By: iamsmonk
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2011 at 10:13pm
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Thanks to all the replies. I knew I could count on you guys for very valuable input. I will order my Ball leveler next week and look forward to using it on our maiden voyage in the 'pod. That is if the weather ever warms up enough to go :) ------------- Sherrie & Carol, Henri, Jay & Tanner 2004 Dodge Dakota w/4.7 V8 2011 r-pod 177 Let's go camping! |