BAL Leveler
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3643
Printed Date: 06 Jun 2025 at 10:48am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: BAL Leveler
Posted By: ThePinoyPodders
Subject: BAL Leveler
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 10:42pm
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How long can we safely prop up the low side of our trailer with a BAL Leveler? Throughout the summer, we will be using the Pod often.. so I'm more curious for parking during the winter months. Is it best to leave the trailer level by using the BAL Leveler or leave it unbalanced for extended periods of time? -ThePinoyPodders (Hubby)
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Replies:
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2013 at 12:53am
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If the Bal is left out for long periods of time, I'd be concerned about exposure to the elements stripping grease from the screw or rust build-up and the whole thing seizing.
You're right that storing the r-pod level is a very good idea. I'd probably not use a Bal for long-term storage. If you can't permanently level out the pad it sits on (e.g. if its gravel), I'd suggest using patio stones or pressure-treated wood or something similar to create a semi-permanent level spot for long-term storage. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2013 at 7:49am
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We use one when camping. Our parking/storage spot at home is level. If your storage spot is not level, I would use a more permanent style leveling in that spot, 2x6's or bricks/pavers. Outbound covered it pretty good. I carry a little bottle of grease with us, because I have seen it rain hard enough to remove a lot of the lube from the screw portion of ours.. When parked for the winter we level, and put down the stabilizers. Actually, even when just parked during the summer months between trips we do that. We generally run the slide out in the summer when parked at home also, but it's in during the winter. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2013 at 7:04pm
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As long as you aren't running the fridge while it is tilted, storing it that way shouldn't be a problem.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2013 at 7:54pm
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my bal leveler sits outside 24-7 going on 3 seasons now. i used it as my chocks at home in the driveway. i'm 99% level at home so i don't level with it, but i do use it like as i said as my at home chocks. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2013 at 8:20pm
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obviously im out of touch, what is a BAL leveler!
------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2013 at 9:30pm
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Posted By: ThePinoyPodders
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2013 at 7:30pm
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Thanks for the information guys! I think we will be levelling that wheel with wood or paving stones for the winter and removing the Bal leveler. I like the idea of having a bottle of grease with us for the longer trips too! Thanks for the suggestion furpod:) -ThePinoyPodders (Hubby) ------------- 2010 R Pod 172 2013 Ford F-150 https://www.facebook.com/ThePinoyPodders |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2013 at 7:39pm
| An alternative to carrying a bottle of wheel bearing grease is to install Bearing Buddies and just carry a small grease gun with a cartridge of bearing grease. Keep it wrapped up in a large freezer bag and there is never any mess or fuss. Plus, they indicate if the bearings need more grease or not. http://www.bearingbuddy.com/ |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2013 at 8:27pm
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No need to install bearing buddies, the Pod already has EZ Lube axles from Dexter. I don't personally care to carry a whole grease gun, so I carry just a couple ounces of GAA in a POL sample bottle..
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Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2013 at 8:54pm
Thanks for the clarification. I have only had my 2010 173 for 2 weeks and don't even know its axle is a Dexter or a Lippert. Due to HOA restrictions, I have to keep it in off-site storage and have not yet had a chance to check it that closely. The grease gun that I carried for my boat and travel trailers in the past is similar to this one, using a small 3 ounce cartridge of wheel bearing grease. http://www.amazon.com/Lubrimatic-30-192-Midget-Grease-Gun/dp/B000BXMEKA I am not familiar with GAA or POL sample bottles, so perhaps you taught me two things. Now, if mine is a Dexter axle I am all set. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2013 at 9:40pm
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GAA = Grease Automotive and Artillery. POL sample bottle is a small bottle used in the armed forces to send in oil and fuel samples for testing, hold about 3 ounces, very handy. I have some left over from them 20 years in the Army.. (and some GAA) It's pretty good grease.
If you go to the Dexter website, there is a tutorial on the axle. The biggest trick is figuring out how to get the little top off the hub cover.. LOL. ------------- |
Posted By: wingnut2312
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 10:10am
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I've been reading review for the BAL leveler. It seems that the leveler has problems with tires larger than 13". Is this true? We want one for our 182g, but not if it doesn't fit.
Thanks |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 12:17pm
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all pods have 14" wheels from the factory...
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Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 1:22pm
No problems here, 181g. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: wingnut2312
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 2:26pm
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Thanks guys! Ordered that and a surge protector. Next year, the slide out awning and a hardwired surge protector!
Is it difficult to winterize the rpod? I haven't even changed my own oil and the better half won't stop giving me the evil eye when I say I wantto try it. |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 3:48pm
Winterizing is the easiest thing you will do to your Pod besides enjoying it. Your first season it will maybe take you 1/2 hour just because you aren't familiar with the process or which way to turn things. After you've done it once, it literally will take you around 10 minutes probably. My wife helped last year just because she was in the Pod cleaning at the time. She turned all the faucets on and off for me. Took us probably 3 minutes all said and done? ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |