BAL levellers
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=4464
Printed Date: 08 Jun 2025 at 4:36pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: BAL levellers
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Subject: BAL levellers
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2014 at 3:47pm
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Does/has anyone used a BAL leveler with their Pods? The popup community thinks it is all the rage. It allows you to dial in the level side to side, I guess. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Replies:
Posted By: Boomertype
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2014 at 4:19pm
It seems these are for popup tents and other lighter weight trailers, not R-Pods. Their weight limit is 1700 pounds. The lightest R-Pod is 2128 pounds unloaded. This info is from their site.So in my opinion they would be inadequate to lift a Pod.
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2014 at 4:26pm
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While that may be what the site says, (I can't find a limit listed) I can ASSURE you many podders use them. Including us.They are quick, accurate and eliminate the fight of having to chock, and lift a wheel at the same time.. ------------- |
Posted By: Boomertype
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2014 at 4:43pm
Here is the data from one website, it's the same on others. I'm not denying others aren't using them, just saying that if they are they are being used well over their limit.
These are a lot less money and have 33,000 pound rating. Easier to use and no cranking. There is a video. I've used one on some else's trailer. Pretty smooth and quick. I've seen it used to make sure your tanks are in a better angle to empty black/gray water. http://www.andersenhitches.com/Products/3604--camper-leveler.aspx |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2014 at 4:59pm
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I've had my Pod almost completely at the top of my BAL and no issues ------------- 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: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2014 at 5:17pm
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I'm barely familiar with these, but you're never lifting the whole trailer, you're only lifting about half of it. So with a 1700# limit you should be able to use it on a 3400# trailer, right? If you have a 3400# trailer on two wheels it takes both of them to hold the thing up. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2014 at 5:17pm
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Didn't know about the weight rating. That said, I'm not interested in lifting the whole camper. Just one side. I'm going to look at the product that Anderson offers. Thanks All!! ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2014 at 7:29pm
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Not only are you lifting one wheel you also have some of the camper weight on the front tongue. We too used the Bal leveler on our r-pod and plan on using it on our new Vibe. We just weighed our Vibe it has a empty weight of 3,100 lbs. and a tongue weight of 440 lbs. It may be to heavy for the Bal leveler but I will try it using caution and see if it works. ------------- 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: furpod
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2014 at 7:59pm
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If the 1700lb limit was for the trailer.. well.. Forest River doesn't make a pop-up light enough to use them on... lol. ------------- |
Posted By: podsuperior
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 8:00pm
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We got one last summer for our 177 - I love it. If the ground is really "un-level" it doesn't work well - but for most sites it is perfect. ------------- 2011 RPOD 177 - 2017 Tacoma |
Posted By: wingnut2312
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 9:36am
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We have one for the 182G and it works great! Quick and easy to use. Fingers get a little greasy sometimes when you put it together, but it works like a charm. Used it in the light and dark, even and uneven ground. Definitely worth the little extra money!! ------------- 2014 rpod 182G Ford Expedition |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 6:10pm
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I agree that the weight rating for the BAL is below the actual weight on a single wheel of the pods.
------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 7:09pm
------------- 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: Boomertype
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 11:10pm
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The actual weight of the loaded trailer and maybe the weight of two fully grown adults. Add the occupants too, could be 400 more pounds. |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 11:32pm
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This is a time-proven product, I am not aware of any product failures, and I would not hesitate to use one if I had the need. I am an old believer in using blocks and will continue to do so. If one is so concerned about the suitability for a pod, I would not buy one. 'there are more important things to worry about.
------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 7:45am
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The reason that I asked the original question was that on the Popup Portal, they seem to be widely used. That said, we had no real need for one in the past because our Columbia didn't need to be perfectly level, since it has no refrigerator. And it was light enough that I leveled it using the stabilizer jacks. Never had an issue, much to the naysayers disbelief. The Rpod is going to be a whole new game, so thought I would ask about suitability. I will probably buy one. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 12:30pm
whoops, yes!
I'll add that on another camping forum I visit there are a few topics which seem to bring out emotionally-charged responses, for some reason. One of them is BAL vs. blocks.
------------- 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: wingnut2312
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 12:48pm
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I know it says a max weight and I know you should follow it, but I don't know how they decided on it. Our pod is the heaviest and we have two adults, two children and our dog who weighs more than the kids. Full water load and a bunch of equipment stored below. It never budged.
I bought it for the simplicity. No lining up the wheels and blocks. You just slide it on the wheel and crank it up. Easy to use, set up and level the pod. I've never tried blocks, but the idea of putting the wrong amount of blocks, then backing up to add more sounded annoying to me. I like easy and this fills that need. ------------- 2014 rpod 182G Ford Expedition |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 4:50pm
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wingnut, you are probably right. One thing I failed to mention is that ever since we bought our first new TT with a large slide, we have always installed large level gauges on the front of every trailer we have owned. All we do is pull into a site, watch the level until the unit is in fact level. We do the same thing when we are using the tongue jack. I highly recommend a pair of levels for every trailer. I do carry plastic leveling blocks, but so far have never had to use them. Just something else to consider. That said, I do see the value of the BAL. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 7:28pm
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We have found that sometimes, to get the pod in the spot we want for the dome to work.. the trailer needs to be leveled, even though if placed differently we might not need to lift..
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Posted By: wingnut2312
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 7:31pm
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Sleepless, we desperately need to install levels that are visible while leveling. My fiance has given up helping. Something about boys are stupid... ------------- 2014 rpod 182G Ford Expedition |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 8:13pm
I hear husbands are too... ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 8:19pm
Oh my. I'm not a spokesperson for the gender, but I've always considered myself fairly level headed, rarely leaning sharply in one direction or the other and always happily willing to accept whatever may be on tap!  Something to consider is that upon return from the pub or visits around the camp, level loses some of its importance. 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: koukla1812
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2014 at 12:05pm
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Just to add to the satisfied list. Been using the Bal for 1 1/2 years on our 177 with no major problems. Base sinking into mud has occured but resolved that problem by using a plank under the Bal base when necessary. The convenience factor can't be overstated. Micro backup and forward for other sorts of levelers isn't much to look forward to arriving after sundown at a site. I'm curious though. Has anyone had the Bal collapse because of the weight issue? ------------- PJ |
Posted By: Tri-Pod
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2014 at 12:20pm
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We encountered a lady in Arkansas who had used one and had sunk the bottom into the ground, she couldn't get it to retract to be able to pull the trailer out of the spot. Couple of us guys helped her but it was a real Challenge. Our feeling is if the water is running out the shower drain that is level enough for us. LOL. Guess we are not to picky, just can't sleep with my head going down hill. Good luck.
------------- 2010 PR 176 sold 2012 replaced with 2013 SP 240 w outside kitchen 2012 Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4x2 5.7L V8 Me, My Honey, and Max our GSP |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2014 at 1:56pm
I can sleep with my head downhill but I don't worry about level to much. I just make the bed with the pillow on the uphill side. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2014 at 2:54pm
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sleeping unlevel drives me crazy. often times we'll be all level based on gauges and then be in the pod at night and laying down and i'll be bothered because my head is doing up or downhill. feels so weird to me ------------- 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: bmkparshall
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2014 at 3:27pm
Level is nice, but if there is any chance of rain I'll pitch the left side down just a smidge. (Bal leveler on the right) Hopefully the rain on the slide out will flow away from the roof seal. Not sure if this works, but I sleep better The suggestion was from the Dealer. ------------- B MK Parshall 2016 Silverado 5.3 V8 and R-178 Poddler |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2014 at 6:56pm
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I used to be picky about being dead-level, but after several years of quick overnighters at Wal-Marts and truck stops, just getting it close is good enough now. I'll still make it level for unhitched stops but if I happen to be off a bit it doesn't bother me. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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