And yes, use something under the wheels to level, and only turn the stabs one turn after they make contact with the ground.

 

To answer the OP, yes they are very much worth it.  Once you have them, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

 

For what its worth:

 

It "is" true that you shouldnt use stabilizers for "leveling".

That isnt what they are for.

 

I use a Bal Light Trailer Single Axle "leveler" under the "low-side" tire for "side to side" leveling.

 

I currently use the "stock" front tongue lift for "front to back" leveling.

(I may go with retractable tongue lift cause the current one hits my driveway when backing it in)

 

Then after "Level" is accomplished I retract the "stabilizers" to enforce the "Level". Possibly one turn after I feel any resistance from it reaching the ground. Then I check the "level" again.

 

Since arriving back home Ive incorporated small pieces of treated 4x4's under the tongue lift and all stabilizers.

 

Before I attempt to "Level" the Pod, I position it to the place where it will sit. I then determine which side is low. I chock the "low" tire with my Bal Leveler, and the "high" tire with both of those plastic yellow chocks that was included in the Couch's RV starter kit.

 

I then disconnect the Pod placing a piece of 4x4 under the tongue lift.

I place my level in the middle of the Pod floor (side to side) and get my 1st mate (Cindy) to eye it for

me as I adjust the Pod via the Bal-Leveler for "side-to-side" leveling.

Then we move the level to point "front to back" and use the tongue lift for "front to back" leveling.

Once that is attained, we check both levels again, then I incorporate the "stabilizers", lowering each one on another 4x4 until I get resistance. I usually go a turn or two (at the most) after that. If any "play" is noticable, then re-check the level and re-check the stabilizers.

 

This was the procedure (minus the 4x4s) we came up with on our very first night camping at Huestons after pick-up of the Pod. (of course reading many articles and posts helped us to no end)

 

Its not rocket-science, but it really worked well for us. Im not sure about the retractable tongue lift that have a "wheel" on it. If the wheel is removable then Id be ok with that. Its just that Im not real comfortable knowing it could/might have a tendency to move. Id rather remove the wheel, and let the shaft rest on a 4x4. That I could live with.

 

HAPPY PODing !!!

 

Craig - get the stabilizers - you'll be glad you did.

 

The ones that come on the trailer are a rather cheap chinese made stabilizer. Not certain but I think the Bal stabilizers may be a bit more heavy duty. For that reason you may want to put your existing ones on the front and the Bal stabilizers in the rear. I had also contemplated moving the rear stabilizers forward a bit (perhaps 6") as they seem to be the first thing to drag when going in and out of our driveway. Unfortunately there is no crossmember at this point so I'd have to weld something in.  Ideally, I'd like to put in some sort of skid plate or caster on the rear as some motorhomes have so that the skid plate or caster is the thing that touches the ground not the paintwork on the frame or heaven forbid the rear bodywork of the R-pod.

 

Btw, I noticed the new photo (your mug) - is it just a coincidence that its Hallowe'en tomorrow?  mwhahaha 

 

just kidding

We don't have risers and so far have been fine.