trailer leveling

[shadow-FUN]

just purchased the B J single axle tire leveler, read in other forums many have had good success using on tandem axles slipping one under each tire and raise it using the built in screw jack and 24v drill to sped it up or using ratchet. Seems to be much easier than messing around with blocks and all that crap. Anyone had any experience with this thing? checking next week to be sure it will fit my 15" tire, if so then I will buy the second one.

 

[LJAZ]

I haven't heard of that one before, do you have link to it?

 

[shadow-FUN]

here is the amazon link, BAL R.V. Products Group 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler

http://www.amazon.com/BAL-R-V-Produ..._3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1391100887&sr=1-3

 

[LJAZ]

OK, I have seen those but never paid much attention since it says they are for single axle trailers. OTOH when you look at it I don't see why 2 won't work. What I read on other forums is that they can be difficult to slide under larger wheels 14"+, but others commented that the fix for that was just to drive on a short piece of 2X4 to elevate it a bit.

Also, for what it's worth, while I was searching I found here for a few bucks less.
http://www.adventurerv.net/bal-ligh...urce=Froogle&gclid=CJ2v1ZvLqLwCFW1nOgodVUUAIg

I've purchased stuff from that site before and have not had any issues.

Let us know how they work out.

 

[shadow-FUN]

by the time I pay shipping it is a wash, Amazon is the best on no hassle returns is yet another reason I purchased there as well

 

[shadow-FUN]

tried the tire leveler, worked like a charm, very easy had plenty of room for the tire. Ordering number 2 today, this will take the hassle of leveling the trailer once and for all

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[BlueFeather]

Shadow,
So have you used the two BALs together yet? Also I could not find anywhere how much maximum height you can get from them....2", 4"? Thinking about ordering a couple if they really work. We are usually out in the boonies and the ground is nowhere near level. Might make setup a little easier.
BlueFeather

 

[webslave]

A couple of things to keep in mind...

They are designed to lift light weight pop-up style campers in the low weight arena; even with two together, they aren't designed to lift several tons (my 210WBS came in at 3 tons loaded for travel) and could collapse if overloaded and could do it when you least expect it. Keep fingers out of any area that could be crushed if a catastrophic failure happens. You are exceeding their design limits so there is no inherent liability that the company would be under if you lose a finger or two.

The other issue is the design of the base. I saw one on a pop-up and even with that light weight, on soft ground, the unit easily sank an inch into the ground overnight. The owner finally had to put the tire on a board and then use the lift device in order to keep the unit level. He saw my "lego blocks" and told me he was going to change to that system; if he had to carry a board for support, he might as well just carry a light weight bag of the blocks.

Do what you like; just be aware that you are using a device for a purpose for which they weren't designed. For my money, the lego blocks are just as easy to use (easier, they don't require a wrench), don't sink in the ground and are virtually indestructable...

 

[shadow-FUN]

they are rated for 1750/each so for my 189 this is more than adequate since your not lifting the full wt. of the trailer and the load is carried between the tandem axles

 

[BlueFeather]

Thanks for the info. We travel pretty light so the weight should be fine. How about the height adjustment....what is the max height it will raise the wheel? I was thinking about putting down a strip of 1" ply under the wheels if it's soft ground.
thanks again for the reply,
BlueFeather

 

[shadow-FUN]

looks like it can go 4-7 inchs plenty

 

[BlueFeather]

thanks
I think I'll order two and see how it goes. Always have the cordless drill too so should be a little easier. Hubby would appreciate that, I'm sure.

 

[shadow-FUN]

other users have posted that the jack screw needs to be very well greased so you don't start making metal. While the blocks are OK, we ran a little test and found that the jack screw levelers are much quicker and they system locks the wheels in place so less risk of skipping over wheel chocks etc.. Again, a matter of preference.

 

[shadow-FUN]

Tried the two levelers out on rough ground, had to dig only a slight bit. They worked very well took me about five minutes and don't have to worry aboult well chalking. Wonderful

 

[BlueFeather]

Shadow,
I actually just ordered and received two of the Andersen-3604 Camper Levelers. Haven't tried them out yet. But if they don't work as well as I think they should, I'll order the BALs. Glad to hear they're doing the job for ya.

thanks for the update,
BlueFeather

 

[Modmike]

I have been a huge proponent of the BAL leveller for a while. It's a great device but it is heavy, greasy, and needs a good pizza bag to protect it. While it is far better than blocking, it does take some effort and time to crank.

The Anderson is by far the much better solution, I am chucking the BAL and getting a pair of Andersons, ASAP.