Suggestions for leveling the trailer

[SactoWendy]

I just bought a Scamp 13' and have been going crazy on Amazon with accessories. So fun. There is a BAL leveler for single axle trailers. It looks like a black U that slips around the tire. The Amazon comments are mostly about tent trailers but it looks like it would be good for the Scamp. It is to use instead of blocks of wood, etc.
What do you think? Have you tried one?

[Donna D.]

Oh my stars Wendy, you've opened a can of worms! You are going to get lots of opinions... and I have mine

I've owed the BAL leveler for years. Used it a LOT with my Scamp. I'm a single traveler, no one to help me with backing onto blocks (or pulling forward). I just picked the spot I wanted (where's the door?), unhooked and used the BAL to level side to side. NIRVANA.

Now I have a tandem axle trailer. Same situation... single, don't want to haul a bunch of stuff. Now I have TWO BAL levelers. Still works as needed and I couldn't be happier.

Folks will say they're heavy and greasy. Heavy is subjective and if the BAL levelers are greasy... something is wrong.

Your choice. Whatever you come up with and decide, I hope it works for you.

I'm happy with my decision

[WDavidG]

Wendy,
I'm another BAL convert from the blocks of wood days. I love it and my wife even more so since she formerly had to try to help me back on to just the right number of blocks. The BAL is so simple to use and a great improvement over the blocks. See my earlier post with photos of the simple system I rigged to eliminate the grease issue. BTW, we also are in a 13'er. Go for it - you won't regret it.

[Cathi]

We use stackable blocks and they are also used under the stabilizers and tongue.

[Jon in AZ]

Lego-type interlocking blocks have been enough for me: inexpensive, lightweight, compact, and adaptable to other uses (like leveling a picnic table). I've never needed an assistant to get up on them. You have to buy chocks separately.

However, the BAL is very convenient to use and serves as a chock as well as a leveler; the downside is storage in a small trailer. Someone suggested a pizza delivery bag is the perfect size to store a dirty BAL in your clean trailer.

Another option with some proponents here is the Anderson leveler. Compact and convenient to use, more adjustability than blocks, includes chock, but limited lifting range.

[wwig]

Hey Wendy,
I have a BAL leveler, which I use on a 17 ft. Casita. Overall I am satisfied with it but decided to go with the Andersen levelers. I would say the BAL is on the heavy side and because of it's size and shape a little cumbersome to use and store. I had to spread the arms of my unit in order for it to fit under my tires. I also found depending on the ground surface( grass, gravel or sand ) it can be difficult to get around your tire or more of an issue, getting it out once you're ready to break camp. Hope that helps.

[GregandTeresa]

I got a good deal on the Andersen leveler that Jon mentions above right before Christmas. I had narrowed it down to either the BAL or the Andersen, and decided to try the Andersen first since it was cheaper, and seems so much better/easier than the legos. Hopefully I will be happy with it, but if not, will then spring for the BAL.

[Jon in AZ]

Lots of old threads:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...cks-71760.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ing-62560.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...any-63628.html
A really long (and somewhat contentious) one:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ack-69856.html

Last, some general information about leveling and stabilizing:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...g-72241-2.html

[larryf]

I have the Andersen and like it very much, fast, compact, easy to use and store and the wife likes it. The Andersen coupled with a large level mounted to the front belly band make a perfect one person leveling job.

[jon carpenter]

We used blocks of wood to level out Casita and then tried the Anderson. Leveliing went from minutes to just seconds. Love the simplicity of the unit.
jon

[Teal]

I am also traveling solo and am using the interlocking blocks. They are neon orange so easy to see and back onto or pull forward. My scamp 16 has levels on the side and front so that helps me find level. They are in a zipper bag so stow well.

Have not heard of the Baltimore levelers... will ck them out. This is my maiden voyage... so checking all things out.

[Jon in AZ]

My concern regarding using the Anderson levelers without a spotter is what might happen if you overshoot and run off the back... I vaguely recall a post in which someone did exactly that and it flipped up and got wedged somewhere. Anybody willing to admit doing that? Any consequences other than a bump at the end?

[larryf]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

My concern regarding using the Anderson levelers without a spotter is what might happen if you overshoot and run off the back... I vaguely recall a post in which someone did exactly that and it flipped up and got wedged somewhere. Anybody willing to admit doing that? Any consequences other than a bump at the end?

Yes, I have done that a couple of times and had no problems (yet)

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Teal

...Have not heard of the Baltimore levelers...

I'm not sure what BAL stands for, but the BAL R.V. Products Group is based in Indiana.

[herons]

I heard about someone who drove away from their site, running over their Anderson. It shot up and punctured the water tank on the Scamp 13'. Oops.

Always check for orange and yellow "things" before heading home.

[BatDude]

Byron and Anne showed us the BAL leveler when we met them in Death Valley in March of this year.

Added it to our 16' Scamp gear and love it.

[WaltP]

I've used the Camco tri leveller for years and am quite happy with it. The Anderson does look much more compact.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by herons

I heard about someone who drove away from their site, running over their Anderson. It shot up and punctured the water tank on the Scamp 13'. Oops.

Always check for orange and yellow "things" before heading home.

Grey tank, perhaps? The fresh water tank is inside.

Good general advice for a newbie: do a 360 walk-around before you pull out. Look down (orange and yellow thingies, cords and hoses), up (windows and vents), and around (rocks, stumps, curbs, overhanging branches). Double-check the door and hitch (latch, chains, electric).

[Roselyn]

We have (and love) the BAL leveler. Thought about the Anderson, but remembered the time we camped at a site where we had to raise one side of the trailer well over 4" (as high as Anderson goes) to get level. Have used the BAL for several years and haven't had problem with grease. We do keep it in a zip bag/tote inside the closet in our Casita when not in use.

[mglyons]

I have to second those who love the BAL leveler. I often travel solo and find it incredibly easy to set up camp and get perfectly level with the BAL. Our Burro is modified with 15" tires and it still fits, though can be tight to get into place/remove on certain surfaces such as gravel. Only downside is that indeed it can be cumbersome to store, but it only needs to store when we are rolling so it's just not a big deal. It sets on the floor inside the door because it's one of the first items to be pulled out when I stop to camp.