Installing level indicators.

Jim2007 wrote:
I agree with dutchmansport. My 5th wheel does not have level indicators. I have been doing this for over 10 years and it works for me.?..Jim2007

X2

Travelon

I agree with dutchmansport. My 5th wheel does not have level indicators. I have been doing this for over 10 years and it works for me.?..Jim2007

Agree! Most RV don't come with levels. To have one already is quite unique.

Where is level on an RV? Do you level by a shelf in the refrigerator, from the floor, from the walls, ceiling, stove top, inside of oven, counter top, tongue, frame. Every spot will give a different "level" point. You have to figure out what needs to be level and get the camper set there first, THEN add the leveler.

Modern RV refrigerators have a bit of tolerance built into them. You can be off some and they still work fine. So, what was most important to have "level" for us? Personally, I HATE having doors swing and cabinet doors swinging. When I open a door or a cabinet door, I want it to stay right there, and not swing open or closed, or move at all.

I found, the best place to level is the outside door frame. The door frame works great as it's square to the entire build of the camper, frame, floor, ceiling, cabinets, everything!

By turning a simple carpenter's to level side to side, and then front to back, I could get everything else level, including the refrigerator, counter tops, stove, and all the cabinet doors. Nothing swings open or closed, eggs don't slide off the skillet, and the water in the toilet bowel is level.

swimmer_spe wrote:
My trailer only has the side to side level indicator. It does not have the back to front level indicator. How hard is it to install one? Why would it only come with the one?

Lynnmor wrote:
Usually they have none.

Level the trailer side to side using spacers under the tires and front to back using the tongue jack. Use a large level on the frame, checking in multiple places and get the best average. Do not use the stabilizer jacks. When it is perfectly level, install the levels with screws or a good VHB tape, do not use the foam junk. I install two levels on opposite corners so I can see any twist.

I spent a bit more and installed this oversize level which includes both side-to-side and front-to-back, securing it to the trailer's front wall with LePages No More Nails super sticky tape ... in 4 yrs hasn't budged in the slightest. Installed high enough and the bubble can easily be seen from the TV's driver's seat. :B

I use one of these:

Level TT, peel sticker on gauge and stick. I have them on both sides in the front. No more cheating, Dick!

The key to efficient setup in the future is to abide by the advice given that one bubble (or whatever) means X inches need to be added on the low side. This may change depending on the level device you decide on.
I've been cheating lately when a board under two tires may be too much I am only putting a board under one tire to get it closer to level.

If you want to be super accurate, then park on a concrete slab that is level. Then take a 4' level and a couple of 1x2's about 2" long. Put the`1x2's under each end of the level and confirm that it reads level. Then adhere the stick-on levels so that you can see them (front to back and sideways) from the drivers seat. Once they are adhered, use the tiny screws to keep them in that position.
It's pretty simple, but amazing how many people don't do this and find themselves doing it every time they setup!.

swimmer_spe wrote:
My trailer only has the side to side level indicator. It does not have the back to front level indicator. How hard is it to install one? Why would it only come with the one?

Usually they have none.

Level the trailer side to side using spacers under the tires and front to back using the tongue jack. Use a large level on the frame, checking in multiple places and get the best average. Do not use the stabilizer jacks. When it is perfectly level, install the levels with screws or a good VHB tape, do not use the foam junk. I install two levels on opposite corners so I can see any twist.

I used these on our trailer. Get your trailer perfectly level (put a level by the refrigerator) and stick them on the back and side. Each mark on the graduated level corresponds to 1 inch the trailer is out of level side to side. If you don't already have some, I'd get some Lynx Leveling blocks. If you are 1 mark off level, you'll need one block under the tires, 2 marks - 2 blocks, etc.