We just purchased a truck, and will be getting our first fifth wheel in a few weeks. Although we won't be able to use it until the summer, I am prepping as much as I can.The 5er we are getting does not have the bubble-levels located on the pin-box, which I have seen on many campers we have looked at.Is the pin-box the best location to put one of these levels? From where the button is located for the jacks, it seems it would be best to adhere the bubble level on the side of the RV right by the button. Or, is it best to stick to old school portable 3-foot level and check level inside the RV?We used to use wood blocks for under the tires of our Class-C motor home, but I just came across the Andersen Leveling Wedges. These seem like a great idea. Any experience with these?Thanks!

I used some lengths of 2x8, 2x10, whatever I had around and a 3' level. Most of the sites we use are fairly level. Now, I just push a button on the leveling system and open a beer. Yes, I'm lazy now, but it sure is nice.

Our dealer installed one of those huge bubble levels on the pinbox for us but they also stuck on the small ones on the front left side and another on the front left inside, under the front above the basement door. We use those all the times to check level. We level side by side first (using leveler blocks if necessary), then level front to back using the front hydraulic jacks. Then when it's level, we bring down the back electric stabilizers. We've never used the Anderson leveling blocks so can't respond to that.

I found that the doors in my RV are a pretty good indicator of how level the RV is. If the doors swing open or closed when unlatched, I need to level it. I have a small bubble level that I use to double check. I put it on the stove cover or counter top.

The pinbox level allows you to see how much side to side leveling is need when you park it.I watch mine and then know which side is low and by how much.Then I pull forward...lay down leveling boards and then back onto them.Side to side leveling is now DONEThen I use a 2' foot level on edge of slide out to give me an idea of how much front to back leveling I will needRun front legs (driven section) down prior to unpinning inner section so that least amount of inner is used (smaller legs---less stable)Then raise front high enough to unhitch...unplug umbilical cord and move truckThen using 2' level on edge of slide out I level front to rear (raise/lower as needed)When level f/r I then lower front 1" and raise rear stabilizers up snugThen raise front back up to levelProvides a solid/tight level 5vr

The advantage to the large bubble on the pin box is visibility. You can see just by looking out the rear window how level you are, and if you need to move a bit to remedy the situation. But you also need a front-to-back level at the stabilizer switch so you know how level you are when it comes time to put down the stabilizers and unhook from the truck.

Best way to level a 5th Wheel | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Apr 08, 2016
larry barnhart wrote:
I am a simple guy so the 8x8 inch 3/4 plywood squares work great for us. Also have a few thicker squares. Simple is much cheaper and fewer break downs.

chevman

Yea but your just a lowly Carpenter like me that really does not have a clue how to level something. ;)
ReneeG
Explorer
Apr 08, 2016
I love the wife comment. No way could I get away with that!
Veebyes
Explorer II
Apr 08, 2016
Lumber guy here too. Use it till it splits. Now it is firewood. Go get more warped 2X8 at half price from lumber yard. Repeat as necessary.
Byrogie
Explorer
Apr 07, 2016
Andersen levelers for side to side.
Get it close front to back, then the wife goes inside and lays on the bed while I adjust until she hollers ok....
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Apr 07, 2016
WTP-GC wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:

Very true! Just don't look safe to me anyway. Seems another of their products had a structural issue.;)

I don't understand how there could be any "safety" concern over the fear of these things cracking. What could possibly happen to create a safety issue? Would the trailer spontaneously roll over onto its side and catch fire, killing the occupants and all nearby campers? Would a broken piece fling through the air with so much pressure that pierces the wall of your neighbor's rig and injure them?

I've read reports of these things failing, but none of them have ever mentioned how this created a legitimate safety issue for them. These things are stout and heavy.
It - was - a - joke.
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Apr 07, 2016
I am a simple guy so the 8x8 inch 3/4 plywood squares work great for us. Also have a few thicker squares. Simple is much cheaper and fewer break downs.

chevman
WTP-GC
Explorer
Apr 07, 2016
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Me Again wrote:
dedmiston wrote:
Question for folks with level-up system. Do any of you use any other kind of blocks or stabilizers? Would Anderson Levelers reduce some of the rocking? Our fifth wheel is pretty stable with the six point level-up, but it still rocks more than I expected. The Anderson Levelers look like a relatively inexpensive way to stabilize the low side.

Search and read about Andersen levelers cracking and breaking. Chris

Very true! Just don't look safe to me anyway. Seems another of their products had a structural issue.;)

I don't understand how there could be any "safety" concern over the fear of these things cracking. What could possibly happen to create a safety issue? Would the trailer spontaneously roll over onto its side and catch fire, killing the occupants and all nearby campers? Would a broken piece fling through the air with so much pressure that pierces the wall of your neighbor's rig and injure them?

I've read reports of these things failing, but none of them have ever mentioned how this created a legitimate safety issue for them. These things are stout and heavy.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Apr 07, 2016
I had the 4 point system on the last MobileSuites, I had no issues having it leveled and ready for slide extension in 5 minutes. The front was more stable side to side on it than our 16 with 6 point. They changed the type of ram.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Apr 07, 2016
Me Again wrote:
dedmiston wrote:
Question for folks with level-up system. Do any of you use any other kind of blocks or stabilizers? Would Anderson Levelers reduce some of the rocking? Our fifth wheel is pretty stable with the six point level-up, but it still rocks more than I expected. The Anderson Levelers look like a relatively inexpensive way to stabilize the low side.

Search and read about Andersen levelers cracking and breaking. Chris

Very true! Just don't look safe to me anyway. Seems another of their products had a structural issue.;)
WTP-GC
Explorer
Apr 07, 2016
Pin Box Level = YES
Andersen Levelers = SUPER YES
Lego-Style Level Blocks for the rear = YES
Lots of scrap wood and blocks = OF COURSE

We have the stick-on levels right near the landing gear switch so we can get it close while running the switch. They're usually pretty spot-on. The pin box level is a must for side-to-side before unhooking.

The Andersen Level Chocks are great. They can tend to sink in the sand and in other unstable ground materials, so its useful to carry a long board to drive onto and then use the levelers.

Me Again wrote:

Search and read about Andersen levelers cracking and breaking. Chris

I've read a few reports of this, but they're basically just background noise when compared to endless number of customers who are extremely well pleased with them. They have a warranty, Andersen stands behind their products, and if they did break, then you just do something different for that trip and replace them later. Every person that we camp with (except for the pop-up folks) use them and love them.

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