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mekkerl's avatar
mekkerl
Explorer
Apr 05, 2016

Best way to level a 5th Wheel

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!
  • 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 DONE

    Then 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 need

    Run 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 truck

    Then 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 snug
    Then raise front back up to level

    Provides a solid/tight level 5vr
  • 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.
  • 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 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.