Leveling Jacks Do's and Don'ts
What are some Do's and Don'ts for a newbie to be aware of. What surfaces to put (or not" put them down on? Or any thing else you think of, or mistakes you've made.
Forum Discussion
First and foremost, before starting any type of leveling, get all 4 jacks on the ground. That gives your frame and house a good base of support to start with. Then always, always, always use them in pairs.
Once all 4 jacks are on the ground level the worst offender first. In other words, if your side-to-side is off the most, level that first. If it's front-to-back then do that first.
No matter what make sure you're always working them in pairs and a little at a time is also a good practice.
Lets say your driver side is low. Get all 4 jacks on the ground, then start to lift the driver side. Once you lift the driver side a little, lower the passenger side a little as well. Continue this until it's level side-to-side.
Also keep in mind sometimes sites are so out of kilter a 100% complete side-to-side - front-to-back level might not be practical. Frames WILL twist and windshields WILL pop. Want to guess how I know that. :B Yeah...when I was a Rookie I never had a leveling lesson or was smart enough to ask.
I also agree with those who do a rough level using blocks under the wheels if needed. I know lifting the front wheels off the ground isn't the end of the world - I'm still not doing it if it can be avoided. Don't ever lift the rear wheels off the ground - that's where your braking comes from.
Once all 4 jacks are on the ground level the worst offender first. In other words, if your side-to-side is off the most, level that first. If it's front-to-back then do that first.
No matter what make sure you're always working them in pairs and a little at a time is also a good practice.
Lets say your driver side is low. Get all 4 jacks on the ground, then start to lift the driver side. Once you lift the driver side a little, lower the passenger side a little as well. Continue this until it's level side-to-side.
Also keep in mind sometimes sites are so out of kilter a 100% complete side-to-side - front-to-back level might not be practical. Frames WILL twist and windshields WILL pop. Want to guess how I know that. :B Yeah...when I was a Rookie I never had a leveling lesson or was smart enough to ask.
I also agree with those who do a rough level using blocks under the wheels if needed. I know lifting the front wheels off the ground isn't the end of the world - I'm still not doing it if it can be avoided. Don't ever lift the rear wheels off the ground - that's where your braking comes from.
