1- Should it come equipped with the tool to turn the scissor levelling jacks? I used my drill and sockets/ratchet. Could not find any tool for jacks or to change wheels. Brand new TT.2- Is it normal that my F250 back(corner lights) comes in contact with the trailer when at a very sharp angle backing up?3- Any trick to getting the hitch to let the ball go? I had to turn it up and down a few time, jiggle it, jump on the bumper a few times before I could unclamp it.4- Where do you take your level? I used a large level so could not fit it with the refrigerator. I used the kitchen counter to level it.

Hi,Yes, I would think the levelers would have included the tool to use them. My trailer did not come with a jack to change the tire, I think that is common. Bought a scissor jack at Walmart. If your truck's light come in contact with the trailer, there is something wrong. You're probably at way too much of an angle. Not sure about the coupler releasing. I never really had a problem. Was the trailer on a hill and putting pressure on the ball?Lastly, you can get a cheap level at the dollar store that's about 10" long. Or, you can download a level app for your phone. I-phone has one built in. I also use the counter top.

Fastfwd75 wrote:1- Should it come equipped with the tool to turn the scissor levelling jacks? I used my drill and sockets/ratchet. Could not find any tool for jacks or to change wheels. Brand new TT.2- Is it normal that my F250 back(corner lights) comes in contact with the trailer when at a very sharp angle backing up?3- Any trick to getting the hitch to let the ball go? I had to turn it up and down a few time, jiggle it, jump on the bumper a few times before I could unclamp it.4- Where do you take your level? I used a large level so could not fit it with the refrigerator. I used the kitchen counter to level it.1. Yes there should be a speed handle to lower the stabilizers. Tell the dealer you want it.2. No. Either the draw bar is short, or you have it in the very back hole of the receiver, and you are turning too sharp.3.. Yes there is a trick. Take the pressure off the ball with the tongue jack. Then put the truck in drive a pull forward, but not enough to move the trailer. Just enough to take the back pressure off the coupler. You may sometimes have to jerk it a tiny bit.4. A 8" torpedo level placed on the floor at the door will get the trailer as level as you need it to be. First turn it across the trailer, do side to side, and then after unhooking. Turn it with the trailer, and do Front to back.

All good questions. From our experience: 1) A tool for the leveling jacks should have been included. Check with the dealer; it may have been overlooked. 2) We haven't had that problem, though our current TT doesn't allow for quite as tight a turn angle as our old one. We think it has to do with the length of the tongue. Sounds like an adjustment of some kind may be necessary.3) We've had that problem on occasion, which often seems to be related to either corrosion on the ball (or the hitch) or an unlevel parking space - especially if the truck sits at a different angle than the trailer. We have been using white lithium grease; recently DH discovered spray lithium grease, which is less messy (and should last forever, he thinks). Spray the ball and the latch on the hitch; you could perhaps spray the hitch receptor, but DH doesn't. 4) Kitchen counter is pretty good - you can also use a small bubble level (they make little tiny ones, an inch or so in diameter) inside the fridge to be really sure. We found that our TT has different "levels" - the floor reads one way, the tongue another, the fridge yet another. Nothing is way off, and newer fridges are way less sensitive to level than those from the 60s and 70s. Once you determine what your optimal level is for the TT, put some stick-on levels outside, one for front to back and the other for side to side. Makes setting up much easier. We like the ones marked in inches. Enjoy your new "toy"!

1- Yes. You should have a speed crank handle with the same socket at the end. Drill is much better, faster.2- Yes, you have to learn what is that maximum angle between TT and TV, so that you don't damage either.3- When I unhitch, I ask my daughter to raise the TT with the jack while I put the TV on neutral, allowing the ball to slip past the a-frame receiver. I choke the TT wheels first though. If I'm alone, it's a matter of small fore and aft TV movement to release the ball.4- I use a small bullseye level, straight on the A-frame on the base of the jack. It's small and does the job fine.edit: damn, 3 replies by the time I wrote mine.

1. You should have gotten a crank. I often wonder why they don't reconfigure the jacks so you can use the tire tool.2. You don't want that contact. Makes an awful noise before your taillight cracks. Dont ask how I know!3. Put your butt on the front of the trailer and your foot on the bumper of the truck. Push against the truck with all your might. 4. I make my final adjustments of side to side leveling with the level sitting on the counter above the fridge. If it is more than a bubble off, I break out the BAL and crank the low side up.

Just got my first TT home. Beginner questions. | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

jmtandem
Explorer II
May 26, 2014
1- Should it come equipped with the tool to turn the scissor levelling jacks? I used my drill and sockets/ratchet. Could not find any tool for jacks or to change wheels. Brand new TT.

Yes, should have a handle to deploy the jacks.

2- Is it normal that my F250 back(corner lights) comes in contact with the trailer when at a very sharp angle backing up?

No, that is a turn too tight. Contact is a big 'no no'.

3- Any trick to getting the hitch to let the ball go? I had to turn it up and down a few time, jiggle it, jump on the bumper a few times before I could unclamp it.

Yes, it is very easy. Just rock the tow vehicle back and forth a half inch until it releases. Usually you can hear or feel it release. Chock the trailer wheels before doing this. It will release very easily.

4- Where do you take your level? I used a large level so could not fit it with the refrigerator. I used the kitchen counter to level it.

The coach floor works just fine.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ken56
Explorer
May 26, 2014
Also don't back up your trailer with the sway bar attached, if your hitch is equiped with one. You didn't say how big your new trailer is so you may not need/use one. Always take the time to remove it before backing into your site because you will bend it or even shear off the attaching ball........sooner or later. Congrats and have fun with it.
Vet_Man
Explorer
May 26, 2014
Campers World sells a socket that goes in a cordless drill and fits the jacks. Remember they are to stabilize not lift the trailer.
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
May 26, 2014
No. 4.. Once you find the level you want inside the trailer, and you have checked it with your level, your loved one, and even rolled a marble on the floor, then get two small bubble levels and put them on one corner of the trailer on the outside. Mount them so they are perfect, the way you want the trailer to sit, and the bubble position reflect that.

After a while, you will trust them, and you won't have to keep running inside to see something on the fridge.
jjjandrbaker
Explorer
May 26, 2014
1. You should have gotten a crank. I often wonder why they don't reconfigure the jacks so you can use the tire tool.
2. You don't want that contact. Makes an awful noise before your taillight cracks. Dont ask how I know!
3. Put your butt on the front of the trailer and your foot on the bumper of the truck. Push against the truck with all your might.
4. I make my final adjustments of side to side leveling with the level sitting on the counter above the fridge. If it is more than a bubble off, I break out the BAL and crank the low side up.
3_0charlie
Explorer
May 26, 2014
1- Yes. You should have a speed crank handle with the same socket at the end. Drill is much better, faster.

2- Yes, you have to learn what is that maximum angle between TT and TV, so that you don't damage either.

3- When I unhitch, I ask my daughter to raise the TT with the jack while I put the TV on neutral, allowing the ball to slip past the a-frame receiver. I choke the TT wheels first though. If I'm alone, it's a matter of small fore and aft TV movement to release the ball.

4- I use a small bullseye level, straight on the A-frame on the base of the jack. It's small and does the job fine.

edit: damn, 3 replies by the time I wrote mine.
kknowlton
Explorer II
May 26, 2014
All good questions. From our experience:

1) A tool for the leveling jacks should have been included. Check with the dealer; it may have been overlooked.

2) We haven't had that problem, though our current TT doesn't allow for quite as tight a turn angle as our old one. We think it has to do with the length of the tongue. Sounds like an adjustment of some kind may be necessary.

3) We've had that problem on occasion, which often seems to be related to either corrosion on the ball (or the hitch) or an unlevel parking space - especially if the truck sits at a different angle than the trailer. We have been using white lithium grease; recently DH discovered spray lithium grease, which is less messy (and should last forever, he thinks). Spray the ball and the latch on the hitch; you could perhaps spray the hitch receptor, but DH doesn't.

4) Kitchen counter is pretty good - you can also use a small bubble level (they make little tiny ones, an inch or so in diameter) inside the fridge to be really sure. We found that our TT has different "levels" - the floor reads one way, the tongue another, the fridge yet another. Nothing is way off, and newer fridges are way less sensitive to level than those from the 60s and 70s. Once you determine what your optimal level is for the TT, put some stick-on levels outside, one for front to back and the other for side to side. Makes setting up much easier. We like the ones marked in inches.

Enjoy your new "toy"!
Terryallan
Explorer II
May 26, 2014
Fastfwd75 wrote:
1- Should it come equipped with the tool to turn the scissor levelling jacks? I used my drill and sockets/ratchet. Could not find any tool for jacks or to change wheels. Brand new TT.

2- Is it normal that my F250 back(corner lights) comes in contact with the trailer when at a very sharp angle backing up?

3- Any trick to getting the hitch to let the ball go? I had to turn it up and down a few time, jiggle it, jump on the bumper a few times before I could unclamp it.

4- Where do you take your level? I used a large level so could not fit it with the refrigerator. I used the kitchen counter to level it.

1. Yes there should be a speed handle to lower the stabilizers. Tell the dealer you want it.

2. No. Either the draw bar is short, or you have it in the very back hole of the receiver, and you are turning too sharp.

3.. Yes there is a trick. Take the pressure off the ball with the tongue jack. Then put the truck in drive a pull forward, but not enough to move the trailer. Just enough to take the back pressure off the coupler. You may sometimes have to jerk it a tiny bit.

4. A 8" torpedo level placed on the floor at the door will get the trailer as level as you need it to be. First turn it across the trailer, do side to side, and then after unhooking. Turn it with the trailer, and do Front to back.
jfkmk
Explorer
May 26, 2014
Hi,
Yes, I would think the levelers would have included the tool to use them. My trailer did not come with a jack to change the tire, I think that is common. Bought a scissor jack at Walmart.

If your truck's light come in contact with the trailer, there is something wrong. You're probably at way too much of an angle.

Not sure about the coupler releasing. I never really had a problem. Was the trailer on a hill and putting pressure on the ball?

Lastly, you can get a cheap level at the dollar store that's about 10" long. Or, you can download a level app for your phone. I-phone has one built in. I also use the counter top.

Forum Discussion

Just got my first TT home. Beginner questions.

19 Replies

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Beginner sewer question.

More beginner RVing questions

Beginner Trailer Leveling Questions

beginner full-time

Beginner