I figure I will have a lot of questions so I should put them all in one thread :).I got a new van! Well, an old one, but new to me. It's in another state, and I won't see it in person for a few months, but I have test driven this same model, and local mechanic and friend approve this specific van. Now I am planning, and maybe buying parts. I wish I could post pics or tell you the make/model, but I have an online stalker who has been dangerous in real life, so I won't.First topic: BedI can often find a level spot by jockeying the van back and forth, but when I cannot, I think it makes more sense to level the bed then to level the van, if I'm only staying one night. I need a system that is easy on a sore back at the end of the day. I thought a lot about a motor-and-pulley system, but decided I did not want the bed swinging while driving.My best idea so far is to use 3 of those 12v motorized jacks, made for small cars. They are way overkill, of course. Do any of you know of something that is powered but lighter in weight?Somebody posted a link a while back to those giant airbags that lift buildings. I do have a 12v compressor, if a smaller air bag is available ;).

Wouldn't a memory foam gel mattress sort of be auto leveling when you are in it?

Why not do what most do and place a board under a wheel? If you attach a rope to it, it's easy to pull out and carry. Giving out inspiration and advice without knowing the model of the van is going to be difficult. I don't think posting that is going to be a severe security breach. It's not like a stalker can search for you in the millions of the model van produced. Or, if you're lucky, he/she will. That is, until he meets another camper that is also security minded and opens fire.

westend wrote:Why not do what most do and place a board under a wheel? If you attach a rope to it, it's easy to pull out and carry. That's what I do now, but it's tricky on rough terrain, in the dark, in the rain... It's worth it for a longer term stay, but for overnights I'd prefer to do just the bed.

Naio wrote:westend wrote:Why not do what most do and place a board under a wheel? If you attach a rope to it, it's easy to pull out and carry. That's what I do now, but it's tricky on rough terrain, in the dark, in the rain... It's worth it for a longer term stay, but for overnights I'd prefer to do just the bed.Throw a couple of hundred dollars at it and have an additional battery drain. Your choice.

Don't know if you've thought about or even if it would work...several months ago in a junk store, they had 6 old hosp beds that looked like they go every which way. They would need a lot of mods for size and elec, but when done I bet they would be very comfortable, flipping a button to level.

My new van buildout thread | Good Sam Community

NoVa_RT
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
I suppose it depends on where you stay, but I've never had a problem getting reasonably level in my Class B Van, although I still carry a package of thus far unused leveling blocks. Moving around a bit on the campsite has been enough. With limited storage, I wouldn't devote much space to leveling equipment unless you're sure you'll need it. Most Class B's & small Class C's don't have automatic leveling systems, either.
azrving
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
coolmom42 wrote:
You could get a stabilizer jack like RVs use. Put it under one end of the bed platform, use a power drill to run it up/down as needed.

THAT'S IT!!!!
I had 2 old stabilizers laying around that I had thought about junking. I ended up making one of them into a motorcycle lift and also made an adapter so I could lower my four 6 volt battery tray out of my RV. There was no way to put more than 3 group 24's in the original spot so I reinforced everything and lift the steel battery box up and bolt it in. Good one coolmom
MrWizard
Moderator
Jul 23, 2016
I'm wondering about scissor Jack's aka trailer levelers
Welded n place, use a cordless drill with socket to run them down for leveling, and back up for storage, just like on TT bumpers and frames
A pin thru the jack stops it from opening while moving
In the RV catalogs they call them stabilizers
The van probably came with this type of jack and has places on the chassis were to be used when changing a tire
A trip to the recycle yard might find four of these really cheap
Then weld in place, drill hole for latch pin or maybe some dog chain with snap hooks for keeping in the retracted position
azrving
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
bfast54 wrote:
Well if he has a van and he has an ice machine and he doesn't say that he's stealth camping---- sounds to me like maybe he runs it like a shaved ice business?????

But, would need power to power "ICE MACHINE":h

Which would have to lead you to this conclusion------ either he's got some kind of weird business going on that he does it without power ?????:E

or he's pulling our leg ---and trying to see what kind of responses he got ??????

Has to be one or the other!!!!!!:W

It's easier to ask. :) I kept thinking medical pain, soaking etc or one heck of a party. :) Good to hear that it's profit producing and not pain related.
landyacht318
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
With firestone ride rite airbags individually plumbed helping out my leaf springs, and with interior schrader valves, i can raise the rear ~4.5 inches at 100PSI, or level it side to side ~ 4 inches with 100PSi curbside and 0psi streetside.

I have done the lift mattress and stuff pillows under one side to keep from rolling out when facing downhill. I do have some ride up levellers but only use these occasionally.

I don't stress too much having a perfectly level bed anymore, but too much angle does hinder comfort.
Naio
Explorer II
Jul 23, 2016
Landy, what do you suppose an airbag system like yours would cost me? Obviously it would be useful for more than just leveling :).

4" is fine -- I can only stack two wood blocks before they knock over anyway.

Yep, I stuff things under the mattress. Usually at 4am :(. I have a hip that fricken kills me when I sleep off level.

Other people: I am female. I run the ice machine off batteries or alternator when I'm away from power. I need leveling blocks at least half the time. Where do you camp that is so level? Pavement? Bah!
landyacht318
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
My ride rite airbag kit was about 235$ in 2007, but prices have increased. I used aftermarket airhose and Push to Connect fittings, and the 'no drill' claim on my kit was totally false. Unless one wants to drive a self drilling screw into frame with a rachet and a thousand hours of cursing.

I love the adjustability factor, as my loaded/ empty weight difference can be vast.
Naio
Explorer II
Jul 23, 2016
I never drive unloaded, but I would not be surprised if my new van wants some help carrying all my junk. It is not young, and me current van certainly needed help.

I didn't get airbags for the current van, though you did point out the leveling usefulness. Maybe they would be the right thing for the new one, though.

How long does it take to pump up the bag with a pocket sized compressor? Or do i need a REAL one?

I will need to make one more long, loaded, trip this fall in the old van to pick up the new one. I was planning to get a sway bar bec the handling is still pretty bad. I wonder if i could use the same air system on old van and swap it to new one??
Naio
Explorer II
Jul 23, 2016
Speaking of tiny compressors, mine is 130psi. I saw one (also pocket sized) at a garage sale that does 250. Do I care? I could go back and get it...
westend
Explorer
Jul 24, 2016
Air suspension system:

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