Levelers/Chocks/Blocks/Jacks

RamblinAnne wrote:
I'm looking for an easy solution to my leveling issues. I just moved into my TC full time (so happy!) and I boondock most nights so I move around a lot. The electric jacks are great but they seem like a bit of a hassle to set up for just one night (especially since I'm usually trying to be inconspicuous).

I see the Andersen Levelers and they look great. Does anyone have any experience? Are they superior to standard blocks? Worth the extra cash?

How many in total do I really need? This is my first experience with leveling anything so forgive the lack of knowledge. Do I need 4 to do both sides? Or just 2 if the truck is sloping a certain way? I read that only one is needed for the back dually tires and that the inside tire is the one that should be leveled. Glad I don't need 6 but wondering if I even need 4.

Final question: How level do I REALLY need to be to keep the fridge running? Is a night here and there of some sloping going to mess things up?

I'll answer your final question young lady.... No or maybe..

I'd got to Wally-World and buy a 10 buck Accurite digital remote thermometer and put the transmitter in the fridge (hang it with a zip tie from a rack) and the receiver can go in the truck with you so you can monitor the fridge temp as you drive... Very handy.

If the fridge is below 40 (35 or lower is even better), shutting it off at night isn't an issue, it's dark, no sunlight beating on the camper side...it will maintain the interior temperature all night. I do that all the time. I would, however, make sure the fridge has plenty of insulation in the space between the fridge and the cabinet it's in....

RV builders like to skimp on insulation and a trip to a box store and 10 bucks will net you a roll of R13 unfaced, just the ticket for stuffing in the space and increasing the thermal efficiency.

As long as the interior temp stays below 40, your food is fine and with the digital remote you can monitor the temps without opening the door and letting the cold air out and the warm air in....

My rule of thumb for stationary operation of an ammonia fridge is within 1/2 bubble on a carpenters torpedo level, in both axis' front to back and side to side. Depending on the orientation of your fridge (most are mounted in a sidewall, front to back is more critical than side to side because the flow of solution in the coils is predicated on gravity. I carry one in the drawer by the fridge, all the time. I don;t go by the old adgae..if it's comfortable to sleep in the bunk, it's level enough. I use the bubble level every time.

My 2 cents, take it for what it's worth.