Leveling Ramps

[ntsqd]

Re-reading my first post I think I sound a little antagonistic. Wasn't my intent. Was intending to find out how "level" was level enough.

Individually plumbed air springs on the rear axle? My grandparent's GMC motor coach uses these for both it's rear suspension and for in-camp leveling.
And a bicycle hand pump instead of OBA if you really want to enjoy that leveling beer....

 

[kcowyo]

Re-reading my first post I think I sound a little antagonistic. Wasn't my intent...

Wasn't taken that way at all, no worries. :wavey:

I have airbags, individually plumbed and despite what the sales literature said, I have never been able to use them for levelling purposes. Mine are no bigger than a soda can, so maybe the big keg size bags on RV's work better for levelling.

 

[Lynn]

We had a thread that had some discussion r.e. using airbags to level, and I think the consensus was that if you have a true airbag suspension it might work (like the big land yacht RVs), but if you have airbag 'helper springs' they are of little use for leveling. Does that sound right?

 

[Dave]

I've got a PAL Tire Leveler headed this way with the intention of using it to level out my trailer. I don't think it would work for a truck, but there may be something out there that is similar that would work?

I almost went with the Lynx stackable racks but decided to try the Tire Leveler instead. Mainly I wanted to be able to park and level instead of having to park, see how bad the trailer is leaning, pull trailer forward, lay down the Lynx rams, back up trailer again, check level, adjust if needed, so on and so forth. My understanding is that with the Tire Leveler, I park, check the lean, go to truck to grab the Tire Leveler and beer, slide the Tire Leveler in place, and then dial out the lean by turning the screw on the Tire Leveler.

One thing I would look into if you are going the Lynx route is a bubble level that will show you how many inches you need to adjust the low side to reach level. That could take a lot of the guess work out. Seems like I saw something like that while I was browsing an RV supply catalog.

 

[ntsqd]

Wasn't taken that way at all, no worries. :wavey:

I have airbags, individually plumbed and despite what the sales literature said, I have never been able to use them for levelling purposes. Mine are no bigger than a soda can, so maybe the big keg size bags on RV's work better for levelling.

Good!
Now that you say that I recall your saying it before.
Yah, those on the GMC coach are rather large, but not a lot larger than those added to full size pick-me-up trucks.
Obviously, the size is the problem.

 

[grahamfitter]

My 2 inches:

I made ramps from 2x8 treated lumber. Each was three pieces of treated 2x6 of different lengths (3', 2' and 1' I think), stacked and screwed together with the ramp edges beveled. Cheap and effective but heavy.

Every once in a while only one ramp was needed but for the most part two were needed to raise both wheels on one side or one end of the vehicle.

They worked great for the Westy and previous full size vans but are too bulky and heavy to carry in the Wrangler so I'm also looking for a different idea. Bottle jack and something else, maybe? Ramp? Boards? Hilift?

I'm not sure I'd get much sleep in the RTT if the hilift was involved in any way whatsoever to level the vehicle. Its scary enough when the monster is securely tied down under the bed. Deliberately letting it out by itself at night would lead to nightmares!

Cheers,
Graham

 

[Dave]

The BAL Tire Leveler arrived last night. I think it'll work pretty good, though it is bulkier then I thought it would be and kind of an awkward shape for storage...more motivation to get to work on the storage box for the trailer.

It won't work with truck sized tires though.

 

[Carlyle]

I've been using the Lynx leveler blocks for about four years now and have to say they are a good solution. Last week we went on a quick four day trip and forgot them at home. I missed them and was reminded by my spouse that I should just leave them in the camper. The rocks worked, but the Lego blocks are back in the camper already.

I've thought about under the vehicle hydraulic levelers, but hesitate at this point t to drop $4k on them until I decide I really need them. The new camper does not rock as much with it being bolted down. In a pinch airing down one of the airbags can give you a few degrees and I've used this on occasion to help, but it only does a little bit.

 

[lqhikers]

Rocks equal surprise!

Have always used rocks and will continue since a stop at white horse hot springs about 6 years ago.the wife and i got out to level and in the coarse of locating flat type rocks to use to level the wife found a backpack with high dollar camera/lense assortment,bushnell binoculars.plus misc gear and 40$ no i.d.
WE were camped at springs for 3 days and no one showed up left note on out house to let whoever know how to contact us but no one ever did! (i know it will never happen again but i always remember it every time i look for rocks!)
Drive slow and enjoy "its the journey"
Les Lqhikers

 

[kcowyo]

Great story Les. A good reminder of what can happen when we slow down and look around.

I got back yesterday from a 4 day trip around Yellowstone NP and again found myself wishing for a decent (ie simple, inexpensive, reliable) solution for leveling the truck out. I saw the other side of the story too as we were constantly camped in snow, mud and rain. Storing dirty blocks doesn't sound fun when you could just leave the rocks behind.

I spied this newer Tacoma and Four Wheel Camper, so I snapped a quick pic. Then I noticed his solution for leveling. I liked his Taco & FWC combo, but his leveling blocks are a little meh....

 

[Lynn]

Here's a leveler I hadn't seen before:

 

[WFTW]

I planning on "roughing it" and just sleeping an an angle.

 

[Mike S]

I have the Fiamma levelers, and they work well. Very strong and simple - no moving parts.

M