Leveling Ramps

[kcowyo]

As the 'getting-out season' is upon us, I'm looking at options for leveling ramps. With so many members owning RTT's, trailers, campers and in-vehicle sleeping solutions, I'm curious what everyone uses to level their vehicles in an unlevel camp site.

I used to bring a small collection of cut 2x4's but I either would forget to use them or I couldn't get the ideal height. At the first Expedition Trophy, I recall sleeping with one arm out like the kickstand on a bike to keep myself from sliding off my bed. I've tried stacking rocks as well but not every campsite has a great collection of leveling rocks.

One option I keep looking at is the Fiamma Level Up Plus ramp

For $39, they're not a bad buy. Fiamma makes good products so I'm sure these are sturdy and durable. They don't look too big to pack and store either. The obnoxious bright yellow should stand out in camp so you don't drive off in the morning and leave them behind.


Another option I see is the Leggo-like Lynx Leveling blocks.

For around the same price these seem to be a popular option with the RV crowd. These appear to take a little more set up time and as much as I still like playing with Leggo's, when trying to level out the truck, my patience is not exactly abundant... It looks like these would pack up small and not take up too much space. The equally obnoxious safety orange color paint should also stand out in camp so as not to be left behind in the morning.

So what are you using to level out your set-ups? Pics, prices and reviews encouraged. :campfire:

 

[DaveInDenver]

I carry a few 2x4 and 4x4 lengths, which are usually enough if I can find a reasonably flat chunk of real estate. I'd carry this stuff anyway for wheel chocks, jack base or whatever. I have them cut so that they fit standing up under the lip of my bed and I can fit a couple of 4x4 and about half a dozen 2x4 chunks there. Otherwise, I use natural features, stack rocks and the like. It's worked for a decade now, so never have been able to justify spending money and giving up the storage space on plastic ramps.

Oh, I should mention as a point of comparison, that I use a beer bottle (partially full) held gingerly by its neck as a plumb bob, so 'level' is definitely relative to the situation and bottle shape. Often it takes a couple of beers to fully appreciate how level (or lack there of) I have parked.

 

[tdesanto]

Lynx Leveling blocks

KC,

I'm using the Lynx Leveling blocks. They're pretty easy. Once you get the hang of it and you have some levels installed, you can usually judge within 1 block how much you'll need. 1/2 the time I get it right on the first try, and I haven't needed more than a 2nd attempt to get the trailer leveled.

The only thing I'd like to find is the ability to chock the tires and level them at the same time. I haven't found that yet. That would only be for when I'm disconnecting from the trailer.

I do like that they're compact and I can adjust as needed.

The bright orange does help you remember to pick them up before you drive off. That feature has already helped me more than once.

 

[tdesanto]

I spoke too soon

I just tried the Lynx URL for kicks and found these for chocking the wheels too.

http://www.lynxlevelers.com/lynx_stop_n_chock.html

The overall setup is a bit pricey, but they're pretty durable and convenient. This saves me time setting up camp and I figure they'll probably last me 5+ years unless I forget them and leave them behind.

 

[ntsqd]

How level do you have to be?

I've gotten pretty good at finding level spots just by paying attention to the minor swells in the ground & moving the vehicle around. I doubt that I could consistently get a typical RV fridge level enough to be happy, but rarely am I rolling/sliding in bed in the back of either the Sub or Patch.

 

[James86004]

How level do you have to be?

We seem to end up in not particularly level spots a lot, so we use levelers. If we are not level, then my wife and I both end up on the same side of the bed by morning, which is good for some things but not sleeping. Also, since our stove is attached, it is a real pain to fry anything unless it is reasonably level.

We use a Lego like thing similar to the Lynx we bought at Camping World http://www.campingworld.com/browse/...acks--Leveling/RV-Leveling-Blocks/prodID=4155

My wife plays with the Legos while I move the vehicle on and off it. It usually takes 2 tries, about 2 minutes. We have cheap bubble levels screwed to our bumpers to make it easier.

 

[kcowyo]

How level do you have to be?

Mostly level...:shakin:

I don't have one of those 3 way fridges that has to be level to operate, I'm just looking at options. When front to back is an issue, I can turn my bag either way so my head is slightly elevated.

But sometimes side to side is an issue. And cooking on a slope can be a PITA. I've passed on some great campsites because they were sloped one way or another and I didn't have the means to level myself.

I'm looking for the ability to level the truck quicker because the tediousness of backing up, pulling up, moving a foot to the left, now right, etc. is annoying and taking up time I could be spending making a fire, popping the top on a cold one, making dinner, taking sunset photos, whatever.

James and td, great suggestions and endorsements - :beer:

 

[slooowr6]

I've Lynx blocks as well, used it a couple times. It works pretty well. I think if needed I might be able to use it as a base for jack, never try it though.

 

[jpabel]

Just use a bottle jack and a small bubble level centrally positioned.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Just use a bottle jack and a small bubble level centrally positioned.

Do you leave the bottle jack under the truck as the leveling means or do you stack something under a tire? You know, when the 'Nest is a rockin', don't come knockin' But seriously folks, seems like the truck might roll off the jack.

 

[jpabel]

I've used a small bottle jack for years and never had issue when left in place overnite. It served a dual purpose- when on solid ground or a small wood/metal plate, I used it to change flats and access for maintainance.

Definitely better then some fancy expensive, space consuming solutions talked about here. KISS

 

[kcowyo]

I appreciate the suggestion jpabel.

But the small bottle jack wouldn't work for me. Too short. I would need some blocks for a base just so the jack could reach. If I were willing to bring blocks, I wouldn't really need to use the jack....

I also just threw this thread up to get some discussion going on what's available and what people are using. Lots of people here are sleeping over tires, one way or another. I'm curious if everyone is still using rocks like me, or if someone has found something new & improved.

:campfire:

 

[fisher205]

I use the Lynx blocks, but I have considered the ramps. The lynx blocks are versatile but I agree about a pain to haul around. The wood blocks were just as big a pain to haul, but made good kindling after they were crushed.

 

[Pskhaat]

I use a beer bottle (partially full) held gingerly by its neck as a plumb bob

Fabulous! What a great Coors commercial

...soo 'level' is definitely relative to the situation and bottle shape

Also likely relative to how empty is said bottle? and how many of its peers sit empty, idly wanting their earlier--nay fuller--self and purpose in the recycle bag?

 

[Pskhaat]

II'm curious if everyone is still using rocks like me, or if someone has found something new & improved

It is hard to improve on the price, ubiquity, and variety of rocks. I find them to be a choice product.

Dr. Marzonie IIRC uses a high-lift jack on either side of his truck on the sliders to level, ever so slightly improving upon the rock and level method.