Leveling a double axle?

[Anne H]

As a single camper, I loved the BAL for leveling for my 17B (no jumping in/out of the car backing on/off blocks) But, I hated the wgt.

So, for my 19 - what do folks use for a double axle?
Has anyone tried those Anderson ramp like blocks? Would one fit between the two tires on a 19(you'd need 2, but one would have to go between the tires)?

[IMG][http://ecx][/IMG]

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Anne H

As a single camper, I loved the BAL for leveling for my 17B (no jumping in/out of the car backing on/off blocks) But, I hated the wgt.

So, for my 19 - what do folks use for a double axle?
Has anyone tried those Anderson ramp like blocks? Would one fit between the two tires on a 19(you'd need 2, but one would have to go between the tires)?

[IMG][http://ecx][/IMG]

We use the Andersen levelers and they work quite well. Yes, you have to place one under each tire on that side, so one would naturally go between the tires. You might have to trim off an inch or so from the skinny end so they can fit between the tires - it's a very tight fit. Haven't trimmed mine yet though. I just tap them in with a small mallet if it's too tight.

[Jubal]

Ramble RV Levelers, Set of 2 - Four Corners - Chocks & Levelers - Camping World
Easier than cutting or tapping. Works well for the 19. The wedges fit between the tires.

[cpaharley2008]

another vote for the Ramble blocks, works on both the 19 and 21 models.

[santacruzer]

We have the Anderson Levelers, and like them a lot. I did cut an inch off each one, and rounded the edge. You can make the basic cut on a table saw, with the blade angled, and then fine-tune the edges with a gritty power sander.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by Jubal

Ramble RV Levelers, Set of 2 - Four Corners - Chocks & Levelers - Camping World
Easier than cutting or tapping. Works well for the 19. The wedges fit between the tires.

Got 'em; work very well and store easily.

[Fox hunt]

Originally Posted by Anne H

As a single camper, I loved the BAL for leveling for my 17B (no jumping in/out of the car backing on/off blocks) But, I hated the wgt.

So, for my 19 - what do folks use for a double axle?
Has anyone tried those Anderson ramp like blocks? Would one fit between the two tires on a 19(you'd need 2, but one would have to go between the tires)?

[IMG][http://ecx][/IMG]

whate is the BAL? i jump in and out and back on off blocks is there a better way?

[Ian G]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

whate is the BAL? i jump in and out and back on off blocks is there a better way?

Taking my lead from Donna D I use the BAL levelers on my 19' They work great, you just need to use 2 of them. They also fit no problem in the front box.
BAL - Innovative Products for the RV Industry

[float5]

We have bunches of plastic blocks. We use a set of single ones or a set of double ones (two high) to level. The blocks can also be used under stabilizers and the tongue.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Ian G

Taking my lead from Donna D I use the BAL levelers on my 19' They work great, you just need to use 2 of them. They also fit no problem in the front box.
BAL - Innovative Products for the RV Industry

I still don't leave home without them! Heavy? Greasy? I guess it would depend on the subjective. I don't find them either. What I DO find them, is convenient and dang near perfect for me! I am a solo traveler. I want to park where I want, then level up. No getting in-out, pile blocks, unpile blocks, pull forward, backup.. nuthin' I used a single BAL on my Scamp for 10 years, picked up the second from an EscapeForum member. NIRVANA. YMMV.

The interesting thing is I only use them about 1/4 the time, if that. I'm getting better and better and using GOAL and knowing the best/flattest spot to park Ten Forward. But still, have the BALs when the site is really off kilter.

You'll find the solution that works the best for you. I've found mine.

[Scruffy Varmint]

Here is a link to an earlier thread on the Anderson Levelers
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...eler-3618.html

[Anne H]

Thanks everyone!

[Groma]

What about those things that go between the tires? Any input on those chock and lock kind of things? I think they are made by BAL.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Groma

What about those things that go between the tires? Any input on those chock and lock kind of things? I think they are made by BAL.

That would be likely be the BAL X-Chock (so search for "x-chock" in this forum)

[tractors1]

Absolutely love the X-chock. So simple and effective on a slope compared to stick-under the wheels chocks. I use one on each side.

[Jim Bennett]

I have had x-chocks for 6 years, and love them. If they wear out, I might likely try making some like Beaumont Dave did.

I use the Lynx Blocks for levelling. I stop, look at the level, and determine how many I need. I can even tell if I need one extra one under just one tire most times too. Only on severe slopes does it ever require two manoeuvres. If one side is slightly high still, we set the stabilizers on the other side first, bringing it fairly close, at least good enough. I like the simple light, and easy to stow method. But, so long as you get your bed level, how you achieve that is all a personal choice.

[dbailey]

We have the x-chocks, and use them for stabilization. We don't depend on them as chocks, though. We have had one slip on us when parked on a slope. I don't like cranking them down too far, as I'm concerned about the lateral stress on the axles -- they aren't really designed to be pushed apart.

(And, if you read the product information, they are not sold as chocks, but as stabilizers, despite the name...)

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by dbailey

We have the x-chocks, and use them for stabilization. We don't depend on them as chocks, though. We have had one slip on us when parked on a slope.

Presumably it just wasn't tight enough...

Originally Posted by dbailey

I don't like cranking them down too far, as I'm concerned about the lateral stress on the axles -- they aren't really designed to be pushed apart.

I think it's good to consider this, but on the other hand none of the tires, wheels, hubs, bearings, or spindles care which way (vertical or horizontal) you push on them. The suspension arms should be even stronger horizontally, and the rubber rods which hold the square bar on the arm - like the bearings - work in all directions. I don't think I'd worry about it, especially with the oversized axles of a tandem Escape (they are built for 3500 lb capacity, but used in this case at only 2500 lb rating).

Originally Posted by dbailey

(And, if you read the product information, they are not sold as chocks, but as stabilizers, despite the name...)

Well, they're really brakes - just like an old horse-drawn wagon with wooden wheels rimmed in steel might have a brake block pushed against the outside of the wheel by a lever. They stabilize by keeping the trailer from rolling around, so they have about the same function as a chock. I suppose they also interfere with suspension movement somewhat, but they don't prevent vertical movement like a stabilizer jack.

The brochure says "BAL offers a complete line of wheel chocks to improve front-to-back trailer stability during use." To me, that makes it a brake used instead of a chock to keep the trailer from rolling slightly.

As I've mentioned in past discussions, parking brakes would do the same thing, more conveniently, but almost no trailers in North America come with parking brakes.


And, of course, none of this helps with leveling.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Groma

What about those things that go between the tires? Any input on those chock and lock kind of things? I think they are made by BAL.

I'm with Charlie and many others. Love the x-chocks. You usually only need one if the site is level but we use both.

[Groma]

Thanks, I have invested in a pair and a set of Anderson Levellers.