Make a Laser Level sytem for your Escape

[Ian G]

One day I thought there has to be an easier way to check the level of the trailer when setting up camp.
We currently use a bubble level on the counter but this requires adjusting one corner or end then running inside the trailer to check the level … running to the appropriate corner to make an adjustment … running back to check.
This sounds more like an exercise program that the simple task of leveling your trailer.
I came up with this unique solution, by using a self-leveling laser level I set it up so it could be swiveled to aim at the side wall and to the back wall inside the trailer.
Mount the bracket and laser to an appropriate location, one that can allow you to see the laser lines on the inside walls by looking through windows close to your leveling points.
Making sure the trailer is leveled using the conventional bubble levels, and then place small reference marks on the walls that aligns with the laser cross-hairs.
Now when I pull into a campsite I turn the laser on and point it at the side wall, immediately I know how many blocks I need under the tires to get close to level.
With the trailer on the leveling blocks I can look through the back window and adjust the side-to-side level, then I swing the laser to aim at the rear wall and looking through the front window I level the trailer back to front.

This system is installed in my Boler but should work in any trailer
More pictures are posted on my blog Proud Canadian

The basic system


Installed on top of my closet


The laser lines lined up to the target

[cpaharley2008]

I think this one looks interesting CIPA RV Leveler - Walmart.com
Actually that one got bad reviews, this one got 5 stars
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-25505-EZ...m_cr_pr_sims_t
I use this one myself!

[Ian G]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I think this one looks interesting CIPA RV Leveler - Walmart.com

That unit gets really mixed reviews.
....plus you don't have to make that one, it is so much more fun to build it yourself.

[pkgman51]

Them are some groovy beads!

[Ian G]

Originally Posted by pkgman51

Them are some groovy beads!

Thanks, they work as a great bug screen on the door

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Ian G

......it is so much more fun to build it yourself.

I need a "like button." Oh wait... here it is!

[Ron in BC]

I have an app on my phone "Swiss Army Knife" that has a great bubble level. Now...if I could just find an app for my app that emits differing tones for both directions that'd be perfect for remote leveling

Ain't technology grand, how we have a tendency to try and use high tech to do really basic things.

Ron

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I have an app on my phone "Swiss Army Knife" that has a great bubble level. Now...if I could just find an app for my app that emits differing tones for both directions that'd be perfect for remote leveling

Ain't technology grand, how we have a tendency to try and use high tech to do really basic things.

Ron

Yeah, like use a bubble.

[Dave Walter]

It has gotten to the point with my Escape such that when I back into a site and look at the rear bubble, based on how far the bubble is to one side, I can pretty much tell how many thicknesses of "fence board" it is going to take to level my trailer side to side. Nine times out of ten, I get it right on the first try, and the other time it may take two tries. After the trailer is level side-to-side, it is a simple matter of chocking the wheels, unhitching, and raising or lowering the front jack until the trailer is level front-to-back. Total leveling time is less than 5min and never any difficulty. I would not realize any value from a complex laser level system and I have enough gadgets in my life. My leveling system works fine as it is.

[tractors1]

I'm planning to add a small formed plastic shelf inside the storage box of my 21 that will be parallel to the floor of the fridge - then put my phone on it and use the iPhone compass/level function for final leveling. No extra stuff to carry!

[Sandra L]

I had the privilege of seeing Ian's Boler at Bandon. What a treat. Very meticulous and inventive work. Be sure to check out his website if you are curious to see the rest. Proud Canadian

[The Minimalist]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Yeah, like use a bubble.

I like to keep things simple too.

For almost fool proof side to side leveling I use the items you see in the picture; string, line level, magnet and a medicine bottle, which holds the whole kit for storage.

I hold one end of the string to the high side of the bumper with the magnet and stretch it across with the line level in the middle. The bottle has hash marks the depth of my leveling blocks. Holding the bottle on the low side of the bumper, I tighten the string and move it until it is level. Then I add blocks based on which mark the line crosses. Front to rear is leveled using a bubble level up front by the jack.

I understand toys, but man, I'm so cheap!!

Clif

[GerriJ]

I open the bathroom door half way and if it stays there then its level enough.

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by GerriJ

I open the bathroom door half way and if it stays there then its level enough.

Okay, that made me almost fall off my chair laughing. Thank you!

[The Minimalist]

Originally Posted by GerriJ

I open the bathroom door half way and if it stays there then its level enough.

Crude but effective.............as long as your refer likes it.

[Ian G]

Originally Posted by GerriJ

I open the bathroom door half way and if it stays there then its level enough.

Do you keep the door hinges well lubricated or do they squeek when you open the door?

[GerriJ]

Originally Posted by Ian G

Do you keep the door hinges well lubricated or do they squeek when you open the door?

It's a 5.0, nothing "squeeks" (sic).

[woodie]

Nice work on your Boler.I was going to do the same kind of thing before buying my brand new Escape.At the time I couldn't find one in reasonable shape for a reasonable price.They were all asking way to much for them.So I went new.
But I give you two thumbs up for your work ,nicely done.
Everyone should check out Ian's build at his blog. Proud Canadian

[Ian G]

Originally Posted by woodie

Nice work on your Boler.I was going to do the same kind of thing before buying my brand new Escape.At the time I couldn't find one in reasonable shape for a reasonable price.They were all asking way to much for them.So I went new.
But I give you two thumbs up for your work ,nicely done.
Everyone should check out Ian's build at his blog. Proud Canadian

Thanks Woodie
I wouldn't say I got my Boler cheap and I certanly did not buy it with plans to customize it the way I did... it just evolved, but I am very pleased at the way it has turned out. The build has taken 3 years so far and it is almost finished, although a project like this is really never finished.