Installing New Bubble Level Indicators

[huskersteffy]

The original "bubble" level indicator on the passenger side near the door fell off so I ordered and just received a new pair.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXBAJBO...roduct_details

Instructions say to level the trailer and then attach new indicators with the bubble centered (i.e., "level").

With the belly band location of the escape trailer, this seems like overkill. I would assume that if the trailer is perfectly level, the belly band is then also parallel to the ground (or close enough). Why not dispense with the whole "level the trailer" routine and just install the new levelers immediately above and parallel to the belly band? This appears to be what ETI did at the factory.

[RangerMan]

Originally Posted by huskersteffy

The original "bubble" level indicator on the passenger side near the door fell off so I ordered and just received a new pair.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXBAJBO...roduct_details

Instructions say to level the trailer and then attach new indicators with the bubble centered (i.e., "level").

With the belly band location of the escape trailer, this seems like overkill. I would assume that if the trailer is perfectly level, the belly band is then also parallel to the ground (or close enough). Why not dispense with the whole "level the trailer" routine and just install the new levelers immediately above and parallel to the belly band? This appears to be what ETI did at the factory.

Perfect example of ;'KISS'

[John in Santa Cruz]

truth is, being absolutely level is not needed, just being within a few degrees is plenty good enough.

i actually like my E21 (classic) with its nose a touch high, and the curbside a touch high, too, this way the shower drains better.

[dfandrews]

When our bubbles came off, we installed a new one (for front to rear leveling) on the trailer frame, behind the propane tanks, so we could see it while cranking the tongue jack.
For side to side leveling, when backing in, we stop short of our final position, and use a 28" level on the back bumper, to determine how many, and which side, to put blocks on, then back the wheels on them.
Our level is about 1/3 the width of the trailer, so I cut a piece of wood with 1/2" steps in it, as a gauge. For every step the level has to sit on to be level, that translates to the number of 2x8 (1-1/2" thick) blocks to put under the appropriate tire. It takes about 30 seconds to determine, and about 60 seconds to position the blocks, then back the trailer up; We're done!

[Fox hunt]

I just use a good hand held leveler i hold on belly band and by the propane tanks to check level when i park.

[John in Santa Cruz]

I put one of those giant levelers on the front of my trailer where I can see it in the rear view mirror to aid in the left-ride balance using the Andersen curved leveler wedges.

[gbaglo]

I had two additional levels installed by ETI. Had them placed at the front and driver side so I don't have to walk to the back or around to the passenger side to check level when I'm on my own.

[JStelly]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

When our bubbles came off, we installed a new one (for front to rear leveling) on the trailer frame, behind the propane tanks, so we could see it while cranking the tongue jack.
For side to side leveling, when backing in, we stop short of our final position, and use a 28" level on the back bumper, to determine how many, and which side, to put blocks on, then back the wheels on them.
Our level is about 1/3 the width of the trailer, so I cut a piece of wood with 1/2" steps in it, as a gauge. For every step the level has to sit on to be level, that translates to the number of 2x8 (1-1/2" thick) blocks to put under the appropriate tire. It takes about 30 seconds to determine, and about 60 seconds to position the blocks, then back the trailer up; We're done!

I really like this idea. I’m always guessing how many leveling blocks to put under my tires. Thanks.

[GregColdewey]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

I put one of those giant levelers on the front of my trailer where I can see it in the rear view mirror to aid in the left-ride balance using the Andersen curved leveler wedges.

Love this idea, I'm gonna do it. I've always used a 2 ft. level on the floor of my trailers, but that requires help or walking back and forth. BTW, when doing that it was apparent that the factory installed levels were not very accurate, so will probable remove those anyway.

[John in Santa Cruz]

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by JStelly

I’m always guessing how many leveling blocks to put under my tires.

While I haven't used this on my trailer since I have Camco Curved Levelers, I have used the Truma app to level my Sprinter van.

You set up the wheelbase and the width, set your phone on the floor and it shows how many inches (blocks) you need to be level.



It also has a trailer mode.

[JStelly]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

While I haven't used this on my trailer since I have Camco Curved Levelers, I have used the Truma app to level my Sprinter van.

You set up the wheelbase and the width, set your phone on the floor and it shows how many inches (blocks) you need to be level.

Attachment 55385

It also has a trailer mode.

Cool! I will try it..

[LRL]

And/or, check out LevelMatePRO. It's a bit pricy, but it works super well and leveling couldn't be easier.

[HABBERDABBER]

Is the belly band a reasonable reference point for "level"? How about the trailer floor?

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

Is the belly band a reasonable reference point for "level"? How about the trailer floor?

i used a 6" level and found the floor has high and low spots, so depending on where you read, you can get all sorts of different readings. I usually use the counter around the kitchen sink as the reference. but again, being precisely level is not that big of a deal, as long as the shower and kitchen sink drain, you're good.

[TZBrown]

These stick on levels have a graduated scale on them that corresponds to inches to level.
The instructions tell you how to add the readings from both levels to get a corner level number. Pretty easy to use after a bit of use

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Levels/Hopkins/HM08526.html

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

Is the belly band a reasonable reference point for "level"? How about the trailer floor?

I use the belly band to level side to side using my rear view mirror. It takes a couple of stops each trip before I can match the actual level, but after that it works well.

[azjack]

I back it all up with the door swings by itself.
AZjack

[Bea]

Originally Posted by LRL

And/or, check out LevelMatePRO. It's a bit pricy, but it works super well and leveling couldn't be easier.

Like Lee & Nancy, we also use the LevelMatePro. One very nice benefit is that when we back into sites, we often find there are a few spots on that campsite where it is exactly level, and no blocks are needed at all. The LevelMatePro makes finding those spots easy. If the spot is not level, it tells you exactly on the phone app how many inches on side needs to be raised - making it easy to figure out what combination of blocks and/or Anderson levelers are best.

https://www.amazon.com/LogicBlue-Tec...24&sr=8-2&th=1

- Bea

[oldwave]

My levelmate pro arrives tomorrow, looking forward to the watch app so I can not have to look at the phone .