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Old 02-22-2020, 10:24 AM   #1
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Which level to trust

Just took delivery of our 2019 19'. The level attached to the side of the trailer left of the entrance reads a half-of-a-bubble different than the one I plan to install on the hitch. My first inclination is that the one on the hitch would be more trustworthy? Thoughts? Jeff
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Old 02-22-2020, 10:28 AM   #2
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Just shift the bubble you are installing around until it reads the same as the one already installed. It's not that critical.
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Old 02-22-2020, 10:37 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
Just shift the bubble you are installing around until it reads the same as the one already installed. It's not that critical.
Yup, it's not that critical.

We've not found agreement on level in different spots in or outside the camper that is perfect. It's kind of like horseshoes. For us, close is all we're ever going to get.

Enjoy,

Perry
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Old 02-22-2020, 10:52 AM   #4
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You will find, with age, that the stock levels can be tilted a little to make the trailer "level"....
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Old 02-22-2020, 11:01 AM   #5
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Getting it level

The outside levels are not very accurate but can be adjusted easily by hand. Sometimes when I park it I take a building level (maybe 24 inch one) and check the level of either the floor or a counter top. I then adjust the Escape until the 24 inch level reads right on both directions. Once that is done go outside to the little stick on levels and move them to read level. Now they are adjusted and ready to trust.
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Old 02-22-2020, 11:09 AM   #6
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You may not want to trust using a level on the floor as the filler over the joints in some trailers can mislead you. This is the case in my trailer...I can move my level around and get any reading I want.
I have found that using the belly band on the outside of the trailer makes for a good reference point. That and the fridge which is the only thing that needs to be in the ball park for level.
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Old 02-22-2020, 01:30 PM   #7
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A round bubble level in the freezer of your refrigerator is a good indication of level . And the refrigerator level is the most important for operation . We did install more stick on levels front passenger and side front passenger . When those are pretty good , check inside freezer . If bubble is in center or at least 1/2 way inside center , all is good . Pat
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Old 02-22-2020, 01:47 PM   #8
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I attached this T level to the trailer tongue just aft of the electric jack.
Used double stick tape.
I used a level in the refrigerator then used toothpicks as shims to get the T level in agreement with the fridge level.
Now when I’m setting up, no more circling the trailer looking at the ETI installed levels. One glance tells me everything I need to know.

https://www.amazon.com/TUFF-Shatterp...%2C196&sr=8-81
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Old 02-22-2020, 02:01 PM   #9
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As I have mentioned before, I will never have trailer again without one of these large front mounted levels.
You can just drive into a spot and without leaving the vehicle, see through the back window where is the most level spot to stop.
Super handy if your by yourself and when cruising through a casino or Walmart lot for the night.
If you want to check further on what I did, you can check this link.
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post280033
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Old 02-22-2020, 02:04 PM   #10
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Levelling the fridge is not as necessary as it once was.

And you can store modern batteries on concrete. Cases are now plastic.
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Old 02-22-2020, 03:00 PM   #11
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Levelling the fridge is not as necessary as it once was.
...
My ideal level is a 1/2 inch ball bearing on the counter top. But I like my head higher than my feet, so the 'fridge just has to suffer.
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Old 02-22-2020, 03:07 PM   #12
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As mentioned you can get all kinds of different measurements on your trailer . Floors inside and cabinets are not level and perfect . It isn’t rocket science. The bubble level and a few better levels outside is really all you need . And yes I can’t sleep with my head down . Guess except for once really didn’t need to go through a whole bunch to get me and the trailer happy . In fact second time now at Quartzite didn’t even need to unhitch the whole trailer all around was perfectly level . Pat
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Old 02-22-2020, 04:35 PM   #13
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YES on the giant level for side side centering...



I can watch that in my rear view mirror while I drive up on the Andersen wedge levelers
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Old 02-22-2020, 05:39 PM   #14
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I have friends with a side bath Scamp that use the bathroom door for from to back leveling. Anne stands inside watching the half open door, Don cranks away & stops when she yells. Would be tough if you solo...
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Old 02-22-2020, 05:41 PM   #15
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YES on the giant level for side side centering...



I can watch that in my rear view mirror while I drive up on the Andersen wedge levelers
It works well for that as well!
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Old 02-22-2020, 06:07 PM   #16
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YES on the giant level for side side centering...



I can watch that in my rear view mirror while I drive up on the Andersen wedge levelers
John really not in center of trailer Pat
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Old 02-23-2020, 12:01 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by Patandlinda View Post
A round bubble level in the freezer of your refrigerator is a good indication of level . And the refrigerator level is the most important for operation . We did install more stick on levels front passenger and side front passenger . When those are pretty good , check inside freezer . If bubble is in center or at least 1/2 way inside center , all is good . Pat
We did the fridge level as the key for a few decades. Older now, so we decided to tip the trailer a bit so the bath door will stay open at night.....keeps it warmer in cold weather.
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Old 02-23-2020, 12:16 AM   #18
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We did the fridge level as the key for a few decades. Older now, so we decided to tip the trailer a bit so the bath door will stay open at night.....keeps it warmer in cold weather.
Charlie I know what some say about not needing to worry about refrigerator level but with this refrigerator I still follow the past recommendations. In fact even if it was a different refrigerator would still follow the old recommendations . I think I even saw somewhere that that advice still holds so...... Pat
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Old 02-23-2020, 02:09 AM   #19
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John really not in center of trailer Pat
it doesn't need to be in the center to level, and I'd rather drill that hatch than the shell.
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Old 02-23-2020, 05:29 AM   #20
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As I have mentioned before, I will never have trailer again without one of these large front mounted levels.
You can just drive into a spot and without leaving the vehicle, see through the back window where is the most level spot to stop.
I would respectfully disagree. I thought having one of the large, front mounted levels was the answer to leveling side-to-side from the driver’s seat but the level was very slow to respond to changes in angle. Additionally, when it indicated level, I would check it’s accuracy using a level inside the refrigerator and it would be spot on. The next time I would setup when it indicated level and I would check it, it would be off. In other words, the results were inconsistent. I would tap the level and the bubble would move. Thinking it may be defective, I replaced it but the second one performed the same way. I ended up removing it. I now use an electronic level (Pitch Hitch) which pairs with a smart phone and gives both a visual and audio indication of level in both planes so it is easy to find the most level spot in any parking lot. More expensive but it is consistently accurate, for me anyway.
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