Leveling your Hi-Lo - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

NDgent · 08-01-2011, 11:29 PM

I am finding that leveling my 2207T can be quite a challenge. As you may know the refrigerator requires that the Hi-Lo be as level as possible for it to work properly, this is less true of newer Hi-Lo's than the older modes as the refrigerators in newer units are more tolerant of being slightly out of level. I never seem to have the exact board or rock to put under the dual axle tires to level my unit, so far I have gotten close enough for everything to function properly buy is truly a drag.

I found a device, the BAL Light Trailer Leveler which is designed for single axle trailers; they claim it eliminates the need for moving trailer onto blocks or ramps to level. It is available from PPL Motor Homes for $76.00, but I would need two of them for $156.00.

Then there is the Model 1862 tandem wheel RV Pillo Leveler. All you have to do is park the low side tires on the non-inflated RV Pillo leveler and place chock between tires on the non-inflated leveler and inflate with your 12-volt air compressor until level. Available from the manufacturer for $315.00.

Does anyone have a better solution in use?

sting32 · 08-02-2011, 09:45 AM

I keep a shovel in my camper, & I place 1 inch thick (4x8 inch) boards to suit the leveling process, however sometimes it is easier to dig the high side down a little especially if you need more than 4 inches, because the trailer has a heck of a time getting up 4 inches that quickly...

JackandJanet · 08-02-2011, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sting32

I keep a shovel in my camper, & I place 1 inch thick (4x8 inch) boards to suit the leveling process, however sometimes it is easier to dig the high side down a little especially if you need more than 4 inches, because the trailer has a heck of a time getting up 4 inches that quickly...

What's more, if you have a single axle trailer like we do, putting one wheel way up on leveling blocks makes the whole thing unstable, since you really can't chock the wheel when it's up that high. (I know, having had it roll off the blocks once as soon as I disconnected the hitch.)

Digging out the high side is definitely the safest approach. But, I have and use the BAL Light Trailer Leveler when possible. I got mine at Camping World, and I think it was in the range of $50.

- Jack

Rolff · 08-02-2011, 05:48 PM

I agree with Sting - The simplest is best. I have a slot on the a-frame where I carry 2 heavy 2 inch planks and I always have a shovel.

NDgent · 08-04-2011, 01:08 PM

I have given this a lot of thought and I can not think of a reason why raising the Hi-Lo by the reinforced frame area between the axles would be any more stressful to the frame than raising the Hi-Lo by the axles (wheels). So I am experimenting with a 6 ton bottle jack (which I all ready have) and a couple blocks of 4x6. There seems to be no effect on the ability of the door to open and close, and the bottle jack seals appear to hold the weight without settling down. Any comments?

JackandJanet · 08-04-2011, 04:16 PM

The only thing I can think of is that the loading on the frame is at a small single point rather than at the two points where your axles attach. It also seems somewhat unstable compared to rolling the tandem wheels up on leveling blocks and then using one of those expanding chocks between the wheels.

Bottom line, I don't think I'd camp with the trailer leveled that way if I had a tandem axle trailer.

- Jack

PopRichie77 · 08-04-2011, 04:19 PM

The only comment that I have is that this won't work on older Hi-Los as they have a box frame and have springs on the axle and the swing piece between the springs is in the middle. Even if you could jack in the middle on them it would effect the bottom door.
I don't see a problem on the I beam frames because for jacking up for tire removal the jack is to be put on the frame and it doesn't matter if you put it infront of front axel or behind the rear axel as the whole side goes up and both tires are off the ground. Stablity might be a problem.

davidc · 03-26-2012, 08:16 AM

I was thinking about getting those lego blocks for RV leveling... but I wanted a hard rubber kind, not the plastic kind... I don't think the plastic kind will hold up very long.

Anyone use those at all?

Atlee · 03-26-2012, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidc

I was thinking about getting those lego blocks for RV leveling... but I wanted a hard rubber kind, not the plastic kind... I don't think the plastic kind will hold up very long.

Anyone use those at all?

I've been using the same yellow ones (camping world) for years under my Class B van. The only problem I've encountered is using them on gravel without something under them. The cross sections got mashed and a few of them will not stack very well now.

JMDoering · 03-26-2012, 12:29 PM

DavidC,
Ditto the last entree by Atlee. I've found it's pretty easy to zero in side to side leveling by varying the height of the stack. On our rig one block on under just one tire on one side (we have tandem axles) will raise that side about 1/2". A block under each wheel on one side raises that side by about 1"...and so on. I've found leveling adjustment to be fairly predictable using interlocking stackable blocks.
As Jack he suggests, when using these interlocking blocks, especially using two or more courses, I always install a stabilizer "chock" that expands between the tires, locking them against each other (wow, they really work well!).
Jim

retiredcamper47 · 03-26-2012, 01:40 PM

I've been using the "lego blocks" for years with no problems. In fact, I carry two sets with me. They take up less room than a couple of leveling boards. They also come in handy if you have a flat on the road (dual axles). You can make a ramp with them to elevate the good tire so that you can change the flat tire.

Bob

sam · 03-26-2012, 09:35 PM

We also have been using "lego blocks" for years with no problems. Not even a chip or crack in the plastic. One campsite was cut in the side of a mountain and we had to use all ten of the lego blocks. I was so nervous watching hubby drive up on them. Our blocks came with a softside case and instructions for use. $ well spent.

JMDoering · 03-26-2012, 10:48 PM

Like Bob, we actually have two sets too. We've found the extra legos come in handy as spacers under the stabilizers on those rare occasions when, after lowering, there still exists a gap between the stabilizer pad and the ground.

Jim

RichR · 03-27-2012, 08:32 AM

Two sets of blocks are ideal and a board or two with the ends beveled are helpful when you may encounter soft ground. The beveled ends are easier to pull up on.

davidc · 03-27-2012, 02:08 PM

Glad to hear that people have been using them without issue, but after searching the web a bit, I found a good (what seems to be a good) alternative that is... Those thick rubber floor mats (ergo mats), cut 'em up into squares and use them in the same way.

Going to check out Harbor Frieght and Northern Tool this weekend and see what I can come up with...

Hope to find some made from recycled tires, should last pretty much forever...

RCREYES · 03-27-2012, 02:29 PM

I would think the ergo mats would be too soft. I use the lego blocks as well. I even use one under the tongue jack and never have had a problem. I also use these on the stabilizer jacks.

Camco RV - Stabilizer Jack Pads, 4pk - 44595 - Stabilizing Jacks - Camping World

JMDoering · 03-28-2012, 12:39 PM

Ruben, I agree. When I get the stabilizers lowered, I like (and expect) minimal trailer rock and wobble. Speculating here, but my gut tells me that rubber mat material under the stabilizer pads just wouldn't give that rock solid feel.

Jim

retiredcamper47 · 03-28-2012, 07:29 PM

The "Lego blocks" are designed to interlock with each other giving more stability. Don't know how solid or reliable the mats would be.

Bob

RichR · 03-28-2012, 10:07 PM

We bought four small cutting boards at Walmart to use under the stabilizers. They cost only a few dollars total, are very tough and work great. Save yourself some money.

hilltool · 03-29-2012, 10:29 PM

I have used the leggos also on my f150 with pop-up truck camper to level rear wheels. Ihave also used them constructed as a ramp which gives me a wider base in front and back of the wheel if the ground is soft. They work well. Glad to know I can switch them to my new hi-lo.