Inside vs Outside Level

[Wxman]

Curious question. Not something I am actually worried about. When leveling the TT front to back I get very good agreement between the floor, the kitchen counter and even the freezer. All very, very close. However, if I go outside and measure to the bottom of the frame I am about 1.5 inches lower in front than in the rear. I am measuring while on my concrete garage pad and when parked it is level 'front to back' with a slight runoff slope 'right to left'. Is this something anyone else has noticed?

[XTeacher]

My level reads differently wherever I put it, especially front to back; side-to-side isn't so bad. It even measures differently on the floor in the back of the camper vs. the front of the camper. It measures differently on the tongue. I tend to use the level measurement in our bedroom, since that's where I don't want to be sleeping head down - lol.

[hankpage]

The fridge will keep my beer cold even if it is a little off level but Mama won't cook if the stove is out of kilter, so that is my priority. ***** If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1599

[Pull Toy]

HAPPY WIFE... HAPPY LIFE! I'm with Hank on this one...

I check level on the door threshold. and the kitchen counter. Even though we have Lippert 6 way, I still like to double check.

Good Luck,

[Jim & DJ]

All I do is check the floor at the entry point. Usually works out...

[JRTJH]

I have a big semi circular level mounted to the pinbox. It has a 1/2" steel ball in it and is easily viewed from the driver's seat. When backing into a campsite, it's extremely easy to tell when we're level "side to side"... If I need to add blocks under a wheel, each mark on the level is 1", so, from the driver's seat I can tell how many blocks to place under a wheel and get the trailer level on the first pass.

Easy and no need to check any "levels inside" the trailer. If the pinbox is level, the rest of the trailer "has to follow" (unless we twisted the frame on the way to the campground)..... Front/rear leveling is just as easy, there's a level on that big one for measuring front/rear level as well.

Once the pinbox is "set" the rest of the trailer is as well....

[Wxman]

Thanks all. I don’t have a real issue getting it level for use. The floor, counter and freezer all pretty much agree and that is what I have my exterior level set to. I was just curious if it was odd for the frame to be off that inch and half when those other three areas were level.

[fjr vfr]

It's not odd. It would be odd if they all agreed. It is important to have the fridge at least close to level because of the way it operates. If it's too far out it won't work cool as efficiently.

[JRTJH]

... I was just curious if it was odd for the frame to be off that inch and half when those other three areas were level.

Yes, many of the light weight, XLite and Ultra-lite trailers have tapered frames, many also have cutout holes to lighten the frame, so it's reasonable that you'll measure 1-2 inches higher in the rear than in the front of the trailer when measuring from the ground to the bottom of the frame.

[Chrisk153]

You might check out the RV Level Mate Pro. It’s a box that you mount somewhere in the camper that connects to your smartphone. You get the rv level and calibrate it, then prior to pulling into the campsite turn it on and watch the app on your phone. This device has made the difference in deciding not to look for a new rig with auto leveling. I can shade the unit left or right and usually find a spot where I’m level side to side before I’ve even unhitched. Around $140 on Amazon. Way cheaper than a new rig.

[stolly23]

I have a big semi circular level mounted to the pinbox. It has a 1/2" steel ball in it and is easily viewed from the driver's seat. When backing into a campsite, it's extremely easy to tell when we're level "side to side"... If I need to add blocks under a wheel, each mark on the level is 1", so, from the driver's seat I can tell how many blocks to place under a wheel and get the trailer level on the first pass.

Easy and no need to check any "levels inside" the trailer. If the pinbox is level, the rest of the trailer "has to follow" (unless we twisted the frame on the way to the campground)..... Front/rear leveling is just as easy, there's a level on that big one for measuring front/rear level as well.

Once the pinbox is "set" the rest of the trailer is as well....
Might be a stupid question, but, I was looking to get this level. Just wondering the best way to make sure you are level before installing it. I mean, when attaching the level, how do you know you are installing correctly to give you a proper read. Does that make sense??

[chuckster57]

Might be a stupid question, but, I was looking to get this level. Just wondering the best way to make sure you are level before installing it. I mean, when attaching the level, how do you know you are installing correctly to give you a proper read. Does that make sense??


I used a 6’ carpenters level on my floor. Leveled the fiver and then installed on my pin box. It does allow for adjustment when installing so it was easy to set it.

[JRTJH]

Might be a stupid question, but, I was looking to get this level. Just wondering the best way to make sure you are level before installing it. I mean, when attaching the level, how do you know you are installing correctly to give you a proper read. Does that make sense??

First, there are no stupid questions. If you don't understand a concept, asking for clarification is always a valid question.

As chuckster57 indicated, get the trailer "as level as you can" then install the "big level". I used a 6' construction level. I placed it side to side on the trailer floor and leveled the trailer, then placed it lengthwise on the floor and leveled front to back. Once I had the trailer level, I changed the position of the level several times to make sure nothing had changed during the leveling.

After leveling and checking to be sure, I proceeded to install the level. Once it's installed, there are adjustments on the level mount to "fine tune" it to be "perfectly level". After adjustment, unless you bump it hard enough to bend it, it'll remain at the settings you adjusted to. Mine has been at the same settings (without readjustment) for almost 5 years and hasn't moved.

[stolly23]

I guess what I was trying to say was, how do I know I am actually level. I can level off my floor, counter and rear bumper and get three different readings. I usually use my rear bumper and floor to get a good idea. I just have never felt comfortable attaching a level to my 5er because I don't know if I am level to begin with.

[chuckster57]

Pick one. I would use the floor, near the refer.

[JRTJH]

I guess what I was trying to say was, how do I know I am actually level. I can level off my floor, counter and rear bumper and get three different readings. I usually use my rear bumper and floor to get a good idea. I just have never felt comfortable attaching a level to my 5er because I don't know if I am level to begin with.

Take your pick, choose the one that makes the most sense to you and level the trailer. After that, put the level away and open an adult beverage. If you keep "running from spot to spot trying to level things everywhere" you'll die an old man with a trailer that isn't level (and thirsty to boot)... Take a chill pill and sit down before you fall down or worse, trip over the level......

[stolly23]

normally I do not spend a lot of time. But great advice LOL. I was just wondering because I’ve always wanted to put a big level on my tongue. But knowing me and my OCD I would have a level on my tongue sand still check my bumper and floor. Lol

[JRTJH]

Who is to say that the rear bumper was welded to the frame level? Who is to say that there wasn't a loose screw or a wire laid under the floor that "jacks up" one side of the floor in one location. Who is to say that the tongue is "perfectly level with the frame 20' back from the point of measure or that the refrigerator was set in the cabinet "perfectly level with the rear bumper or tongue....

You're "assuming" (look that up if you need to) that the trailer was constructed on a jig where every component is aligned and level with every other component... Do you really believe that could happen, even if it was intentional???? Heck, most subsonic airplanes aren't built to that kind of "exacting standard"....

[MarcS]

I level on the rear bumper (side to side) and inside floor (front to back). Its not rocket science to me. So I call it close enough to put the slides out and grab an adult beverage!

[stolly23]

Who is to say that the rear bumper was welded to the frame level? Who is to say that there wasn't a loose screw or a wire laid under the floor that "jacks up" one side of the floor in one location. Who is to say that the tongue is "perfectly level with the frame 20' back from the point of measure or that the refrigerator was set in the cabinet "perfectly level with the rear bumper or tongue....

You're "assuming" (look that up if you need to) that the trailer was constructed on a jig where every component is aligned and level with every other component... Do you really believe that could happen, even if it was intentional???? Heck, most subsonic airplanes aren't built to that kind of "exacting standard"....

Actually, you got it all wrong. I am assuming, but I an assuming none of those locations are perfectly square. That has been my point this whole thread. How can I install a permanent level when I don't know where to judge it from to begin with. Thanks for helping me be more clear. Adult beverages it is

[KimNTerry]

If the empty can from the adult beverage doesn't roll around on its own. Call it good.

[66joej]

I would use the refer. If it's level the rest is OK.

[cavediver]

I would use the refer. If it's level the rest is OK.

Makes the most since to me, but I'm easy.

Jack

[flybouy]

Get it close as after a few adult beverages it will no longer be level and may appear to be moving in several directions at the same time. :hide:

[tech740]

So I don't have a pic but my dads toy hauler has one of the level master levels on it. When we leveled it in my driveway and blocked it up to install the level doesn't sit evenly across the pin box. When we installed and made it read level, the door side of the level has a space between it and the pinbox. The drivers side sits directly on the pinbox. Just shows that either the level isn't square or someplace a brand new camper isn't square. After placing it the camper sits level.

[stolly23]

I would use the refer. If it's level the rest is OK.

Would it be side wall to side wall level or back wall to door level. I know why you need the fridge level, but level which way is more important. I would think side to side? which in my case would be camper level front to back.

[roadglide]

I have small stick on level front and side . I'm more concerned with bubble level in the refrigerator .

[Tboudro]

Check the floor, fridge, and bathroom door.

The door opens or closes depending on the level and mama DOES NOT like that.

[Salty25]

If the empty can from the adult beverage doesn't roll around on its own. Call it good.

Don't use a full one to roll around.
:party:

[BadmanRick]

All campers are made from the frame up. The frame is made on a very carefully mad jig and it is level ed at the factory. The first thing that goes on the frame is the floor. This will be level with the frame. Every thing else goes on top of the floor. There fore the best place to put your levels is on the floor. I check mine at the front door and in the center of the trailer. I have an app on my iPhone “(RV Companion)” which shows me the level of the camper. It tells me in inches how much to lift the unit to level it. You can calibrate the app on a level surface and then check the camper. You can easily check the frame as well. Best little app I have found. They may make it for android as well. Best couple of dollars I have spent for this app.
Hope this helps.

[Andymil]

If the bathroom door swings open by itself, then my drivers side is low. I usually find this out after I disconnect the trailer but it gives me an idea of how accurate the outside level is for side to side.

For front to back, if the A/C is dripping from the front, then the front is too low. At least I can correct this after disconnecting. Again, this can be a way to check the accuracy of the outside level.

If the fridge is off enough to affect operation at this point, I’ve got big problems. ;)

[shermris]

I forgot a level after I used the "dedicated camper level" somewhere else once. I put a frying pan on the front burner and filled it with just enough water to cover the bottom and used that for a level. A friend of mine uses a marble on the kitchen counter and calls it level when the marble doesn't "roll too fast".