Notes on Andersen levelers and jack with GW 26dbh

[DadOfTwo]

I mentioned on another thread that I bought the Andersen 3600 duffel (levelers, jack, chocks, pads) but thought rather then continue the hijack I'd post up some findings specific to the 26dbh, since it's a popular model:

1. the Jack WILL NOT lift the camper enough to get a tire off the ground. It was at least 4" short. The equalizers in this suspension design really allow a lot of droop. I tried using the jack with a short 2x10, but had a lot of trouble with things sliding around. It worked when I used a longer 2x10, but still didn't lift the camper high enough. Fortunately I was able to dig a hole under the tire to get clearance for the brake adjustment I needed to do. I may try building a small ramp to use under the jack, but I don't want to put too much effort into it if there is a better way.

2. The levelers look promising, and based on my experience with the jack I think they will work great. We are taking the camper out for our first trip Tuesday, so I'll report back after. Some users have reported that they had to trim some off the levelers to get them to fit between the tires, but on the 26dbh they will fit without modification.

3. The chocks seem plenty stout. I feel good about the way the chocked levelers 'cradle' the tire.

[Lukegsdaddy]

That is a little disappointing. I had one in my shopping cart on Amazon and now I'll need to delete it.
Looks like I'll use my bottle jack.

[DadOfTwo]

Following up after first trip: we only needed a couple inches for leveling, and the levelers and chocks worked great. However my DW told me the leveler between the wheels looked like it was going to get stuck when we were backing off the levelers when leaving. I may trim one some just to make sure.

[BooBoo23]

The Anderson jack ramp works best with rubber torsion axles, spring axles not so good as you have already found out. One of the advantages to torsion axles, unless you blow out both tires on one side the Anderson jack ramp works great. The levelers are a lot easier to use rather that 2x8's stacked. The only thing you have to watch is if the levelers are on asphalt, they may slide and "squirt out" a little after you get leveled. Not an issue on grass or gravel. Some users need to trim the leveler(s) to fit between the tires. I think Anderson recognizes that and have instructions on how to properly trim them (I believe on their web site, I've see the info but can't remember where I saw it). There has been lots of discussions on how to do it. I am fortunate as I have 8" between tires.

[DadOfTwo]

Originally Posted by BooBoo23

The only thing you have to watch is if the levelers are on asphalt, they may slide and "squirt out" a little after you get leveled. Not an issue on grass or gravel.

The included rubber pad works well with the jack, but I've already torn mine up. It needs to be thicker. I'm keeping my eye out for an old floor mat, truck mud flap, or other-something-rubber to cut up for under the levelers.