BAL Leveler doesn't quite fit...

CampinDad · 07-31-2013, 10:13 AM

After reading so many great reviews about the BAL Leveler, I went out and got one before my trip last weekend. As it turns out, the site we had was nowhere near level, so it really came in handy (that thing truly is amazing!).

My only issue was that it would not fit around my tire. I didn't bring any boards with me since I had it, so I ended up using the two stabilizer jacks on the low side to lift the tire off the ground (just enough to slide the BAL under) and then lowered them before leveling out. This will likely be a recurring issue - do you think my method will damage the frame of my PUP (HW276)? Once the stabilizers were touching the ground, they only needed maybe 2 turns a piece to raise the tire enough.

After seeing how easy the BAL is (once under the tire) and how much more stable it made the PUP, I'd hate to not be able to use it, but would obviously prefer not to torque the frame...

TURBS · 07-31-2013, 10:22 AM

I would definitely NOT use stabilizers to raise camper !

Turbs

dimurrrw · 07-31-2013, 10:34 AM

Might want to try one of these.

Triguy · 07-31-2013, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

I would definitely NOT use stabilizers to raise camper !

Turbs

X2

OEM Stabilizers do just that, stabilize. They do not lift and are not designed to support much, if any, weight. Weight-supporting would be the realm of “leveling jacks”, which are different than stabilizers.

Here's a common warning you will read regarding stabs (from Ultra-Fab)...

These jacks are designed to stabilize a portion of your trailer's weight, not to support the full weight of your trailer. Do not use these jacks to lift your trailer. Doing so will exceed the capacity of these jacks.

**ependydad** · 07-31-2013, 10:43 AM

Ok, don't lift with the stabilizer.

Now, what's the alternative? How does he get the BAL around his tire? I've never used one or seen them in person, so I'm no help...

Triguy · 07-31-2013, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

Ok, don't lift with the stabilizer.

Now, what's the alternative? How does he get the BAL around his tire? I've never used one or seen them in person, so I'm no help...

No idea, Doug, except to not use the device if its a bad fit.

Although, that Andersen Leveler might work.

CampinDad · 07-31-2013, 10:51 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I had a feeling what the consensus would be. Like ependydad said, are their any recommendations for using the BAL? I know I've read about a lot of FR PUP owners that like it - how did you go about getting it under your tires? Maybe it was because our site was dirt/gravel/shell mix? Maybe it will work better on other sites?

I just watched the video on the Andersen Leveler that dimurrrw posted. That looks promising. Any reviews? It is certainly smaller and lighter than the BAL.

CampinDad · 07-31-2013, 10:54 AM

Also, while we're on the subject, how firm (lack of a better word) should I make the stabilizers? Should I crank them until they just touch the ground (not much added stability) or give them a few more cranks after they touch (wheels are still bearing the weight)?

Triguy · 07-31-2013, 11:00 AM

Good questions CampingDad.

With stabilizers, I put them down as firmly as I can to reduce trailer movement as that is their reason for being. I do not overtighten. Also, I check them after a day or so and usually end up adjusting as needed.

I also hope that you get some response from a member who uses the BAL Leveler that you own - maybe there is a trick they can share.

GalsofEscape · 07-31-2013, 11:09 AM

I use a tire jack as if I were changing the tire to lift the camper just enough to get the BAL leveler around the tire.

CampinDad · 07-31-2013, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GalsofEscape

I use a tire jack as if I were changing the tire to lift the camper just enough to get the BAL leveler around the tire.

Good idea. I need to crawl under myPUP and look around - I assume there is a pretty clear spot to put the jack?

GalsofEscape · 07-31-2013, 11:27 AM

Yes, there is a spot just in back of tire. (and I found a drill with the socket adaptor works great to raise and lower the jack real quick, though have to raise by hand once there is alittle weight on the jack). We can usually get the camper level within a couple of minutes.

Helmsey · 07-31-2013, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampinDad

After reading so many great reviews about the BAL Leveler, I went out and got one before my trip last weekend. As it turns out, the site we had was nowhere near level, so it really came in handy (that thing truly is amazing!).

My only issue was that it would not fit around my tire. I didn't bring any boards with me since I had it, so I ended up using the two stabilizer jacks on the low side to lift the tire off the ground (just enough to slide the BAL under) and then lowered them before leveling out. This will likely be a recurring issue - do you think my method will damage the frame of my PUP (HW276)? Once the stabilizers were touching the ground, they only needed maybe 2 turns a piece to raise the tire enough.

After seeing how easy the BAL is (once under the tire) and how much more stable it made the PUP, I'd hate to not be able to use it, but would obviously prefer not to torque the frame...

My mother had one of these she used on her HTT. I cut a 2x8 about 6 inches long and she would back onto it with the tire on the low side. With that extra bit of elevation she could slide the BAL leveler under the tire and use it as you normally would.

D-mo · 07-31-2013, 03:24 PM

I have been using a BAL leveler for pretty much 7 years now .. and have not had any issues .. except about a week ago ...
Basically what happened is i backed into somewhat of a little "tire ravine", or hole .. which caused my tire to go deeper into the ground .. .and me not to be able to insert the leveler around the front and back end of the tire ..
.. thats it .. thats probably the problem you had ....

next time it will never happen ..

d-mo

GalsofEscape · 07-31-2013, 04:30 PM

Agree D-mo - it seems to be surface thing. The hard camping pads, I have had no problem - it fits right around the tire. Anytime the ground is soft or the tire is in a dip or in the yard where I park it, the BAL just does not go around the tire.

BigBaron · 08-01-2013, 02:32 AM

Mine has scissor jacks, and I have it in writing from Viking/Coachmen that it's ok to use them to level the trailer. That being said, after seeing the strength of the frame compared to my 2007 Starcraft, I would NEVER do so... LOL (I still haven't needed to use my BAL, either)

Appfan · 08-07-2013, 02:42 PM

I've sometimes had a tough time getting our BAL under the tire, both at the camp and here at home. The BAL can get hung up on dirt/rocks/debris and not want to slide around your tire.

One of the easiest fixes is to bring along a section of board / composite decking. Back the low wheel on the decking and the BAL should slide around your tire. You may have to completely lower the BAL and/or remove the screw.

If the board doesn't work, like others suggested, I've also used a bottle jack to lift the tire onto the BAL.

Hope this helps!

w4drr · 08-08-2013, 08:21 AM

Not to be Mr. Negativity here, but if you have to bring boards to get the BAL leveler to work, wouldn't it just be easier to level with boards or blocks to begin with?

Bob

Appfan · 08-08-2013, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w4drr

Not to be Mr. Negativity here, but if you have to bring boards to get the BAL leveler to work, wouldn't it just be easier to level with boards or blocks to begin with?

Bob

Yes, you're right to a point. The last time we were camping, our site was pretty uneven. I had to jack up the low-point pretty high, maybe 4-5 inches. I would not have felt comfortable using boards/lynx levelers for that. To each his own...

B and B · 08-08-2013, 09:19 AM

I think a couple pieces of wood is better option. the weight difference between 2 BAL levellers and wood is near the same. A lot cheaper and if the wood is recycled (kindling) a very green alternative. I do carry a folding shovel, we camp in many provincial parks and I can always dig a hole and drop the wheels on the high side as well. Just replace the gravel/sand/dirt when you leave.

Brian

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