Community Forums

DKRITTER · 09-09-2016, 07:52 AM

There was a post recently about someone asking about needing to reset their auto-level and it brought about something I had thought about off and on.

Over the years we have had 4 trailers, the first 3 were bumper pull and our current is a 5th wheel with the Lippert 6-point auto level. Don’t get me wrong I love the auto-level and use it every time we setup.

Here’s my question; What and/or where is level in/on a RV no matter what the configuration?

Of the 4 trailers we have had in each one I can pick someplace like a door way or a counter top or the inside of the fridge or the stairway or the frame or the steps on and on then level off of that accurately then I can move around the trailer and most of the other locations whether it be front to back and/or left to right do not show the trailer to be level.

I guess the question is pretty much rhetorical, it’s just an observation on how well built trailers are in this day and age.

To each his own.

Hikerdogs · 09-09-2016, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKRITTER

There was a post recently about someone asking about needing to reset their auto-level and it brought about something I had thought about off and on.

Over the years we have had 4 trailers, the first 3 were bumper pull and our current is a 5th wheel with the Lippert 6-point auto level. Don’t get me wrong I love the auto-level and use it every time we setup.

Here’s my question; What and/or where is level in/on a RV no matter what the configuration?

Of the 4 trailers we have had in each one I can pick someplace like a door way or a counter top or the inside of the fridge or the stairway or the frame or the steps on and on then level off of that accurately then I can move around the trailer and most of the other locations whether it be front to back and/or left to right do not show the trailer to be level.

I guess the question is pretty much rhetorical, it’s just an observation on how well built trailers are in this day and age.

To each his own.

On most units the refrigerator is used to determine "level". On our motorhome the refrigerator is setup to be parallel to the floor in both directions. Then the leveling system is calibrated. When properly leveled you can set a level on the floor of the freezer compartment and it will read level in both the crosswise and longitudinal directions.

Keep in mind most leveling systems measure to within 1/10 of a degree. While the display may show the house being slightly out of level it' so close you'll never notice. The refrigerator (gas absorption style) can be out of level up to 3* before performance and longevity will be compromised.

Gordon Dewald · 09-09-2016, 08:21 AM

We like to have the stove level. Fridge is very close when that happens.

IMO the units could have been manufactured pretty square and level but that was likely compromised the first, second or third time the unit is driven across a curb to access a service station or driven down a rough road.

ga traveler · 09-09-2016, 08:30 AM

Hickerdogs is correct. The center of the floor of the freezer compartment is the level spot.

MisterT · 09-09-2016, 08:31 AM

we have a mid bath and use the door swing to determine what's 'really' level when parked. though the LCI level panel will give you arrows and a green light when it thinks you are level, and a manual level set on the floor might also tell you, the bathroom door swing(or lack thereof) is what we've found that actually makes us FEEL the most level.

gravity is a great indicator of level...

so I use the LCI panel to initially level, then watch the 'door swing' to make minor corrections... it works well and you don't have to worry about 'where' you set a physical level device.

D Lindy · 09-09-2016, 09:56 AM

I use 2 indicators of level, one the bathroom doors, 1 on each side of the hall way. How do they stay when opened or do the keep drifting in one direction or the other? Two I use a torpedo level inside the Convention oven to see how level it is, DW just hates it if her cakes are not perfectly even when they com out of the oven.

Wobster · 09-09-2016, 05:35 PM

there are of course several different reference points, but honestly if you don't use the refrigerator as the level point, assuming it is a gas absorption refrigerator, you are asking for a significant repair costs down the line. I recently replaced the refrigerator in my Motorhome and it was $4000. Now it is a bit more complicated in a MH but it would not be inexpensive. If you need other things level (Stove, Doors, etc) I would recommend leveling to those but then adjusting or shimming the refrigerator so it is also level when the trailer is leveled to your desire. You should only need to do it once.

wingnut60 · 09-10-2016, 08:03 AM

We have been manually leveling for 9 years--center of floor area in front of fridge is where we set the 3' level. First, l to r with wood blocks, center of bubble--double check with bathroom door swing. If ok, then unhitch and finish front to rear, using the level. Again, double-check with bath door. Fridge still working at 11 yrs old, Dometic SxS. Need it to work for a couple more years...
Also, we dry-camp overnight on the road many times, and somewhat unlevel front-to-rear, as it is limited by how high we can raise the trailer while hitched. We always do the l to r with boards, tho, even if hitched.
The fridge needs to be near level, tho it seems that ours has done well not level for 8-10hr periods.
Joe

Gordon Dewald · 09-10-2016, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

We have been manually leveling for 9 years--center of floor area in front of fridge is where we set the 3' level. First, l to r with wood blocks, center of bubble--double check with bathroom door swing. If ok, then unhitch and finish front to rear, using the level. Again, double-check with bath door. Fridge still working at 11 yrs old, Dometic SxS. Need it to work for a couple more years...
Also, we dry-camp overnight on the road many times, and somewhat unlevel front-to-rear, as it is limited by how high we can raise the trailer while hitched. We always do the l to r with boards, tho, even if hitched.
The fridge needs to be near level, tho it seems that ours has done well not level for 8-10hr periods.
Joe

We used to do the same with the blocks. Triple axle made blocks a PIA. Then a fellow suggested we take a trenching shovel and dig small holes for the high side. Works like a charm. Easy to do and helps steady the trailer. Always make sure we filled the holes in when we left.

Obviously does not work on asphalt or concrete parking areas.

vsheetz · 09-10-2016, 08:36 AM

I check two places. Floor between the front seats. The floor in the bath / bedroom entry.

RichR · 09-10-2016, 12:28 PM

I have always used the freezer as the reference. Once there then checked other easier points.

mel s · 09-10-2016, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKRITTER

There was a post recently about someone asking about needing to reset their auto-level and it brought about something I had thought about off and on.
Over the years we have had 4 trailers, the first 3 were bumper pull and our current is a 5th wheel with the Lippert 6-point auto level. Don’t get me wrong I love the auto-level and use it every time we setup.
Here’s my question; What and/or where is level in/on a RV no matter what the configuration?
Of the 4 trailers we have had in each one I can pick someplace like a door way or a counter top or the inside of the fridge or the stairway or the frame or the steps on and on then level off of that accurately then I can move around the trailer and most of the other locations whether it be front to back and/or left to right do not show the trailer to be level.
I guess the question is pretty much rhetorical, it’s just an observation on how well built trailers are in this day and age.
To each his own.

DKRITTER
For any RV with an absorption refrigerator, "level" is when the floor of the freezer compartment in the refrigerator is "dead level"...(the more an absorption refrigerator is operated "out of level" the shorter the life span of the refrigerator).
Mel
'96 Safari, 20 year old, (146k mile), Norcold 682 fridge

FaithBowls · 09-10-2016, 01:50 PM

Once you determine where level is according to the freezer, you can look for other easiee places to check. I check on top of my front storage compartment - it's convenient and I checked it's accurate. I also notice the bathroom door swings when not level. Stuff doesn't roll on the kitchen counter when level... there are a number of places you can check once you establish a base line.