Community Forums

Dan Listermann · 05-14-2005, 05:35 AM

We are new to RVing. I understand that the the refigerator needs to be level within a half a bubble ( correct me if I am wrong). So far I have used 2 X 6 X 18 boards stacked on top of each other. We bought some plastic "Lego" looking blocks ( one package ) but haven't tried them yet. I find it a bit spooky to try to drive up onto these blocks fearing going over the edge before stopping. Is there a technique to it? The boards seem to slide a bit too sometimes making me have to start over again when the other side does not slide.

Dan

Dan Listermann · 05-14-2005, 05:35 AM

We are new to RVing. I understand that the the refigerator needs to be level within a half a bubble ( correct me if I am wrong). So far I have used 2 X 6 X 18 boards stacked on top of each other. We bought some plastic "Lego" looking blocks ( one package ) but haven't tried them yet. I find it a bit spooky to try to drive up onto these blocks fearing going over the edge before stopping. Is there a technique to it? The boards seem to slide a bit too sometimes making me have to start over again when the other side does not slide.

Dan

Ken Roberts · 05-14-2005, 04:32 PM

One way to prevent 2 X 6s from sliding is to cut an angle on the leading edge. When we had a Class C without any levellers on the unit itself I used 2 X 6s and depending on site 1 or 2 or even 3 high. To prevent sliding when stacked I drilled a series of 5/8" holes in them and when stacking was necessary used 1/2" dowels to "fasten" them together. If you opt for a stacked method try using varying lengths,i.e. the bottom one being 18"-20" the second one being 15"-18" and the top one being 12"-15" and again angled cuts on all. Using varying lengths allows you to go up on them as a ramp and not 1 big block. As to optimum lengths-what is easiest to store? For convenience I angled both ends and then did not have to worry about fronts and backs and if you do run off of them it is fairly easy to go back up on them in reverse. Needless to say when going up on any type of blocking it helps to have a spotter and s-l-o-w is the only way to go. Instead of waiting to find an unlevel campsite which is very easy to do why not practice at home where you can make adjustments to suit. Good luck and have fun out there, Ken,'04 DSDP...

Dan Listermann · 05-14-2005, 07:00 PM

Did you just use a 45 degree angle or did you try for something more acute? I suppose I could use a Sawzall to cut a more acute angle.

Dan

Ken Roberts · 05-15-2005, 06:26 PM

At the time I had a complete work shop and cut 45s on my radial. They are more than adequate to minimize the bluntness of a non cut 2 x 6, Ken

Paul Heuvelhorst · 05-15-2005, 07:17 PM

Dan & Sue,
Using the "lego-style" blocks is easier than the 2x6. Build a pyramid and place it behind the wheel(s) so that if you "overshoot" the highest point, you just back down the other side. You may find, if you can watch a level while you are backing, that you don't need to go all the way to the top of the pyramid (3 or 4 high) to level. After trying it a few times you'll get the hang of it and know how many you have to stack together to level off.

We carry 2 sets of 10 of these "lego-style" blocks for our travel trailer, because it is dual-axle and we've found 1 set to be inadequate. One set should be enough for a single axle Class B.

Dsouthw524 · 05-16-2005, 02:20 AM

The Blox are a great idea but the wood will work as described. Just a caution, if you are raising rear wheels, assure that both tires on that side are supported. Otherwise there is extra strain on wheel bearings.

Dan Listermann · 05-16-2005, 03:07 AM

Thanks all. I think that between angling the 2x6 boards and the "Leggo" blocks we already have, this won't be a big deal in the long run.

Is it true that the fridge needs half a bubble or less to run properly? Is there a difference front to back or side to side. Our fridge opens toward the middle of the RV.

Dan

Paul Heuvelhorst · 05-16-2005, 07:53 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Originally posted by Dan Listermann:
Is it true that the fridge needs half a bubble or less to run properly? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dan,
If you are using one of the round "bubble" levels sitting on a countertop, if any portion of the bubble is touching the line of the middle circle you should be OK. A half of the bubble inside the circle guarantee's good performance. Today's fridge (within the past 5 years or so) aren't as critcal on leveling as they were many years ago.

Oops, sorry, just saw the age of your unit. If the fridge is also an 84 vintage, you need to level to at least the half bubble or better.

Arch Hoagland · 05-17-2005, 07:28 PM

In 20 years of RVing I've never worried about the fridge being level. Think about it, when your traveling up and down mountains, as we do, it works just fine. I will level my rig somewhat but I'm not fanatical about it.
It's important to check for spiders in the gas orifice and keep that clean. I put moth balls in the area behind the fridge to keep pests out.