Leveling our Aspire in State Parks

[ChristopherG]

Hi Friends!!!

You all are so wonderful to share so much here. As new Entegra owners (2022 Aspire) we learn so much from you - thank you!

We love state parks - and, they aren't always flat. I realize with our huge rig we can't expect the flexibility we see in other towables, yet it seems like we can get a little more than the leveling jacks offer.

The manual says 'never' use the jacks to lift the wheels off the ground (though they are willing LOL).

This weekend we went camping, and the site we were at wasn't all that slanted, yet it was too much. The regular campers had no trouble. Seems like the most we can really accommodate is maybe 6-8" drop across our wheelbase.

Have any of you used products like this 'Hopkins 08200 Endurance RV Leveling System' to gain even just a few inches of height on the steer axle? That one gives up to 4.5" of height, and yet the coach is soooo heavy I don't want to go too far. Then we could add flat blocks to the front jacks, similar amount perhaps, and get a little more flexibility? Or is the coach just too heavy for any of this?

What have you done to improve options on not perfectly level pads?

Christopher
2022 Aspire

you can see photos of this one here:

[777 Driver]

Hi Christopher,

If you use the auto-level feature, you need to be aware that auto-level only knows "UP" as a solution to any out of level condition. By that, I mean that if it overcorrects in any adjustment, it will assess the out of level condition, and correct that by raising the low corner. It only takes a few of those iterations to result in raising the coach more than absolutely necessary to achieve level.

Many have found that manually leveling results in a lower (closer to the ground) level.

Also, the one good thing that auto-level does is to dump air out of the air bags before starting the leveling process. That's a good thing because it gets the coach closer to the ground before extending any jacks. If you choose to manually level, the first step should be to dump air from the air bags.

Personally, I've found this device: https://logicbluetech.com/levelmatepro/ to be very helpful. Once installed and set-up, it gives a very accurate depiction of what's necessary to achieve level:





But, I must admit that I am a bit of a sucker for tech gadgets.
Take care,
Stu

[Johnontheroad]

While I too love tech gadgets, for me (and DW) the best indication of level is the bathroom door on our 44B.

Continuing on the low tech side, I carry a fair amount of 2" X 12" X 24" long lumber, mostly stored under the basement trays. When I have to use an unlevel site, I try to find one where the nose is low. Then I add lumber under the wheels and the jacks to allow the coach to level.

Bit of a pain but all part of the enjoyment of RVing .

[brobox]

To level keeping the front wheels on the ground, start "auto level" When the air dumps, retract the jack and start all over again. When the air dumps again, stop the leveling again. Notice how much lower your coach is to the ground. Now proceed with manual leveling, a short level on the floor helps or levels mounted in the cabinets. Photo is of my levels in the cabinets in front of and the side of the drivers seat. Walmart trailer levels in the RV section. Open the cabinet doors and proceed with leveling.

[dcphil_98]

My leveling sequence: (I have the Hadley system).
1. Key on
2. Press and hold "Lower" on Hadley. Hold until all air is expelled.
3. Key off
4. Power on Equalizer System
5. Press AutoLevel
6. Minor adjustments as required. We also use the bathroom door as an indicator
7. Power Off

[Rev. Roy]

Originally Posted by 777 Driver

Hi Christopher,

If you use the auto-level feature, you need to be aware that auto-level only knows "UP" as a solution to any out of level condition.
Take care,
Stu

That is the best analysis of auto leveling I have heard in a while. I manually lower my RV as much as possible before hitting the auto level like someone else said. Remember that the auto level will lower the back jacks first which doesn't always work well. Oh ya, we also use a Levelmate pro.

[oneknight]

As there is no ammonia fridge, the only real reason to level our Aspire is operator comfort.
I don't mind if the coach is out of level, it really doesn't bother me much.
DW will tell me if she is trying to cook something and everything is going to one side of the pan.
I do like to keep the bottom step a reasonable distance from the ground. Holding the leashes as 3 75 pound Huskies "burst forth" for their morning P can get really risky when the last step is a foot!

I'll let auto do it's thing, then correct manually.
See above "it only levels up, never down" I'll start by lowering the rear, then the front, then side to side, favoring keeping the step height right.

[brobox]

My Level Mate Amateur was $2.97 for the pair at Walmart.

[bevandtomH]

When the coach can’t get there by itself I will follow the above as outlined and do it manually. I keep a three axis torpedo level in the drawer but usually use the iPhone .

[Motorhead-54]

So one note of caution…it is is very possible that you can tweak the rig up in such a way as to break a windshield. Be cautious of considering being perfectly level!!!!

[ChristopherG]

Thank you all - the iphone apps for bubble level will help - as well as lowering all the way and using the manual levelers.

The manual says plumbing may not work right if it isn't level, I'm sure 'close' is just fine though.

I'll bring along some 2X12s for 'downhill front end' and also am adding a heavy duty extension cord so we have more flexibility where in the site we position to start.

The Aspire turns a lot of heads in the state parks LOL. Where are you all?

We LOVE lakes and beaches so that's always what we are seeking.

Chris

[amosnandy]

Originally Posted by Johnontheroad

While I too love tech gadgets, for me (and DW) the best indication of level is the bathroom door on our 44B.

Continuing on the low tech side, I carry a fair amount of 2" X 12" X 24" long lumber, mostly stored under the basement trays. When I have to use an unlevel site, I try to find one where the nose is low. Then I add lumber under the wheels and the jacks to allow the coach to level.

Bit of a pain but all part of the enjoyment of RVing .

Yup I do the same thing. I like all the wheels on the ground. If I drive into a site and one corner, side or end is way low. I put it where I want it, mark it, back up a foot or two and drive it up on good old fashioned lumber. Then I use the same amount under the jack on that corner. The idea is to keep the suspension flat and the jack extension close to the same.

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by amosnandy

If I drive into a site and one corner, side or end is way low. I put it where I want it, mark it, back up a foot or two and drive it up on good old fashioned lumber.

One benefit of the LevelMatePRO system is that it transmits live info as you drive. Before arrival at a parking spot, simply open the app on your phone and you can see an image like this:



As you move forward, those values change in real time so that you can see the effect of pulling forward (or backward). Sometimes moving just a few inches can make a rather significant difference in the degree of out of level. A difference that may not be easily discernable by the naked eye.

Take care,
Stu

[brobox]

Stu, I am having a laugh and the "new app' method of leveling, it is nice, but it does the same thing the $2.97 RV level kit from Walmart does. Open the front and side cabinet doors while parking, pull forward or back for the most lever spot. I guess it works like the old fuel sight gauge on a PA-11, not pretty but accurate.