Leveling on Slight Incline Help

[frankdamp]

Our 32' GT has hydraulics. They are hydraulically powered in both directions, so no return spring issues.

I don't trust the auto-level calibration. It always seems to lift too high. I've developed a technique to put all four jacks down until they're just starting to lift, then figure out which pair to lift at a time. My controller has front pair, rear pair, left pair, right pair and all four selections.

When we first got the rig, I levelled it both side-to-side and fore-aft on my driveway to an 18" level in the bottom of the fridge. Once done, I then put two stick-on bubble levels, one for pitch and one for roll, where I can see them from the driver's seat.

It's a fairly quick procedure to get level, and I can also get a quick read on how out of level the site is when we first pull in. We've seen some real winners!

[Wayne M]

I'm old.

I used to have the 2 x 8's screwed together that way, and each was also covered by 1/2" plywood. The plywood keeps the 2 by's from falling apart from cracks. Even if they crack the plywood keeps it together. Now, with the 2 x 10's I use 5/8 inch plywood. (They were out of 1/2 inch (weathered)) Screwing them all together as one platform is to heavy for DW to lift (You didn't think I was going to do it did you! I'm the driver for gosh sake.) Actually the 3' section by itself is to heavy, but we manage. (I do help.)

My front passenger compartment is for another set of 2 x 8's, all close to the same size that will fit the footprint of the tire, all fabricated with plywood tops, and two sets of Lynx leveler blocks just for ramps if I need them to roll up on wood. This has come in very hand in a couple places where the "jacks" just would not handle it. I have enough of them to go up three high for any tire set. Hey, old fashion, but works.

[wa8yxm]

Another issue with BOTH front wheels off the ground....

If your rig gets hit with a strong wind blast from the side... The jacks are designed to hold the rig UP, not to keep it from moving side to side.. Pretzel shaped jacks is not something you want under your rig.

Thus keeping at least one front wheel.. Well they provide side to side stability.

[Mr_D]

As I have stated many time before regarding having the front tires off the ground:

Newmar says it's OK
Spartan says it's OK
HWH says it's OK
I over 9 years with this rig (and the previous DSDP) we've never had a problem.
The jacks angle outward when extended so they are stable even when the tires are off the ground.
I've left the rig for 6 months at a time with the front tires off the ground, no problems ever.

[Chuck 1935]

Never had a problem with my front wheels of the ground other than needing a ladder to get in. I have also had to have ONE rear wheel off the ground to level and never had a problem, wind or no wind. I have HWH jacks and they are very sturdy.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by KIX

Mr/ D Maybe you should look at the OP's post stating they have a gasoline Bounder.......I think it's #5

Maybe you should look again and notice that I specifically said we had a DSDP with an HWH system.

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Maybe you should look again and notice that I specifically said we had a DSDP with an HWH system.

I believe Kix was simply pointing out that since I don't have a DSDP with an HWH system, it's best that I follow the guidelines for my particular setup. The manual for the PowerGear Hydraulic levelers states that the tires should not be off the ground.

[KIX]

Originally Posted by SarahW

I believe Kix was simply pointing out that since I don't have a DSDP with an HWH system, it's best that I follow the guidelines for my particular setup. The manual for the PowerGear Hydraulic levelers states that the tires should not be off the ground.

Yes ma'am......sometimes posters give opinions that aren't really related to the original question. Actually, I've probably done it too.

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by KIX

Yes ma'am......sometimes posters give opinions that aren't really related to the original question. Actually, I've probably done it too.

I appreciate everyone who took the time to answer; I am a total noob so some of my questions are really lame. Who knows, maybe someday I will own a DSDP with HWH and I will know ahead of time what to expect!