Andersen Camper Leveler opinions?

mash2

I keep blocks in storage and use andersen levels exclusively now.  

DABWCA

PXLated's two person routine is how we do it, but it's still pretty simple even for one -- way easier than blocks. You just need to back up a little and get out and check your level, then inch back or forward a bit to fine tune. I suppose if one of those oversized levels is mounted so it can be seen in the rearview, then it would be as easy with one person as with two.

Nomad

Well, it don't get much simpler than blocks - look at your levels, lay down the appropriate blocks (one per tick mark), roll on, done, no in and out.

Tabaz

And we're all doing this why? Because of that Norcold refrigerator running on propane, right?  How about the two guys who came up with the covered, water-proof toilet paper holder and trailer tongue sewer hose storage mod get together to solve this conundrum.  Just like the people who invented Post-its and Viagra.  Put them in the same room and solve world hunger.  Just say'n.

Nomad

And so you don't lay the wrong way and have all the blood rush to your head.

Tabaz

Blood?  What blood?

Nomad

I take it you're not a bleeding heart.

Photomom

PXLated said:

Well, it don't get much simpler than blocks - look at your levels, lay down the appropriate blocks (one per tick mark), roll on, done, no in and out.

Which levels have the calibrated tick marks?

Nomad

photomon - Funny you should ask. Was thinking today as to why people don't get the ease of the blocks and realized they probably don't have the tick-marked levels that indicate how many blocks you need. For some reason I lucked out and bought these initially not realizing other levels don't necessarily have these ticks - especially hand levels and apps.

Here's the ones I use... https://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Hopkins/HM08525.html
There's videos on how to use or set up but basically you get your T@B level and then apply these - I have mine on the front driver's side corner (front & side). One glance and I know my block count and where they need to go.

mash2

Pxlated.  I think you may have converted me back.  My level currently does not measure in inches of rise or fall needed (it was installed when I bought t@b 4 years ago) so always a bit of guesswork.  These take out the traditional guesswork in translating the level into blocks needed to level.  These couldn't be simpler to operate without guesswork.  I was focusing on the wrong issue.... couldn't translate current level into detailed need for blocks.  

So, just pull to location, read measurement, determine how many blocks, move vehicle forward if in uneven area, place blocks where measured and backup up onto blocks, right?

I've ordered.  I'll set up and compare, but I think I've been sold. Certainly worth $15 to try it out.  

mash2

One convert... thousands to go.  Keep it up.

Verna

So, PXLated, how many of the Lego blocks do you have? I have 10 and I'm not sure that is enough for some off grid areas I may go. (By the way, for those of us who hate to pay shipping, Amazon has the levels, also, and they are labeled "Prime".)

Nomad

mash2 - Yep - Basically it's pull in, get out and look at the levels, get the appropriate number of blocks and lay them where needed, drive on - Done.
Now, if you don't unhook like me, you may need a weird combination of blocks. Two under the back TV wheels to raise the tongue and one under the driver's side T@B wheel to level sideways.

mash2

FYI, they were the same price as prime at amazon (with shipping).

Nomad

Verna - Yep, standard set of ten red bricks. There's been times when I've needed all ten if I want to build a ramp but only a few times where I've needed to use without the ramp effect and needed to just get the T@B atop a 3-4 stack. The only place I couldn't get it to work was the main Joshua Tree campground - not a nearly level pad in the place. Had to maneuver the T@B in sideways. I'm not sure double the blocks would have worked on the site I had.
I'm actually down to eight. I'd use them to mark potential camera angles and somewhere in the last couple months I forgot to retrieve a couple :-(

Nomad

TIP #1 - The levels come with foam tape on the back. I've found that if the T@B sits in hot sun the tape can sag and go out of level. So, I peel that foam off and stick two Command strip strips together (for thickness) and use that instead. They seem to remain stable.
TIP #2 - The front of the T@B must flex a little while rolling down the road because I've had the glass tube pop out while in route. I tried super gluing them in place at the ends but the flex then breaks the glass tube. So, I just put a piece of electrical tape vertically over the glass tube so if it pops out I haven't lost it and can pop it back into place. I carry an extra set just in case.
TIP #3 - If you are on soft ground, the blocks (or any leveler) can stink in a bit and you may have to drive off and add a block to compensate.

Verna

Thank you!

kcbrat

Ok, newbie here and this might seem like a silly question.  Outside of the Norcold fridge is there a structural reason to worry about being absolutely level?  I understand the whole concern about blood rushing to your head when laying down, if the unleveling was extreme.  (Tent camper of many years. )   I don't want to do long term damage to the frame or something if I don't have it absolutely level every trip.   Thanks in advance for any input. 

Nomad

Not that I'm aware of except the plumbing probably relies on it also to a degree. I personally can't feel a one bubble difference. If low to the right the door swings open all the time though.
Do notice the fridge cools best when level - erratic when not.

mash2

Great tips plated (#2 happened to me which is why I abandoned).  I bought a spare set because I've had the issue.  I may install inside to avoid (I don't mind having to open door to check..)  
I usually use 3m to hold in place so will switch out (Tip #1).  
Given my setup, I'm less worried about perfect level anyway (2 way, no AC is more tolerant of leveling issues).  (Tip 3)

ChanW

kcbrat,

• toilet seat won't stay up, at inopportune moments
• Shower door swings open or shut
• Coffee slides off the stove
• Breakfast slips off plates
• People roll out of bed

Otherwise no, probably not... B-)

SweetlyHome

For us the true test is how many eggs can you scramble on the griddle rather than getting out a skillet.

Thanks for Tip #1, it explains the egg mess we had to clean up last Sunday.  Time to remount the levels.

kcbrat

Thanks for the input everyone.  We are looking to get the MAX Q model so no shower/toilet issues for us and we are not going to have a fridge but a roll out shelf for a cooler instead. Will want to be level front to back so the cooler won't roll out.  So sounds like as long as we are within a half bubble or so side to side we should be fine. Thanks! We will have to do scramble egg griddle test once we get ours.