BAL Leveler Wore Out

DurangoTaB

I just ordered a replacement threaded rod and trunion nut for our BAL leveler ($40)...which has badly worn threads (esp. the nut) from only 6 uses.  From what I've read...1) this is not super hard steel, 2) you need to grease the rod & nut regularly, and 3) you need to clean the rod & nut after every use, especially in sandy/dirty campsites.  Since we live in sandy/dirty country (hey, we were under several oceans in the last few million years), we'll be camping in similar conditions in the future...so I was wondering if anyone has found some tricks to keep this thing clean (I've read about using those foam pool "noodles").

jkjenn

Wow, good to know. Who would have thought they would wear out so easily! I probably used it close to 6 times when out west. I will take a look at mine.

DurangoTaB

I'm thinking of bringing an old toothbrush along to clean out dust/sand from that trunnion nut.  I like the idea of a simple sleeve around the threaded rod...either the "noodle" foam or a piece of PVC. 

Cyclonic

Very good to know, I have had no issues with mine after many uses, but I don't deal with dry, sandy camping too much.

IACamper

I use Fluid Film on my stabilizers. The first time you spray it on, it foams off all the dirt and gunk. It leaves a relatively dry film that Stays clean, which is what makes it so good for the stabilizer screws. I may try it on my BAL, also.

Michigan_Mike

This is the company that produces the Bal-Leveler.   I did find an old thread (2010) where a member contacted them and was able to purchase replacement parts cheap.  

BAL RV Products Group

DurangoTaB

Norco (Elkhart, Indiana...where else!) makes the BAL leveler...you have to get the part number from them, then order through a distributor, e.g. Colaw... http://www.norcoind.com/bal/products/consumer/leveling_products/dealers_tireleveler.shtml
...who then contacts Norco to ship it to you.  I've ordered both replacement parts.

Michigan_Mike

The circle of parts!  LOL

Bill_in_Tulsa

DurangoTaB said:

Norco (Elkhart, Indiana...where else!) makes the BAL leveler...you have to get the part number from them, then order through a distributor, e.g. Colaw... http://www.norcoind.com/bal/products/consumer/leveling_products/dealers_tireleveler.shtml
...who then contacts Norco to ship it to you.  I've ordered both replacement parts.

What are the part numbers please?
TIA

DurangoTaB

Sorry...it's been so long I don't have the info.  I'd call Colaw...8775482125

Bill_in_Tulsa

Thanks

Mouseketab

Wow, I've been using mine for 5 years plus, and don't grease it or clean it, except maybe to hose it off a little bit. Never had any trouble.

Bill_in_Tulsa

I however after receiving mine a week ago have decided to use spray on graphite and wipe it down after every use. If you use grease on a lead screw and do not clean it every time, sand and dirt will build up and act like sand paper... just my thoughts on this device...

jkjenn

Mine gets much dirtier when I camp out west. There is almost always sand particles in the air that get into the grease.

Nomad

Don't have to grease or wipe down my Lego blocks :-)

jkjenn

@PXLated, I tried your Lego blocks on my last trip and I didn't care for them. You cannot dial into be exact. I was either too high or too low at my Ridgway campsite. I pulled out the BAL and was able to quickly dial it in to be exact.

Nomad

You're taking my dig too seriously Jenn...Was just razzin ya'll with the fancy cranky things...
But no problem here - Got one that's a half block. Perfect every time...
Well not if I've got to get an 1/8 of an inch but close enough for government work :-)

alanmcd

Mine wore out a couple of years ago after about 5 or 6 years of use. I just use the yellow leveling blocks. Just as easy. Probably easier because you don't have to get as physical as cranking that lead screw with a ratchet.

-Alan

Cincinnati, OH

DurangoTaB

Alan...I use a cordless drill and a 3/4" bit to crank the BAL leveler up & down...MUCH easier than the ratchet!

Nomad

You know what we think you guys/gals and your drills - wimps!
If I ever get one I'm sure not going to admit it ;-)

alanmcd

I use a V8 engine in my F150 to pull the T@B onto blocks. MUCH easier than a cordless drill.  ;-)

mash2

Its a blender not a drill.

Nomad

mash2 - Oh, that's right, you disguised yours.

[Deleted User]

I couldn't even imagine trying to get the trailer on any sort of blocks! I love the BAL leveler. It takes no effort at all. I put it around the tire, a few easy cranks with the ratchet and I'm set.  I'm a female too who is not in shape, and its nothing to crank the nut to level the trailer. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Nomad

Robyn - Wait until you have to raise both T@B tires because of the downward slope of the site - Couldn't get the tongue low enough for level without raising the T@B.