BAL Leveler Wore Out

DurangoTaB · February 2015

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 · February 2015

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 · February 2015

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 · February 2015

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 · February 2015

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 · February 2015

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 · February 2015

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 · February 2015

The circle of parts! LOL

Bill_in_Tulsa · October 2015

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 · October 2015

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

Bill_in_Tulsa · October 2015

Thanks

Mouseketab · October 2015

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 · October 2015

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 · October 2015

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

Nomad · October 2015

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

jkjenn · October 2015

@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 · October 2015

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 · October 2015

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 · October 2015

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

Nomad · October 2015

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 · November 2015

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

mash2 · November 2015

Its a blender not a drill.

Nomad · November 2015

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

[Deleted User] · November 2015

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 · November 2015

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.

BAL Leveler Wore Out

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