How to Level a Trailer

Опубликовал Admin
30-10-2016, 11:54
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Leveling a trailer is a task that is often necessary when a travel trailer is situated on terrain that is not completely level. In this scenario, the goal is to make sure that the trailer is level from every angle, using whatever materials are necessary to make this happen. Fortunately, the task can often be managed in a short period of time.

Steps

  1. Extend any landing gear that is built into the design of the trailer. In most cases, the landing gear is operated with a simple hand crank. Making sure the gear is touching the ground before attempting to make any adjustments will add some stability to the trailer and provide a better idea if any adjustments are needed at all.
  2. Determine the degree of imbalance present after parking the trailer. This can be accomplished by placing the carpenter's level on the floor of the trailer. Check the leveling from side-to-side first, and then reposition the level to check from front-to-back. Doing so makes it easier to determine which corners of the trailer will require some attention.
  3. Adjust the landing gear as needed. Doing so will often make it possible to quickly achieve and even balance from all angles, or at least reduce the amount of leveling that must be achieved using additional resources.
  4. Level the angle from side-to-side first. Use a trailer jack to lift the side that is at an undesirable height. Then slide a section of wooden planking into the gap between the nearest support in the gear mechanism and the ground level. Place a chock under the nearest wheel to prevent any slipping. Lower the jack, and use the level to make sure the angle is now balanced.
  5. Adjust the leveling front-to-back. Start with the end of the trainer that is lower, and use the jack to lift that end to the desired height. Use the carpenter's level to double-check the angle. If the balance from front-to-back is ideal, use short sections of wood planks to build up the area between the ground and the bottom of the gear mechanisms. Secure the trailer tires with the aid of the chocks.
  6. Recheck the balance of the travel trailer. Using the carpenter's level, take a second look at the balance from side-to-side and then from front-to-back a second time. Placing the level in the middle area of the trailer floor will make it easier to determine if the overall balance is within acceptable limits. If the balance is acceptable, make sure the planks and chocks are firmly in position.

Tips

  • Plastic chocks are often a good approach, since many designs are can be interlocked to create the ideal size. There are also inflatable chocks that work very well and take up very little space when not in actual use.
  • The same basic approach can be used for leveling just about any type of trailer. For mobile homes, the use of concrete supports or other supports designed to compensate for the weight of the dwelling will replace the wooden planks. In just about any scenario, use chocks to minimize the chances of wheels shifting slightly.

Things You'll Need

  • Carpenter's Level
  • Trailer Jack
  • Wooden Planks
  • Wood, Masonry or Plastic Chocks
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