New Caravan Levelling Question

SBos replied on 29/02/2016 19:07

Posted on 29/02/2016 19:07

Hi

Picking up our new Bailey Pursuit 430/4 in two weeks and am having an Alko jack fitted as an extra. If I needed to level the van side to side could I raise it up with the jack and then once level lower the jack down so the wheel is on wooden blocks or a levelling ramp?

EmilysDad replied on 29/02/2016 19:13

Posted on 29/02/2016 19:13

You could, but it'd be easier to drag your caravan onto the leveling block with your tow car. Doing it the way you suggest would lift the body of the caravan up way before the wheel lifted (like on your car) so you would have to guess what you needed under the wheel, lower it & check for level and do the same if it's not. Laughing

neveramsure replied on 29/02/2016 19:49

Posted on 29/02/2016 19:49

MM is spot on as usual. Levelling while towing or with the aid of a mover is the way to go and forward/aft levelling can be achieved with raising or lowering your jockey wheel (obviously after unhitching).

I find it helpful to have a two way spirit level fitted to the a-frame cowl or inside on the windowsill.Wink

  

Wildwood replied on 29/02/2016 19:56

Posted on 29/02/2016 19:56

Have to agree with MM. Not sure the jack is a good idea particularly if you are on wet grass. It was never designed for leveling the caravan so do not take risks.

Cornersteady replied on 29/02/2016 20:49

Posted on 29/02/2016 20:49

Agree with all above, do you have a motor mover? if so just use that to push the van up the leveling ramp, you'll find you have to hold the ramp as the van will twist it as it goes up. Another option is to buy a Millenco or Bulldog metal leveling device. I wouldn't worry too much about side to side leveling, most club sites are pretty good in this respect, and you only have to do it on really un-even ground. Your caravan doesn't have to be exactlty level side to side but its a personal preference as to how much 'tilt' bothers you 

black caviar replied on 29/02/2016 20:54

Posted on 29/02/2016 20:54

Am i lucky that ive read this postingi was going to have an alko jack fitted ..... Because thats what i thought they were for :- levelling the caravan! So are they really only for changing a wheel?

should i buy a milenco levelling jack instead cheers Mrs bc:)

SteveL replied on 29/02/2016 21:00

Posted on 29/02/2016 21:00

Black Caviar. The Millenco levelling device is just that, for levelling. You could not change a wheel using it, so you would need a jack for this as well.

Cornersteady replied on 29/02/2016 21:03

Posted on 29/02/2016 21:03

Yes they are just for changing a wheel and I've heard that it is still very very hard work, a trolley jack is better but make sure it will fit under the van with a flat tyre and be careful where you place it.

We have used a Bulldog device and if you want compete accuracy then it's the best way but it is very heavy to carry. Nowdays I just use the motor mover

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook