Sounds extreme, right? How could a leveling system for RVs save a marriage? Well, that statement might be a bit over-dramatic but honestly, as newbies, leveling the RV was one of the most stressful parts of our camping experience! It was probably the only time when Major Airhead lost his patience with me and raised his voice. But not any more….Andersen Levelers to the rescue!
When we purchased our Airstream Flying Cloud 25A just about a year ago, the dealer threw in a block leveling system. The blocks reminded me of the Legos that my granddaughter plays with. That system requires you to estimate the number of layers of blocks you’ll need to level the unit from one side to another, which seems to require an engineering degree!
Since our Airstream has only a built-in level that is not good for leveling side to side, I would place a level inside the unit on the floor to measure level. This required me to run back and forth from the wheels to the door and check our progress – again, and again, and again. And as luck would have it – the leveling blocks were almost always required on the curbside, instead of the side where the door was!
Well, at least I was getting some exercise! But, with each attempt to level the unit I would have to either add, or remove blocks as Major Airhead pulled Shining Hope up and back, up and back, repeatedly.
Leveling Just Got Easier
Then we discovered the Andersen Leveling System while surfing the internet one day. We watched a video or two and checked the reviews online. At first, the price tag seemed high, so we didn’t act immediately. Did I mention that Major Airhead was a bit frugal? Lol.
Major Airhead then began supplementing our block system with 1 x 6 boards. He touted that they would “add more flexibility” in leveling because at times adding or removing an additional Lego block was too much of an adjustment. It didn’t make leveling any easier – it just meant we toted even MORE crap around for the purpose of leveling Shining Hope.
After much frustration, I finally did it. I hit the “buy” button on Amazon and purchased the Andersen Leveling System. After our first use, I was amazed at the ease with which we leveled the unit.
However, I was still running back and forth from the wheels to the doorway to check the level. Then, one day Major Airhead said to me, “You know, you don’t need to stand by the wheels….you can even be in the unit and just yell out when we are perfectly level.” And, he was right! I didn’t have to do anything by the wheels after the Andersen levelers were in place, it was just a matter of the Major pulling up or back slightly until we were level. The habit I had developed of running back and forth that was no longer needed!
Guess what? Our leveling experience is no longer stressful and we remain happily married.
The importance of leveling
Leveling the unit is important for several reasons. Things work better inside when the unit when its perfectly level. The bathroom and bedroom doors don’t close or open on their own, the shower door doesn’t close on your foot when you are trying to step out, and the scrambled eggs don’t all run to one edge of the frying pan! Moreover, when you are not level, things just feel “off”. Being level may also help your appliances operate more efficiently, depending on the age of your unit. For overall comfort and a feeling of home, being level is a must!
About the Andersen System
The Andersen Leveling System cost about $85 for a 2-pack kit (needed for double axle RVs) and about half of that for a single. The levelers allow precise leveling at any increment between 1/2″ and 4″. They work for units of up to 30,000 pounds, with tires up to 32” in diameter. They are made in America (a huge selling point for Major Airhead and me) and they come with a 3-year warranty. They can also simplify changing a flat tire on a double axel trailer.
I have heard a few concerns on various forums that you’d need to keep in mind. If you are on a site that is really uneven from side to side, you may need more than a 4” adjustment. We haven’t run into that yet – and so you just need to keep in mind how you’d handle an unexpected situation like that. I’ve also read that the levelers can be slippery when used in the snow. If you camp in winter conditions, that may be a concern for you.
our Recommendation
The Andersen Leveling System has been a God-send for major Airhead and me. It is well worth the investment. We tote less around and we find ourselves perfectly level every time! I highly recommend this system. To learn more about how the system works, view this video. If you are ready to purchase, they are available by clicking HERE through Amazon with FREE shipping.
How about you? What leveling system do you use? Tell us a bit about your experience. Major Airhead and I would love to hear from you! Please leave your comments below. Oh, and please sign-up to follow our blog. We’d love to have you along for the ride!
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