Glad to hear that you sound like you enjoyed your first trip. It can be really daunting.
On an uneven pitch things can get a bit complicated and I am not expert. Here's what I tend to do. Firstly the corner steadies are not desigend to level the unit, you are quite right there. The unit need to be levelled between it's two wheels on the axle and the dolly wheel.
What I tend to do is try to eliminate one of the uneven planes . In other words, and of course it may not be possible, I look to have the unit side on to the slope (though not always possible) so that it can't run off down the hill should the brake come undone . Once the steadies are down though you can usually sleep better as I'm sure these would dig in should you "come adrift", not that I've ever heard of that . I just know for the first two or three trips I was convinced we were going to roll down a hill :)
If you can level the axle first using wide blocks or a ramp, so much the better. I found that if you put the ramp in front of the wheel and then use the car to pull the unit on to the ramp, this is easier. The brake can be used then and should stop it rolling back. Once you have the unit level side to side (across the axle), you can use the dolly wheel to level the unit nose to tail. I've found that unless it's a steep slope the yellow ramps you can get are usually enough, though I do carry stout blocks of wood too. The trick seems to be , get the axle done and the dolly wheel is a doddle. You can use a wide wooden block under the dolly wheel if need be, just make sure it's wide enough to spread the weight.
On a slop chock the main wheels for added security.
One other point is to watch your awning in heavy rain. I've found that on slopes on end pools water and I usually need to drop the corner to stop this. Might just be my awning though.
Once you are level then lower the steadiestill they are firmly in contact with the ground but not lifting the unit off the ground. They are not designed for this. If during the stay you notice creaking as you are moving in the unit, it's probably because the steady has bedded in and just needs a bit of adjusting. We use the caravan feet pads that stay attached and have found them great on softer ground.
One final tip is , I've glued a two way spirit level to the the frame near the fitch. Make sure you unit is completely flat (use a bigger level and even fill the sink to check this ), then glue it in place with the bubbles central. Makes levelling at the hitch end far easier.
I am no expert , just letting you know how I do it.
If you have even half the fun and enjoyment we'v ehad out of our FC then you will love it.
All the b
If you need to unclamp the dolly wheel then you could use your car jack, just be sensible and use the steadies as a final safety net just in case,
All the best, Pete.
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Just remember.
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Topic: 1st Trip Complete:- Questions!
