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Hi again,

We have a penine pathfinder which is great in every respect, as I can put it up myself (not the awning), but I do have one diffuculty. If the ground is not level (which it never is) I really struggle to level it with the corner steadies, I use the jockey wheel to help but it still is really tough going.  Is this because my other half (Tom) insists that the tyres be off the ground when we pitch ???  Is it ok to just level it without raising it off the tyres or will it ruin the tyres if not done so.

I would really like some advice on this as we seem to spend more time levelling the unit than anything else  - which isn't pleasant when its raining and the kids are starving after a long journey.

Thanks, Maggie

i'd say you need leveling block's & chock's same as we do with the caravan if you try leveling with the steadie's you could cause damage to the TT , i'm sure some one will correct me if i'm wrong

Joe,

Where do the levelling blocks go, I have seen them on motorhomes but the have four wheels and we only have two - am I just being a dumb blonde!!

Quote: Originally posted by MaggieB on 25/05/2005

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Joe,

Where do the levelling blocks go, I have seen them on motorhomes but the have four wheels and we only have two - am I just being a dumb blonde!!

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It is important to remember that corner steadies are intended only to steady the unit and should never be used to take the main weight of it. The road wheels should always remain in contact with the ground. If you use the steadies to jack up the unit you risk causing distortion of the framework which will cause you serious problems.

First level the unit from side to side using blocks if needed - place a block infront of the lower wheel and tow the unit forward onto the block until it is just past level. Place a chock behind the wheel and it will roll back slightly to level. Next level from front to back by raising or lowering the jockey wheel. Once you have the unit level, lower the corner steadies until they are just in contact with the ground.

It is necessary to have the unit fairly level, or the fridge will not work properly.

As Patrick says, the tyres should remain in contact with the ground, the steadies are just to steady it, the weight is borne by the 3 wheels.

It is only if the unit is being stored without being moved for a while that the tyres could be damaged & get flat spots or bulges. This can be avoided by moving it forwards/backwards every so often, or by replacing the wheels with winter wheels,  or removing the wheels and resting the axle on bricks or something.

You never, NEVER have the steadies taking the full weight of the unit, be it folding camper, trailer tent or caravan. The wheels and axle are at the correct place on the chassis to carry the weight. The wheels hold the weight while on the road, after all.The steadies are only to stop the trailer bed wobbling around when its at rest. Never mind ruining the tyres (it won`t)....you`re going to wreck the entire chassis if you perch it up on four steadies.

If you`re worried about tyre damage over the winter when it`s sitting in one place for months, then either buy storage wheels or the blocks that go under the axle instead of wheels. On site, it sits on its wheels.

Not sure raising the Peninne off the ground with the corner steadies is a good idea.  I can tell you it is a definate no no with a caravan.  The corner steadies are not built to take this kind of load, they are steadies not jacks.  If you need to get the Peninne level then do this when still attached to the car.  Use the car to pull the trailer up the chocks under the low wheel. This shouldd get you level side to side. End to end use the jockey wheel.  When all set then lower the steadies to stop it moving.

It does not really need to be dead level. Some where close is fine.

Quote: Originally posted by norrisr9 on 25/05/2005

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suggest you tell the other half delicately - you know us men, we always think we are right!

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Show your other half this thread?

Thanks to all who replied,

Hubby has read it now, didn't say much other than oh!.  But at least we know now, hopefully levelling the unit will be a much quicker and easier task this time out.

Have a good half term everyone, we are off to Cornwall very very early saturday morning.

Maggie