Hi all. So I'm still trying to get used to learning all about my 'van and I have a question about levellers. I just read the corner steadies shouldn't be used to level the 'van. Would people agree with this? We only took ours out twice last year so still have lots to learn!
The clue is in the name. Steadies are only for steadying. Level the van using ramps and the jockey wheel then steady it with the corner steadies. They are not designed to lift the van to level it.
Correct, first level caravan side to side using leveling ramp under one wheel, then fore & aft using jockey wheel, then wind corner steadies down firmly onto ground but avoid lifting caravan with them. It helps to carry off cuts of wood to put under steadies if required on uneven ground.
If you look under your caravan you will see that the corner steadys are attached to the floor and not the chassis so if you use them to level the caravan you are lifting the van by the floor and not the chassis.
This can stress the bodywork and damage the seals.
Dont know why the caravan manufacturers do this, it would be so easy to design a chassis that has the legs attached
Just another post to add that all the replies above are absolutely right and never to jack up the caravan with the corner steadies but furthermore, what 'alpiner' has said is absolutely true, the four corner steadies are actually fixed to the caravan floor and not the chassis.
If you are going to purchase a pair of levelling ramps then you are best to buy the ones that have the interlocking wheel chocks. When the caravan is level and the wheel chocked this is a safety feature which stops the caravan from rolling off the ramp which can be dangerous if you are ever pitched on a slight incline even though the hand brake may be applied.
A set of plastic chocks from the caravan accessory shop. Only cost a couple of pounds.
Then a few planks of wood that can be easily stacked on top of each other if you require more height. Just make sure they are as wide or wider than the tyre on the van.
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 04/3/2014
If you are going to purchase a pair of levelling ramps then you are best to buy the ones that have the interlocking wheel chocks.
Why does one need a pair of ramps? Surely only one is needed for side to side levelling.
We have bought chocks and levellers but when we actually tried the shop bought levellers dh who does the towing found he much preferred the wooden planks that we now take, I think it's because it's easier to adjust with the wood? OT but similar I would also recommend one of the mats you can put under tyres to help you get off slippy pitches. We found that worked well to get off a grass pitch.