Leveling my pop up

RinoV · 04-26-2015, 08:51 PM

I just purchased a 1991 Jayco cardinal 6, to be used as a secondary camper for my children to take their kids camping with us. My question is this, my t.t. has jacks for leveling, where as this unit does not. Is it missing or do I use independent jacks? Also, can I permanently place jacks onto the unit? And do I jack and stabilize all 4 corners? I am new to the pop up scene and don't have a clue! All help is greatly appreciated!!

maromeo · 04-26-2015, 09:16 PM

We had the following on our previous PUP.

BAL - Innovative Products for the RV Industry

I have seen where people have put regular jacks stands under each corner of the PUP to make it more stable.

Hope this helps.

fmichaels · 04-27-2015, 02:30 AM

are you saying you dont have stabilizers?

emjayuu · 04-27-2015, 08:52 AM

Ok. There is a difference between "levellers" and "stabilizers".. Levelling usually on a smaller trailer is the crank near the hitch of the trailer (up and down). There are no levellers for side to side (this is where you use levelling blocks or a BAL leveller under the tires. As for stabilizers, my Jayco only has these on the rear... Some of the larger units have them at the front and rear. This is where you use a rod to lower down the scissor unit from the bottom of the rear of the trailer. (These should never be used for levelling a trailer)

Seann45 · 04-27-2015, 08:14 PM

You level side to side by putting something under the low tire. you level front to back with the tongue jack.. Stabilizers are just that to stabilize the RV and keep it from rocking when you walk in it.

RinoV · 04-28-2015, 07:05 PM

Thanks for the info guys!! Now on to other projects before I take her out!!!

mystictmoose · 05-01-2015, 10:53 AM

i would also double check to see if you have stabilizers. usually they are spring loaded up under the back corners of the frame, you have to pull them towards center of trailer then pull them down.
most pop ups had the back ones as standard equipment

DocBrown · 05-01-2015, 12:28 PM

Just a clarification, trailers with stabilizers as opposed to leveling jacks have frames that can flex. In the case of a pop-up if you flex the frame the door may not line up, the roof may not crank up or down smoothly, and the beds may not pull out straight.

Scoutr2 · 05-01-2015, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocBrown

Just a clarification, trailers with stabilizers as opposed to leveling jacks have frames that can flex. In the case of a pop-up if you flex the frame the door may not line up, the roof may not crank up or down smoothly, and the beds may not pull out straight.

This is good advice. Most trailers do not have the frame rigidity for leveling on the corners. The frame can twist, creating problems in a pop-up described by DocBrown. In a travel trailer, the doors may not open and close properly and you are flexing the sides where they meet the roof - NEVER a good thing. Over time, the weather resistance at seams and corners can be compromised.

As mentioned earlier, level side-to-side with boards under the low tires, then level front-to-rear with the tongue jack. And remember to put down the stabilizers before moving any slides out.

Mattincincy · 05-06-2015, 10:54 AM

This is what we bought and it works great.
BAL Light Trailer Tire Leveler - $64.88

emjayuu · 05-06-2015, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattincincy

This is what we bought and it works great.
BAL Light Trailer Tire Leveler - $64.88

My favourite accessory!!!

SilverEscape · 05-06-2015, 12:43 PM

Ya just get the BAL leveller AND the BAL single tire locking chock. You won't be sorry. Rock solid PUP. Wish it could be that quick and easy with my TT.

**Snake Plissken** · 05-13-2015, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

You level side to side by putting something under the low tire. you level front to back with the tongue jack.. Stabilizers are just that to stabilize the RV and keep it from rocking when you walk in it.

Or dig a hole under the high tire. After all it's a pop up. You can move it by hand.

SilverEscape · 05-13-2015, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake Plissken

Or dig a hole under the high tire. After all it's a pop up. You can move it by hand.

Ours was 3000 pounds loaded. With a tire stuck in a hole it would have been tough to get out. Moving my hand worked on paved, flat surfaces. Any incline or on gravel and it was not easy or impossible.

Granted, the original poster's PUP is likely lighter being a '91.

Imnaha.Mansion · 05-13-2015, 11:40 PM

I lower the ground of the high side with a shovel. Not a deep hole, the spot should be closer to level than that. Any tow vehicle that can handle the weight of the trailer can easily pull it out.

I agree with you it can't just move it by hand.

SilverEscape · 05-14-2015, 07:24 AM

While you can dig a hole, after 9 years with a PUP, the 2 Bal products I referenced are easier than digging a hole and chock your wheels better than anything else out there so your PUP doesn't move. Nice and solid when you sleep and kids are moving around inside.

Maybe it's just my thing, but I don't like leaving holes for the next person. Because having been the next person, that hole is never on the right spot for me and typically we've had to fill it due to location. Not fun when we arrive late after work in the dark and the mosquitoes are as large as cars and as busy as a traffic jam on an L.A. Freeway. Especially if it rained days prior and the dirt/gravel is hard and made the hole look more like a crater. More difficult to break up and fill.

Imnaha.Mansion · 05-14-2015, 07:41 AM

When I had a single Axle PUP a couple small boards and some shallow digging was all it took. Check the the tires with some split Firewood pieces. Easy and quick. I filled in any holes or ruts we leave minimum trace when we leave.

I get it every buddy has to finds what's right for them, where I camp mosquitos are no problem. Only saying I find it easy and quick and it works for me.

jaycojay · 08-07-2015, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocBrown

Just a clarification, trailers with stabilizers as opposed to leveling jacks have frames that can flex. In the case of a pop-up if you flex the frame the door may not line up, the roof may not crank up or down smoothly, and the beds may not pull out straight.

VERY IMPORTANT
Level the trailer front to back with the tongue jack, and side to side with plastic levellers or a 2x6. Never lower the jack stands until the roof is fully raised, and vise versa when lowering the roof. The frame has to flex, if it can't, u may jamb the lifter system. Saw it happen in a campground once!

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