Ready, Steady, Still - Leveling Jacks
Because I like to sleep straight and steady and because I’d like to be able to use every drop of water, especially from a flat tank and for some various other reasons, including that I may be full of nonsense, I want the camper straight and level when stationary. That may be a bit over the top, but hey, caravans have been kitted out with leveling devices ever since. Admittedly, caravans are usually stationary for much longer periods than a camper, nevertheless, that’s no reason to abstain from this convenience, especially if the solution is reasonably simple.
Leveling Jack
Rummaging around between the shelves at Bushwhackers, the Namibian sister to Campworld, I found something that looked pretty much the same as what I had in mind anyway and what I also had sketched up a while ago (see picture). They’ll set you back short of 700 bucks each and weigh in at around 5kg each. We tested them on a caravan and they were easy and smooth to operate. All that’s needed are either jack-points at key locations and/or a slight modification of the lift arms to fit your already existing jack-points. They also sell all sorts of miniature water levels, which will aid you in getting it right.
I suppose a good place to store them is either right at/on the entry door to the cabin or any other place where they are easy to reach and immediately accessible, as leveling will be the first thing to do once a place for the night(s) has been chosen, yes?. Grab the jacks, wind them until steady, have someone check the water level(s), adjust … voila … shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Whaddayafink?
So long,
Tommy (trying to keep it straight)
Tags: Bushwhackers, Campworld, Leveling Jacks
Tommy
It is not impossible to get the vehicle level without jacks. But you need the jacks to keep the thing steady while sleeping. When I was planning my camper the idea was to attached the jacks in such a way that one could drive the vehicle forward and off the jacks should the need arise for a quick getaway or should the driver forget to remove them.
“Grab the jacks, wind them until steady, have someone check the water level(s), adjust … voila … shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Whaddayafink?”
If that someone happens to be my wife we will never get the thing level. Train that someone well in advance what way the bubble must go!
Thanks Piet, especially for the laugh … I love the bit with the wife LOL … I can just see myself and the missus having the same sort of problem
If the jack-point and jack-rod are round, the driving off should work, yes?
BTW, just because I’m curious, what kinda camper did/do you have planned/in mind?
I used to be a Land Rover man. The plan was to build a camper very much like yours on a Defender 110. I used to live in the Lowveld and the people from Country Caravans (www.reccocamper.co.za) were to do the build.
Pop up roof, sleep 2 + 2 etc, etc. I initially plan to have the kids bed/dinning area
at the back of the Landy but people complained they were getting nauseous at the back of the Defender so that area was moved forward like yours.
In the end things did not work out financially for me but the dream is still there.
When I found your web site I was pleasantly surprised at how similar your thoughts are to mine. So I will follow your adventures with great interest and one day build my own camper!
Re the jacks: I think that when you have to insert the jacking points into the chassis you would not be able to drive off them. The chassis should rest ON the jacks so when you drive off you don’t drive OUT of the jacks but OFF them. Does this makes sense?
I am glad that my Land Rover plans did not work out as the Landy’s suspension would not be stiff enough for the weight of the camper. The Cruiser is the way to go.
Good luck with yours.
I shall visit here often.
Piet
Very interesting Piet, looking forward to meet with you in J-Bay and bounce some thoughts and ideas around.
Yes, driving off the jacks makes sense.
Keep the comments coming, they are much appreciated.
Tommy