Leveling the Thor Axis/Vegas RUV

[Long & Winding road]

Yep, same here, I try and go in at angles at entrance / exits with dips.

I thought I might take some aluminum foil and squish it down to a 1 inch thick block that is the same size as the jack pad (to simulate me lowering the jacks one inch) and tape to the landing pads on the bottom. That way I can see where it hits (when entering a gas statation etc) and how much it squish or deform the aluimum foil block I made.

That way it is rips it off because its too low - no big deal and no damage. Or I know I can lower one inch (or two) without snagging.

[Long & Winding road]

Here is my first attempt to level on my driveway. I think I could have gone up another inch or two (without more blocks) but I wanted to see how the RV/bocks/jacks reacted at this height (so far so good). Plus when I walked around inside the RV it felt pretty good (much better than without) so I stopped.

Everything was very stable so next time I will go up higher and try to level to zero.

I was already at 5 lego blocks but they are only 3/4 inch each (I think). I hate to stack any higher but since they are the longer ones I feel good with 6 high.

My bubble gauge started at -6 front to back and afterwards it was still at -3! So I might need one more level bock and raise front jacks all the way (Kinda scary to me - thats why I used the longer Dually blocks for my jacks - more stability).

Im also limited on the # of blocks I can slide under the jacks when fully retracked.

I might need to drop the jacks down one notch (about one inch) front and back.

[Long & Winding road]

Its also a good look at my chrome grill. LOL. Zoom in and you can see it pretty good.

[AlisonChase]

I'm a new RVer, getting ready to head out for some practice runs. I'll be travelling with my dog, who is a great companion but doesn't drive, navigate or help with backing up. He also won't be much use if I have to level the RV.
Any tips / steps for one person who has to level an AXIS 25.3 solo?
And if the best way is to enlist the help of a fellow RVer at a stop, then that's good to know to.

[JamieGeek]

If you don't have an automatic system (which you probably don't since Axis/Vegas units don't come with one):

Get yourself some blocks (I use the Lego like ones: front (Amazon) and rear (Amazon)).

One part is figuring out how many blocks required to level. I use the LevelMatePro which reads out on your mobile device the number of inches each wheel has to be raised--a block is about an inch...easy peasy.

Pull in to the spot, read the inches values, put the blocks down and pull up on the blocks--now with one person it is kind of hard to make sure you are centered on the blocks. You could go hi-tech and get a battery powered wifi camera (Amazon) that you put next to a wheel and watch on your phone (there are other options if you have a spare phone you can turn that into a camera).

Done

[Long & Winding road]

Yeah one person leveling is tuff... Lots of back and forth (from the Cockpit to outside to check alinement and back etc). But it can be done and practice does help.

I did this once and it took me like 40 minutes on a very unlevel spot. I was worn out.

Install some level bubbles in your cockpit that way when you pull into your spot you can look for the most level position before you stop also as your drive up on the blocks you can see the bubble to to gauge how level you are.

I alway add more more block than what you bubble shows. It might show like -2 so add 3 or even 4 blocks (ramped up slowly) on that side so you have more room to level without going over the top.

I woud also suggest getting the blocks with a built in chock (lip at the top)? That way you cannot go past the highest position and it locks you in nicely.

[AlisonChase]

awesome advice... thanks!

[AlisonChase]

Also awesome advice.. I have some time to practice so I'll get my blocks and go to work.
thanks again both of you.

[gnach]

I installed a bubble level app for my android tablet. I lay it on the floor at the top of the stairs. It's big enough to see and it accurate enough. You don't need to be dead-on perfect. Some folks swear by a bull''s eye bubble on a shelf in the fridge, it being the most critical, but mine works. It's all doable, just takes time. Some times it's best to find another site.

[gnach]

Originally Posted by Long & Winding road

Its also a good look at my chrome grill. LOL. Zoom in and you can see it pretty good.

That looks good, what did you use? I hung stucco mesh, painted black, mounted in front of the radiator.

[Long & Winding road]

Originally Posted by gnach

That looks good, what did you use? I hung stucco mesh, painted black, mounted in front of the radiator.

I used 4 stainless steel gutter covers (they prevents leaves from going into the gutters). They cost around $2 each, then cut and shape to fit and zip tied behind the chrome grill. Works great and protects the grill from large bugs, rocks, birds.

I like to find a Thor emblem (maybe chrome or black) that I can stick in the grill area (be really cool if it can be backlit).

I think that would look awesome.

I dont want a Ford emblem (incase your thinking that).

Maybe put a Triton V10 emblem inside grill?

[gnach]

Originally Posted by Long & Winding road

Yep, same here, I try and go in at angles at entrance / exits with dips.

I thought I might take some aluminum foil and squish it down to a 1 inch thick block that is the same size as the jack pad (to simulate me lowering the jacks one inch) and tape to the landing pads on the bottom...

I like the idea for testing but the aluminum seems like a lot of effort to create. How about, instead, double stick tape (carpet tape or VHB) either styro or iso foam or the magic eraser pads? Either would be stiff enough to hold shape but soft enough to wear or gouge if it touches. Just a thought.

[gnach]

Originally Posted by Long & Winding road

I used 4 stainless steel gutter covers (they prevents leaves from going into the gutters). They cost around $2 each, then cut and shape to fit and zip tied behind the chrome grill. Works great and protects the grill from large bugs, rocks, birds.

I like to find a Thor emblem (maybe chrome or black) that I can stick in the grill area (be really cool if it can be backlit).

I think that would look awesome.

I dont want a Ford emblem (incase your thinking that).

Maybe put a Triton V10 emblem inside grill?

DOH! Gutter covers are perfect. For the emblem, why not cut one out of acrylic? Paint it any way you want.

[tag8015]

Sounds good, I have a Vegas 24.1 and was told the HWH might not fit because of ground clearance, Maybe the kick down type would be better. Any suggestions?

[Long & Winding road]

Originally Posted by tag8015

Sounds good, I have a Vegas 24.1 and was told the HWH might not fit because of ground clearance, Maybe the kick down type would be better. Any suggestions?

I bet the HWH will fit if done correctly.

I know the Big Foot fits perfectly on my Axis and its much cheaper. Around $2250 INSTALLED at Big Foot in Sturgis MICH or around $1985 and you install yourself. Its a bargain and works great.

Check them out on online.

[Long & Winding road]

Originally Posted by gnach

DOH! Gutter covers are perfect. For the emblem, why not cut one out of acrylic? Paint it any way you want.

Yep, I thought about that too. I want something that looks professional. I think I have see some stuff online that you can custom order anyway you want it.

[Mr Sunshine]

Originally Posted by tag8015

Sounds good, I have a Vegas 24.1 and was told the HWH might not fit because of ground clearance, Maybe the kick down type would be better. Any suggestions?

I have the HWH kick down levelers on our Vegas and it's been great for us and the way we travel. That said, all level systems have their limits.

[revjeffrey]

Originally Posted by Oneilkeys

I agree with Ed. We have had a Vegas and Axis for three years (35,000 miles) trips to Alaska, Nova Scotia, Colorado etc. and have never used the levelers. Glad to have them, but not one of my "necessary" items.

Same here... 20 States plus Never Leveled mine are still new in package. In fact 20 some yrs. Rving, outings, races etc. Never leveled yet. With a New Vegas leveling will be the least of your worries.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by revjeffrey

Same here... 20 States plus Never Leveled mine are still new in package. In fact 20 some yrs. Rving, outings, races etc. Never leveled yet. With a New Vegas leveling will be the least of your worries.

The most important place we have to level our Axis is....our driveway. It is steep enough that the refer refuses to cool if I don't level. Thus I've had to level from day 1.

[Long & Winding road]

Yeah my driveway is very unlevel.

I find that most of the camp grounds I go to are very unlevel. Maybe only 1 out of 5 are good enough you dont need blocks or maybe one or two blocks.

Sometimes its a mater of where you want the RV on the site.... it has to be close enough for hookups and have the door near (or at least facing) the picnic table etc.