Hello all

CLG · 07-20-2019, 11:39 PM

My wife and I just bought our first rv.
We are the proud owners of a new to us, 2014 Thor ACE 27.1
Everything is a learning curve, so I am glad to find this forum.

I do have an initial question on leveling safety. We have a sloping driveway the back wheels are about 1foot lower than the front. Is it safe to block the back under the back levelers and level manually? Any idea what height blocking is safe? I have access to some substantial demential lumber.

pmorris92223 · 07-21-2019, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLG

My wife and I just bought our first rv.
We are the proud owners of a new to us, 2014 Thor ACE 27.1
Everything is a learning curve, so I am glad to find this forum.

I do have an initial question on leveling safety. We have a sloping driveway the back wheels are about 1foot lower than the front. Is it safe to block the back under the back levelers and level manually? Any idea what height blocking is safe? I have access to some substantial demential lumber.

Hmm, your parking brake is on your rear wheels. I don't think you want to elevate your rear wheels off the ground

CLG · 07-21-2019, 01:14 AM

I thought of that I have a set of four wheel chocks. I am concerned about raising either front or back too high. I could turn the unit so the front wheels are lower. I am still concerned about raising it too high.
Only problem is operating the slide. RV needs to be level. Wife has not seen the slide out yet.

pmorris92223 · 07-21-2019, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLG

I thought of that I have a set of four wheel chocks. I am concerned about raising either front or back too high. I could turn the unit so the front wheels are lower. I am still concerned about raising it too high.
Only problem is operating the slide. RV needs to be level. Wife has not seen the slide out yet. [emoji38]

Wouldn't worry much about the front being higher especially with wheel chocks. I've had my front wheels off the ground on a space that wasn't level. Not my first choice but it really wasn't a problem as long as the rear wheels are on the ground in park with the brakes set.

K0LCB · 07-21-2019, 02:35 AM

Welcome to our group from South Texas! I wouldn’t want neck tires off the ground.

ducksface · 07-21-2019, 04:22 AM

Since you're new to the rv thing, and since there are nuances that need learned and muscle memorized, I'd show the wife the slider while on level ground in a parking lot and NOT consider blocking it level in the driveway as your first blocking attempt.

Don't block it unneededly in your driveway.

Bob Denman · 07-21-2019, 12:30 PM

Welcome to our Band of Merry Travelers!

There's so much new stuff to learn... Take small bites at a time, and don't let yourself get overwhelmed with it!

**16ACE27** · 07-21-2019, 01:24 PM

Welcome from another 27.1 owner. I've leveled mine several times with the FRONT wheels hanging, never the rear though.

coachray · 07-21-2019, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksface

Since you're new to the rv thing, and since there are nuances that need learned and muscle memorized, I'd show the wife the slider while on level ground in a parking lot and NOT consider blocking it level in the driveway as your first blocking attempt.

Don't block it unneededly in your driveway.

Welcome to the forum. That's a good idea if you have access to one.

Pete'sMH · 07-21-2019, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmorris92223

Wouldn't worry much about the front being higher especially with wheel chocks. I've had my front wheels off the ground on a space that wasn't level. Not my first choice but it really wasn't a problem as long as the rear wheels are on the ground in park with the brakes set.

I let my front wheels be off the ground once or twice without any catastrophic consequences. But I won’t do it again. If it comes to pass that they will be so when I’m leveling I will start over with some lego blocks under them (and the jacks). The jacks are not designed for lateral loads and it is the tires on the ground that prevent them from experiencing any sideways forces.

CLG · 07-22-2019, 01:34 AM

OK. I was thinking it was a bad idea in general. So thanks for the support.
Just learned something new today. The engine running doesn’t mean the rv electrics work I need to plug in or run the genset. LOL. Sooo much to learn.

MJC62 · 07-22-2019, 02:21 AM

You will need the engine running and parking brake set to use the leveling system.
As others have said don't pick the rear wheels off the ground, I cannot think of anything good to come from that as the Park Brake is not doing any good. I would drive up on heavy wooden cribbing or lego blocks to achieve the desired lift. Welcome aboard and happy RVng!
Mark

gmc · 07-22-2019, 02:26 AM

You will get different opinions here... when necessary, I have no issue having front wheels off ground... I have about 5000 pounds on front axle - which transfers to jacks.. if anything is going to push that laterally, I have bigger problems... (‘this doesn’t look like Kansas’ type problems...)
I try to avoid lifting rears... and always chock front well if significant weight is coming off rear axles...
I’ve seen many cases of front wheels off ground even large DPs with rear axle and tag hanging.. lol
Our last trip there was no way to level with front wheels on ground... and no way to move sites. Only issue was I didn’t have enough 2x10 blocks to raise it high enough. A quick trip to Lowe’s, and they cut one up for me. Had no issues.
To each there own. Do what works for you and that you are comfortable with.

You may also like: