Leveling A Chinook

[pdemarest]

Hi all - what's the easiest way to level your rig? I know about hydraulic levelers but those are too expensive. I've used an Andersen Wheel Leveler to level my tent trailer but I'm not sure if I can use that system to level my Chinook due to the dual rear wheels. I've considered having some scrissor jacks welded to the frame at all four corners but am concerned about ground clearance. Any suggestions?

[Blue~Go]

I carry a pack of Lynx Blocks. These are ten, lightweight orange plastic blocks in a square cube zipper pouch (~$35 at Wal-Mart or etc.). They will easily support a Chinook. They stack in various combinations.

Actually what I try to do (and am successful at around 80% of the time) is park so I don't need to level. But when I do, out come the trusty Lynx blocks. You could use boards, but they'd be a bit heavier.

Although hydraulic levelers look handy, I believe they do add weight to the rear axle, which few 21' Chinooks can spare. I'm not sure if they affect clearance, but they might.

So anyway, the simplicity and light weight of the Lynx blocks have my vote. I keep them in the outside locker just aft of the battery compartment on port side. They just fit and come in and out upright in their cube-shaped pouch. Actually, I have part of a second pack also (that someone gave me) behind them. That comes in handy if I have to level the rear (which takes twice as many blocks due to the duallies - better if you can level the front!).

[pdemarest]

Thanks, Blue - I have some of those blocks around from when I was using them on a tent trailer. I agree that the best policy is to park at a level site. Unfortunately, our favorite site at the lake where we go camping (Lake Don Pedro near Sonora, CA) has a bad dip on one side so we always have to level. I will say that the Andersen device has made it possible for us to level much more quickly than with blocks but I'm thinking I'd need to have two of them to support both rear wheels.

Anyone successful using their rear air bags to level your rig?