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Is THIS a BAL Leveler KILLER? | BAL Leveler VS. Curved Leveler Face-Off! | Pros & Cons
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ส.ค. 2024
- In this video, we have a face-off between the often recommended BAL leveler versus the Camco curved leveler for leveling our pop up camper. Each of these leveling options has their own pros as well as their own cons, which is detailed in the video. Check out which leveler we were able to level our pop up with faster!
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Thanks for watching! What leveling system do you guys use?
Also, we have new shirts and hats here! shop.spreadshirt.com/its-poppin-/
That's the leveler I use. After adding the wedge to keep it positioned, I return to the tow vehicle and put it in neutral to allow the trailer to "settle" before setting the brake again and unhitching. That'll help reduce the shift that happened when the tongue released from the ball. Will help prevent any injuries or damage to the tow vehicle.
I also find that you have to overcompensate a bit as the pup will have a tendency to roll forward no matter how snugly you add the wedge.
Keep on poppin'!
Awesome, thanks for the tip
Great review. You hit on all the points that we've experienced. We tried the plastic curved levelers first and we had problems with shifting every time we took off hitch. Plus if we were setting up on grass, they easily slipped. We were fortunate to get a BAL leveler. Tthe first time we used it, it was quick and easy and raised the wheel higher than what we would have gotten with the curved levelers.
Our Rockwood HW 296 is a duel axle. We use cut wood, 1X6 & 2X6 cut to length, sealed, and abrasive taped to create a non slip surface. We have various shims if required. Once level we use a BAL duel wheel chock between the tires to lock them down, no movement. I looked at the BAL Leveler, liked it. We went to a dealer, and tried two of them side by side. To close. Opted for the cut wood. I like the drive on wedge system, and they do make one for duel axle trailers, not bought them. Thanks for showing how the wedge system works. As always, Thank you for an eye opening option. Bless all Pop Up Family Members, and hope to see you out there.
Nothing beats my free 2x12's that can get the camper up 1.5 or 3". And if the site is really stupid, my handy shovel will dig a hole down as far as needed to sink the wheel in. ;)
Took a couple of months to get the Bal leveler, due to being out of stock. Finally received it and used it for the first time yesterday. It couldn’t have been easier. Love it!
The BAL leveller is awesome! Works instantly. We bought a 24” pizza delivery bag to put it in and it’s easy to transport (a 20” MIGHT fit, but I think it’s slightly more than 20 inches so we went bigger)
Couldn’t find a Bal Leveler A few months back when I was looking for one. I ended up going with the EAZ lift Leveler which is the exact same design as the Bal leveler. Been working absolutely great for me no issues!
The choice of the Bal leveler was made for us when some friends upgraded from a pop-up to a small motorhome and gifted it to us. That being said, we love it and have used it in all but one camping trip when the ground was perfectly level🍻.
used the BAL level for a few years and it was great. Also bought a large pizza delivery carrier and it fit inside perfectly and kept the grease from getting on everything while storing the level.
Can you post a link to which pizza carrier? Or give the dimensions of which one. Love the idea. Thank you.
@@hollywoodmikemiranda3941 20 x 20 x 5
BAL Leveler for us. The only drawback for me is finding a place for it because it is bulky. I just keep it easily accessible either in my truck or in the truck bed. Great vid as always. 👍🏻
I set mine right inside the door, so I can lower the step and grab it and my drill right away.
I have a level installed on the top portion of my roof that I can see through my window glass. To level left to right with the curve level without getting out.
I also have a frame level to ensure the frame is level as well, for now they don't mismatch but just incase the roof gets off kilter eventually. Then Ill just relearn what "0" is referencing the frame level.
As a side note I also made sure to stick it in line with my hitch that I line up my rear window manufactuer label with to nail the left to right of my hitch when hooking back up.
Thanks for another great video!
I ordered the Bal leveler back in July, after seeing your first video with it. Estimated deliver:September 3rd. Oof!
We have the same trailer and love it! Thank you for all the info, education and inspiration.
I think we have an advantage using the curved levelers on a tandem axle popup. Easy peasy for us and put wheel chocks on the other side to prevent shifting. Not worried about solo. Hubby and I will be together. We are falling in love with our Coleman Evolution E4. Able to take our full size golf cart with us if we need it.
Food for thought. Maybe when you put the wedge in front of the leveler you take a rubber mallet and hit the wedge. Saying this you will have a better set cause just setting the wedge there you will have some slack due to the underlying surface does not have a solid load on it. Maybe try this and see if it helps preventing a roll up when hitch is released. Thanks for Sharing. Stay Safe.
Or you could just pull forward an inch.
I camp alone most times, so I think I would go with the Bal Leveler.
Absolutely
Putting a stick-on level on the camper where you can see it in the rearview mirror takes care of that problem.
I see what you are saying. I think i can get away with having the bal leveler stored on my top roof storage rack basket top of my trailer. since it is first off and last to load. I have been using leveling blocks and doing the back and forth many times. Great video.
Been using the Anderson levers for almost 4 years now and we love them. I pull forward up on mine.
Thanks for the video! We use the BAL leveler...think we got it at Camper World last year. I cheat with the impact gun too. It's kind of bulky but we just keep it in the storage box so not too bad to move around.
Right on!
Great video. As everybody else i couldnt find that BAL leveler so went with that exact Camco curved leveler at the beginning of the season. I like it a lot but another con to it is under "soft" conditions it will tend to sink a bit so you need something under it to adjust according to the contiions. Keep up the great content!
Good to know. I also saw that they made an anti-slip mat for it, but it was another $20-$25. I don't know if that would help prevent it from sinking.
To avoid the shifting, you need to gona bit past level, push the chock in then let the camper settle back.
I’m a fan of the bal leveler. I can do it by myself without getting in and out of the tow vehicle several times. It has a higher lifting capacity for those really unlevel sites, and it also is a built in chock.
I was just about to make the same point about having to get in and out of the tow vehicle multiple times with the curved leveler, that can be a real pain sometimes.
Bal leveler for me with a bal 28020 single axle wheel chock on the other side. Rock solid when its all said and done. Just my 2 cents. Interesting channel, just found it. Should be fun watching all of your videos! Thanks!!
I think I've watched all your videos. Some more than twice. Best informational videos out there.
Thanks Travis!
We use the Anderson levellers. The curved one is bigger than the one you used and once in place we don’t move. It was not much money, it’s light and convenient. I have never seen thr bal leveller before
I just got a BAL leveler. The wedge is ok and I’ve used it for a while but last time, solo setup, I had some pretty severe shifting when I disconnected. Enough to throw off all my side level efforts. The BAL should help especially solo. Check for used ones. Folks often upgrade and get out of the popup game and they don’t need the BAL anymore
I got the leveler pro which is a Bluetooth thing I can see from my phone in the car. So as I'm baking up I can see if I'm level. Also the system I got came with an anti slip matt.
Also the BAL leveler kept shreading the threads. I have a Fleetwood bayside that is 3600 wet. And so it was just to much for the BAL.
So the combination of the Leverler Pro and the wedge system I'm happy!
The only down side is that the BAL could go up 8 inches and the wedge can only go up 4 inches. So as I'm backing into a site if I see on my phone +4 I try to find a different spot.
Looks like the bal leveler would be easier for one person to use as you are already out of your vehicle to check the level. I could see the other being annoying to do by yourself. Thanks for the vid, bal leveler came yesturday 😁
I keep my BAL leveler in an insulated pizza bag that I got from Amazon for about $12. Keep it stored in the front storage box.
Shoot us a link if you have one handy.
The BAL leveller is way better than any blocks if you're by yourself. The blocks are just as fast or faster only if you have someone spotting you while you move the camper. Great video though, thanks.
Thank you for all your must needed tips.
Great video! Just curious if you’ve ever talked about keeping your tires in good condition while keeping the trailer parked in between camping trips, especially how to keep tires from drying out or cracking. Do you set it up on blocks, jack it up, or just put tire covers on it?
We keep our pop up in the garage so we're not worried about sun exposure, but if yours is kept outside, wheel covers wouldn't hurt. It's also recommended to put your pop up on jack stands and deflate your tires when in long-term storage. Once again, we don't do that because we're always doing one thing or another with the pop up, but your milage may vary.
Thanks for the video
Thanks for the info. I saw in another video the guy has a Bluetooth level indicator so he can see the level by himself while sitting in the truck. Seems like a cool option. We are buying our first pop up soon so I appreciate the newbie info.
Fancy!
Oh that sounds like a really cool and handy app.
@@tomerasmy5527 I'm going to look into it when I get my camper.
interesting. Good to know. Thanks for that video
Fun Video love watching you time yourself.
I only level front and back.
The Bal leveler allows you to park your trailer in more places in my opinion.
Hi so you use an impact driver, but in a comment you say dont use an impact driver. It's been a while now. Have you noticed problems with the impact driver, besides noise.
Ordered a BAL from Amazon, they cancelled my order. Three days later they were still available at a lower price. I ordered again. In two days they cancelled it again. A day later there was still one available at a still lower price. I cancelled Amazon and BAL from ever being among things i would ever use.
I'll stick with 2x6's. They have worked for me for 40 years and are as simple and effective as both these methods.
Jeez, craziness.
New pop up owner here! If I’m using block leveling, presuming you only are ever leveling one side, do you just chock the other side to prevent any forward/backward movement?
Yes
My fam and I are new to the pop up camping world. Recently bought a used one and will be taking it out for its maiden voyage next week. It came with a bal leveler, so I guess that’s the one we’ll be using lol. Love your vids and just bought one of your hats this weekend. Keep up the great work and can’t wait for the next vid.
Not a bad deal lol
Yeah the Bal level would be great if they fit my little tiny tires.
I believe they are rated for 12-15 inch tires
Purchase the Andersen levelers ( similar but completely smooth on bottom ) and they just slide along the ground like a sleigh, pretty much useless.
I have a small lightweight floor jack and lift under axel then place the 2 piece Andersen levelers under tire and lower it . Would Luv to find a Bal leveler somewhere , been looking for last 2 seasons.
What kind of drill are you using? And what bit do you use to attach it to the leveler?
I'm one of those guys who *gasp* uses an impact driver to set the stabilizing jacks. Have yet to have an issue with that. BAL recommends against using the same driver to level, but I see you've done it. Any issues with that? The wrench seems cumbersome and sweat generating... I've also considered an old school Hand crank speed handle. Could you get enough torque from that to level or do you need more "throw" or leverage? Thanks!
I don’t think I’d recommend it either. I think it’s kind of hard on the bal lever, but it’s definitely easier than the manual wrench. If it had one, I’d try a 20v or higher drill instead of an impact driver.
I’ve never used the Bal Lever, from what I understand my ‘06 Fleetwood/Coleman Utah is too heavy. I just use blocks but may check out the type in the video.
I don't think you'd have any problems with your pop up. Remember you're only lifting up one wheel, not the whole camper.
@@ItsPoppin Yeah you’re probably right it would probably be OK. But by the time you add people into the equation t and the camper sits at 3800 pounds, it would be close. I think they’re rated up to 1750 lbs I think. Even if they did fail I can’t see it being a catastrophic failure by any means.
Should be ok. I believe they are rated for 2000 pounds. Remember you have to subtract the weight on the tongue (roughly 10%) and divide by two as the weight is distributed between both tires.
Great vid😎👍
Which leveler are you using a year later? I think I’m going to go with the bal just because I camp at some pretty unlevel ground.
Almost always the curved leveler just due to size and weight. We do have two people, which makes it much easier to use.
Do you need to BAL Leveler or just one?
Unless you have a dual axel, just one.
I just purchased a new to us pop up camper and from got a BAL leveler. It was easy to use. I have a question on another topic. I am new to pop ups and an looking for a quality cover since mine will be stored outside in Seattle during the off season. I need something that will handle the rain, any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
We store ours inside so I don't have any specific recommendations on a cover. However, I would get something breathable to prevent moisture build up inside.
I wouldn't consider the impact, cheating. Anyone that camps, especially boondocks or overland, should carry tools and an electric impact is part of that kit
No bro. It’s a one man set up for both, not one for the ball then two for the wedges. The wedges would suck if you gotta keep getting out the check if you’re level side by side plus the added time no thanks.
How’d you attach the level to your frame? I want to do that with mine.
It's adhesive backed.
any recommended maintenance on the BAL?
Suppose you could put grease in the screw pan every once and a while and perhaps lubricate the hinge points. I don't know if the manufacturer has any maintenance recommendations.
Are you guys located in California or were you traveling in California through truckee in the last few weeks?
Ha, no, not us.
I have a question for you. There is so many different Pop ups out there, we are having a hard time trying to find a band to start looking at. We are NEWBIES when it comes to pop ups. we are trying to find a good one WITHOUT the bathroom and shower in it but has 1 slide for the room. We are wanting a used one. Which ones do you recommend or ones to stay away from?
We know everything is based on personal taste and what would work for us but just looking for a little guidance. Trying to keep it below 5000.. Thanks
What price point or years are you looking at?
@@ItsPoppin Years would be like 2000 or newer and 5000 or less.
Ok, obviously condition is going to trump everything regardless of age or manufacturer. All things being equal, I would look for coleman/fleetwoods, jaycos, or starcrafts over flagstaffs, rockwoods, vikings, palominos, coachmans based on the build quality of the pop ups I've seen and owned. Specific models that come to mind for you are coleman/fleetwood bayside or utah, starcraft 2404 or 2407, or jayco 1206. There's so many models over the years though and availability right now is scarce so I'd jump on whatever pops up in good condition.
Thank you so much.. That was a major help
only a time-tie if you have two people with the curved leveler...
Yes, very true.
I have been looking for the BAL leveler and am not able to find one. They seem tio be non existent in the market place at this time. If you have a contact of where to purchase one send my way
Yeah, your not the first to ask where to find them. Every once in a while I'll see them back in stock on Amazon, however, I am seeing them every once and a while on Facebook Marketplace for sale.
I called the factory and they gave me the name of a local RV place that had just received a shipment. Seems BAL has been hit hard by supply chain delays and employee shortages due to Covid, As ever else.
@@ormartinez2000
Do you have the name and phone number for the rv sales that may have the unit for sale?
It looks like it works much better when you need more elevation, or on a hard service. Check out this video to see what I mean: th-cam.com/video/0lHaEWzNcHw/w-d-xo.html
Hey I really appreciate your videos but because I enjoy watching people doing things so others can know what 's what I think that you are in the video too much. Maybe using a body cam to show what you're doing will be more helpful to others.