BAL Leveler

[austinado16]

Some stabs don't use a screw-jack type system to articulate them.  For example, the Atwoods on my Starcraft.  They're manually folded down, like landing gear, and then the inner part slides down further from the outer part until it touches the ground.  Then you put a 1/2" diameter round bar through both, and leverage down to lock them together, forced hard onto the ground.

If I had spin down stabs like some of you, I think I would use a drill on them.  I'd probably use the drill on the BAL then too, since the drill would be out, and raring to go.

[luv2campsum]

Any place to purchase a cheap BAL?

[austinado16]

They are sometimes sold here in PUX, in the PUX store, and purchasing helps support this forum.

Otherwise, ebay, and certain online RVparts sources like this one in southern CA.http://www.rvpartscenter.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=18058&SID=15&DID=45&CID=167

[luv2campsum]

They are sometimes sold here in PUX, in the PUX store, and purchasing helps support this forum.

Otherwise, ebay, and certain online RVparts sources like this one in southern CA.http://www.rvpartscenter.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=18058&SID=15&DID=45&CID=167

Thanks.  Just checked the pux store.  The specs were vague as to how much weight it can hold.
Mine is around 3200 lbs, so I need to know if this will hold 1600. 

[austinado16]

It'll hold your camper just fine, and works fine with 12" tires, and even smaller tires, even though they only list it for 13-15ish.

[mamawildbear]

LOVE my BAL. My mom gave it to us for Christmas 2 years ago. Saved us a boatload of trouble many times - like here:


2010-11-22 Goose Island - Leveling the Camper - 1 by Mommycott, on Flickr

On the subject of raise the roof vs stabilizers, the Coleman manual says raising the roof with the stabilizers down puts too much stress on the frame. Like the others have said, they specifically mention to raise the roof first then put the stabilizers down. Likewise, when folding up, raise the stabilizers and then lower the roof. Mine is 12 years old though. Check the manual for your particular unit.

No one has mentioned but also do NOT use your stabilizers to level your camper.

[Malena]

But remember to use the stabilizers. It can get kinda jiggly without them. 

[mamawildbear]

But remember to use the stabilizers. It can get kinda jiggly without them. 

We were at a group camp a few years back and one of our members set up their popup and got into bed. Yep, no stabilizers - they flipped it. The were surprised but unhurt. Unfortunately I didn't get to witness that one.

[Brian]

Any place to purchase a cheap BAL?

They are sometimes sold here in PUX, in the PUX store, and purchasing helps support this forum.

Otherwise, ebay, and certain online RVparts sources like this one in southern CA.http://www.rvpartscenter.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=18058&SID=15&DID=45&CID=167

I bought mine from the PUX store. Superfast shipping and a lot less than Camping World

Brian

[mike4947]

Thanks.  Just checked the pux store.  The specs were vague as to how much weight it can hold.
Mine is around 3200 lbs, so I need to know if this will hold 1600. 

Wwe went thrugh this about 6 yeqars ago and the weight "limit" for a BAL leveler is 4000 pounds. NOTE: this is the lifting weight of one side of the camper NOT the total weight.

[monkeywrencher]

We use the BAL leveler on the low side (purchased through PUX trading post)
https://puxtradingpost.com/shop/product.php?productid=16157&cat=289&page=1

BAL single tire locking chock on the high side.  Available through PUX trading post.
https://puxtradingpost.com/shop/product.php?productid=16158&cat=289&page=1

and a torpedo level I picked up at Home Depot.  That's all you need. 

Make sure to lube the BAL leveler jack screw and don't over tighten the locking chock.  The weight won't be a problem, the weight of your PUP is distributed primarily over the tires but a little over the tongue jack and well.  The leveler doesn't lift the whole weight of the PUP.

[Brian]

BAL single tire locking chock on the high side.  Available through PUX trading post.
[url=https://puxtradingpost.com/shop/product.php?productid=16158&cat=289&page=1]

Fixed to make link clickable.

Brian

[monkeywrencher]

Fixed in my post as well.

Thanks Brian!

Gotta remember to proofread. 

[generalbeluga]

With regard to a cordless drill to lift the roof and lower the stab jacks, I am reprinting my previous post on this question: 

I just bought a Ryobi One + 1/2" 18 volt cordless drill model Number P212 at Home Depot for $69.00 ($74.00 out the door).  It has 330 inch pounds of torque and easily lifts the roof on my 2009 fleetwood Utah with roof mounted air conditioning.  This is less than half the price of other "high end" drills with high torque ratings and I was, quite frankly, amazed at how easily it lifted my roof without any strain or pain. 

I also found a slotted "T" socket, part 94-8672 #955003 made by Liftco in the 2012 RV Accessories Product catalogue for $12.89. Your local RV parts dealer will have this catalogue and can order the parts for you without delivery charges.  It fits the roof crank, on later models, the four jack levelers and the swivel tongue jack (just remove the handle and replace the bolt in the top and the socket slots fit perfectly right over the top shaft and bolt).  If you add a 3/4" socket, Part number 94-8755 57363, you can also raise and lower your Bal light trailer tire leveler with ease.

All of the above items were less than half the price of competing products look well built and work great on my 2009 Utah which is a big heavy trailer with a Filon roof and air conditioning!

John

[luv2campsum]

With regard to a cordless drill to lift the roof and lower the stab jacks, I am reprinting my previous post on this question: 

I just bought a Ryobi One + 1/2" 18 volt cordless drill model Number P212 at Home Depot for $69.00 ($74.00 out the door).  It has 330 inch pounds of torque and easily lifts the roof on my 2009 fleetwood Utah with roof mounted air conditioning.  This is less than half the price of other "high end" drills with high torque ratings and I was, quite frankly, amazed at how easily it lifted my roof without any strain or pain. 

I also found a slotted "T" socket, part 94-8672 #955003 made by Liftco in the 2012 RV Accessories Product catalogue for $12.89. Your local RV parts dealer will have this catalogue and can order the parts for you without delivery charges.  It fits the roof crank, on later models, the four jack levelers and the swivel tongue jack (just remove the handle and replace the bolt in the top and the socket slots fit perfectly right over the top shaft and bolt).  If you add a 3/4" socket, Part number 94-8755 57363, you can also raise and lower your Bal light trailer tire leveler with ease.

All of the above items were less than half the price of competing products look well built and work great on my 2009 Utah which is a big heavy trailer with a Filon roof and air conditioning!

John

The Ryobi you refer to is a hammer drill.........
Also, the charger & battery are sold separately.
Basically add $120 to the cost of drill.   
Brings total to about $190 + tax.