Keeping Things On the Level

a two-way bubble level, shown mounted on Teardrop trailer tongue.

I’m not super-picky about it but having the Teardrop trailer close to level is certainly helpful in the galley, and makes sleeping more comfortable. I keep 3 off-cuts of pressure treated lumber in the trailer box for side-to-side levelling. And, because my eye isn’t always a reliable judge, I use a 2-way level on the trailer tongue.

For front to back levelling, if required, I detach the receiver from the ball and use the trailer jack (which is bolted to the tongue) to raise or lower the front end, with wheel chocks in place on the appropriate side.

Hints & Hacks

  • I like having the trailer with a very slight slope toward the rear; in case there should be a leak or a spill in the galley it will flow toward the opening.
  • Different thicknesses of plank are helpful (shown above: deck board & fence board) on their own or in combination.
  • I use small, hollow (thus lightweight) wheel chocks, which seem to be sufficient for a trailer this size.
  • I attached magnets to the level, instead of permanent mounting, to spare it from road damage and sun fade.

So, that’s how I do things with my Teardrop Trailer but by no means the full story or the best way. What about you? Add your own methods, ideas and experiences using the comment box below for the benefit of all readers.

One thought on “Keeping Things On the Level

  1. Dave Percy's avatar Dave Percy

    Thinking of wheels and things mechanical, I notice manufacturers don’t seem to balance the tires on trailers, they spin and vibrate just as hard as your car tires. I removed mine, took them into a tire shop where they needed weights to balance just like every vehicle on the road. Can’t say I notice the difference but I feel better.

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