I was looking at a floorplan yesterday that featured all the slides on one side of the 5Ver, which was also the side where the kitchen appliances were located. When you unhitch and set up, you level the unit right away, correct? Then when you open 3 slides on one side wouldn't that affect the level? Is there an optimal configuration in a 5Ver (or a TT, MH or Class C, for that matter)? Does the kitchen being in the rear of a unit affect the stability in some way? Thanks. gypsy
The Bear II said
08:30 AM Aug 15, 2008
Gypsy97,
Our 5er has two slides on one side, one is a superslide Its long and extends out 4ft, contains the sofa sleeper and dining table. The other slide is the bed and extends out about 2ft.
With the jacks down and the 5er level, the slides affect the side to side level when we roll them out very little, maybe 1/4 of a bubble. Not noticeable and it's the same side as the holding tank drains so I always figure the benefit is that the tanks will drain completely (at least that's what I tell my wife, if she happens to notice the trailer's unlevel).
If I really want to make sure I'm level, I just add an extra 1 inch board under the tires on that side to compensate for the slides.
If I was to buy a new 5th wheel I would spend the extra $2000 to $3000 and have leveling jacks installed. These allow you to automatically re-level the trailer at will. They also make setting up and tearing down a few minutes quicker.
Leveling is like everything else with a 5th wheel, after doing it several times it becomes second nature...... just like backing the 5er into a tight spot.
The Bear II
gypsy97 said
08:56 AM Aug 15, 2008
Thanks. That's another thing I will have to keep a lookout for - leveling jacks. I hate to have to fool with boards and it would possibly drive me crazy being un-level. There is way more to this lifestyle than you realize when you first get the bright idea 'I'll buy an RV and travel the country!" I'm enjoying every minute of the learning and planning, and I know the traveling will be sweet. gypsy
foxriverguy said
10:37 AM Aug 15, 2008
Take the boards. Wet ground. Puddles. Sand. Sometimes you encounter these conditions. Lower a leveling jack into the muck and you will have a tough time extracting it from the suction.
gypsy
gypsy