Judging Levelling Ramps Alone (1 Viewer)

[Kingham]

Something I've not considered until now, at those times where ramps have been needed, one of us drives, while the other guides the driver, making sure the van doesn't drop over the ramp.
I also like to use the serrated wheel chocks that came with my Fiamma ramps and which allows you to leave the handbrake off.

How do you manage by yourselves, is it just trial and error and do you ever drive over your ramps.

 

[JackieP]

Hi there. I posted this same question when I set off alone. You just get a feel for it and it doesn't take long before you get the hang of it. I actually prefer it now to someone helping me using those variety of hand signals that people choose to use.

And yes, I've gone over the top twice in 18 months and it did no damage and I it didn't make the massive crash that I thought it might.

 

[Janine]

I used to use the Milenco 'stepped' ramps so I could judge how far up I was.

Only time I've driven over the top was in temper

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[Cal54]

As a solo traveller I usually have to do this on my own when needed. Basically I take a visual marker through my drivers window and slowly drive on to the blocks, so far never driven too far and run off!

 

[Badknee]

If it's on your side open the door wide and stick yer 'ed out

Otherwise it's a guess

 

[Debs]

As a solo traveller I usually have to do this on my own when needed. Basically I take a visual marker through my drivers window and slowly drive on to the blocks, so far never driven too far and run off!

Good idea Carol - this has been at the back of my mind for a while......along with 101 other things

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[treetops1]

If the fridge is running when we stop I don't bother with the chocks .Falling out of bed is part of the fun lol ,but it's not happened yet lol

 

[movan]

I have run off the end ... .. . The most annoying thing for me as a solo at a meet is when I park up, struggle with the levellers, turn my gas, fridge on ... take out all my little bits and pieces for display, fill the kettle, put it on the hob ready for a cuppa, cup out ... and someone says 'can you move over there so we can fit those in who havn't arrived yet' or some other such triviati .....

 

[Muriel]

I haven't got levelling blocks. In your opinions, are they a must?

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[hilldweller]

Something I've not considered until now,

I once thought of the hi-tech method, use a camera ( reversing type ) but plan B a garden cane. Stick it in ground the length of the ramp minus a bit, hit the cane and STOP.

 

[hilldweller]

I haven't got levelling blocks. In your opinions, are they a must?

Sooner or later yes.

 

[Gellyneck]

You could carry a couple of bricks \ blocks with you and place these in front of the wheels not going on the ramps at the distance you want to go up the ramps to act as stops. Once you're on the ramps move the bricks tight to the other side of the wheels and they'll act as chocks. If the blocks are wooden you could drill them to take a couple of awning pegs you could hammer into the ground to ensure they don't move.

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[Baycott]

take out all my little bits and pieces for display,

I can't wait till Chester

 

[Chas17]

I haven't got levelling blocks. In your opinions, are they a must?

I have Milenco ramps, which my late partner considered essential. Now, although I still carry them, I rarely use them unless on a major slope. Just put the pillow at the highest end and I'm fine. And it certainly doesn't worry the dog.

 

[Geo]

Milenco produce a spirit level for use on your work top, that will indicate what number rise you need to be level.
Not clear in the pic but it does have corresponding numbers on the level

ie 1/2/3/4

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[movan]

@Muriel they are always coming up second hand so maybe someone on here may have some for sale at some point.

 

[Bailey 15]

Geo
That's looks brilliant do you use that level and what if it's higher one side then the other?

 

[peterc10]

Milenco produce a spirit level for use on your work top, that will indicate what number rise you need to be level.
Not clear in the pic but it does have corresponding numbers on the level

View attachment 156035 View attachment 156036
ie 1/2/3/4

More accurate (and free) if you have an Android phone (may work on iphone as well) is to get the Truma app which includes a levelling app which sets out how much you need to chock up each wheel to get it level (you first need to tell it your wheelbase and width).

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[Muriel]

@Muriel they are always coming up second hand so maybe someone on here may have some for sale at some point.

Thanks Joy, I will look out for them. It's another thing to lug around and I don't have much locker room but if they are a must, then I'd better get them.

 

[MillieMoocher]

More accurate (and free) if you have an Android phone (may work on iphone as well) is to get the Truma app which includes a levelling app which sets out how much you need to chock up each wheel to get it level (you first need to tell it your wheelbase and width).

Not as sophisticated here...

I have a marble which I put on the table. The speed and direction of how it moves gives me enough to know whether to use ramps, if so where and by how much.

Marble doesn't take up much room either!

 

[Bailey 15]

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[CWH]

I haven't got levelling blocks. In your opinions, are they a must?

Personal opinion, no. Used them maybe 3 times in well over 600 nights away. But I can happily sleep on even quite a steep slope. Lots of people can't. The only time I felt they were essential was on site at Culloden when the pitch was a good 10-15 degrees from level, both laterally and longitudinally... Oh, and the fridge NEVER failed to work due to the slope!
So work out what you can manage, and find out what your fridge will tolerate, then decide whether or not you need them.

 

[movan]

Thanks Joy, I will look out for them. It's another thing to lug around and I don't have much locker room but if they are a must, then I'd better get them.

Hi Muriel .. if you are going somewhere on a site that has hard standing you prob won't need them as they are usually level. Also I manage with one pair .. some people have 2 prs but i have never needed more than one or two levellers in all my years. Will they fit on the floor in front of the passenger seat? Once on site u just leave them tucked under your van.

 

[movan]

.. as Wendy says.. some fridges don't work if not level .. my fridge works but my hob is temperamental. I bought some as I was fed up of sliding off the bed in the night .. or waking up and my covers on the floor. Also if really bad it's like being sea sick.

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[pyro]

I have a brilliant technique that I feel may be helpful

I look for a moderately level site. Works every time

Another reason for not buying a 9M van when I only need a 6M one for touring

 

[Badknee]

Number one rule, works every time, 100% accurate. If Mrs Badknees gin and tonic don't slide off the table it's level enough.

 

[JJ]

I haven't got levelling blocks. In your opinions, are they a must?

No.

JJ

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[Baycott]

No.

JJ

Now there is a man of few words I do agree though

 

[hilldweller]

No.

JJ

Just a minute, she does not have a classic Hymer. Not all vans are equal.

 

[CWH]

Sorry, double post.
And it wasn't that funny.

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