Anderson vs Knockoff Levelers

Bcborn · 06-20-2023, 01:24 PM

Hello All.

I figure this is a good time to move on from stacking my Lynx Blocks for side to side leveling,

When it comes to Arc'd Leveling Blocks, Anderson comes to mind. Since the invention, many knockoffs have arrived on scene and sell widely on Amazon. To name a few, there is Beech Lane, Carmtek and Kohree just to name a few.

Please share your thoughts of these brands and any others you have had success or not had success with.

tinglett · 06-20-2023, 01:36 PM

That's an interesting looking interlocking design. I wonder if it can reach a higher height than the original Andersen's?

We've got the original Andersen levelers and I like them a lot. Here's three observations that come to mind.

1. They are super easy to use. I tend to back onto them in low gear. I use low because all I need to do is take my foot off the brake and I drift backward onto them until my wife hollers 'whoa!' Works great.

2. They only lift so high. They don't work on a smooth surface like a board if you need extra height, though having a rubber mat between might do the trick (I haven't tried it). We take extra traditional lego blocks along in case the Andersen's are inadequate and for now can't mix the two.

3. The leveler that fits between the axles is a very tight fit even with our 14" wheels (2108DS). I lopped off a few inches from the front on my chop saw. This solved the problem.

Bcborn · 06-20-2023, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinglett

That's an interesting looking interlocking design. I wonder if it can reach a higher height than the original Andersen's?

Is the interlocking design beneficial ??? Same 4" lift, 35,000lbs on Kohree, vs 30,000 lbs on Anderson, overkill for our Micro Minnies

We've got the original Andersen levelers and I like them a lot. Here's three observations that come to mind.

1. They are super easy to use. I tend to back onto them in low gear. I use low because all I need to do is take my foot off the brake and I drift backward onto them until my wife hollers 'whoa!' Works great.

2. They only lift so high. They don't work on a smooth surface like a board if you need extra height, though having a rubber mat between might do the trick (I haven't tried it). We take extra traditional lego blocks along in case the Andersen's are inadequate and for now can't mix the two.

3. The leveler that fits between the axles is a very tight fit even with our 14" wheels (2108DS). I lopped off a few inches from the front on my chop saw. This solved the problem.

Thanks

Marine359 · 06-20-2023, 07:34 PM

I have the Beech Lane levelers from Amazon. Less money, but very heavy duty. You have to cut off 1” off the low end in order to fit between micro Minnie wheels. I do use the included rubber mats and bottom blocks. and carry a short length of 1x6 in case I need to raise higher on one side. With the 1x6 in place you can raise one axle off the ground in case you need to change a tire, or lube your bearings.

Fred 2106DS · 06-20-2023, 08:24 PM

I have the Beech Lane levelers also. I use them occasionally but I still use interlocking blocks most of the time. The levelers don't always work well with the Camco wheel stops I use between to wheels to stabilize the trailer when parked.

Bcborn · 06-20-2023, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred 2106DS

I have the Beech Lane levelers also. I use them occasionally but I still use interlocking blocks most of the time. The levelers don't always work well with the Camco wheel stops I use between to wheels to stabilize the trailer when parked.

Thanks Fred, I wonder if the levelers with the groves serve two purposes. Raise the trailer and lock the wheels to a point.

Anyone with experience here on that thought, is there a solution to both aspects?

No1Hunter · 06-21-2023, 07:19 AM

Quote:

The levelers don't always work well with the Camco wheel stops

Are you talking about the Camco plastic wheel chocks? You don't need to use wheel chocks on the side with the levelers if you use the included chock under the leveling part.

With that said, I like the Beech Lane variety and haven't had any issues with them other than the zipper on the bag broke.

Bcborn · 06-21-2023, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No1Hunter

Are you talking about the Camco plastic wheel chocks? You don't need to use wheel chocks on the side with the levelers if you use the included chock under the leveling part.

With that said, I like the Beech Lane variety and haven't had any issues with them other than the zipper on the bag broke.

Yes that was my next question; I wondered if utilizing the X-Chock (I am) would it still fit in between the wheels when using the levelers. Maybe not as Fred stated. I guess if you are using a majority of the leveler ramp, the X-Chock may still fit. If using only the first 3" - 4" maybe not. (Feedback)

Another question; when using the non grooved levelers, has anyone found the short locking chock walking itself out over time? The grooves would definitely be a benefit here if so.

Many of the Knockoff utilize wide spacing (course adjustment) grooves, which may not be good. The Carmtek Levelers have narrow spacing (fine adjustment) grooves, more flexibility.

as a side note, I find myself using the BAL X-Chocks and the Wedge Locks (Over kill maybe). If I have to raise one side I'm utilizing numerous Lynx blocks (enough to fit the wedge at same level).

If weight wasn't an issue here, maybe old school 1 x 6 and 2 x 6 treated still very common.

Fred 2106DS · 06-21-2023, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No1Hunter

Are you talking about the Camco plastic wheel chocks? You don't need to use wheel chocks on the side with the levelers if you use the included chock under the leveling part.

For us, using both stops/chocks works much better for dampening the movement from the suspension when moving around inside the camper. Yes, I use the included wedges under the levelers when using them.

Fred 2106DS · 06-21-2023, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bcborn

Yes that was my next question; I wondered if utilizing the X-Chock (I am) would it still fit in between the wheels when using the levelers. Maybe not as Fred stated. I guess if you are using a majority of the leveler ramp, the X-Chock may still fit. If using only the first 3" - 4" maybe not. (Feedback) Yes, your thinking is right on. If I use most of the leveler then I can use the stops/chocks.

Another question; when using the non grooved levelers, has anyone found the short locking chock walking itself out over time? The grooves would definitely be a benefit here if so. Once the weight of the camper settles on the levelers and wedges, I haven't had any issues with the wedges moving over time.

Lyle, see above.

Marine359 · 06-21-2023, 02:17 PM

After leveling with Beech ellipticals, X-chocks work just fine

Bcborn · 06-21-2023, 02:41 PM

As Todd mentioned, he had to lob off a couple inches of his Andersons to fit between his tight axle spacing. Unsure the factory length of the Andersons vs the Beech

Has anyone had to shorten their Beech Levelers for use on the 2016 - 2018 Micro Minnie's with 14" tires?.

Carmtek makes two sizes; those for trailers with less than 3" wheel spacing and those for trailers greater than 3" wheel spacing.

Our 2017 2106 has a 3 3/16" wheel spacing.

Fred 2106DS · 06-21-2023, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bcborn

As Todd mentioned, he had to lob off a couple inches of his Andersons to fit between his tight axle spacing. Unsure the factory length of the Andersons vs the Beech

Has anyone had to shorten their Beech Levelers for use on the 2016 - 2018 Micro Minnie's with 14" tires?.

Carmtek makes two sizes; those for trailers with less than 3" wheel spacing and those for trailers greater than 3" wheel spacing.

Our 2017 2106 has a 3 3/16" wheel spacing.

Lyle, Yes, I shortened my Beech levelers by 3 1/2" to fit my 14" wheel spacing.

Fred 2106DS · 06-21-2023, 04:09 PM

A couple of pics. I added pull ropes to make them easier for my wife to remove and carry.

I got the scoop about the pull ropes from Ken (Bigbird65).

Bcborn · 06-21-2023, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred 2106DS

A couple of pics. I added pull ropes to make them easier for my wife to remove and carry.

I got the scoop about the pull ropes from Ken (Bigbird65).

Good Tip

No1Hunter · 06-21-2023, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred 2106DS

For us, using both stops/chocks works much better for dampening the movement from the suspension when moving around inside the camper. Yes, I use the included wedges under the levelers when using them.

We use the Beech Line levelers on what ever side needs to be raised. On the other side, we use two heavy rubber chocks from Harbor Freight or a Fastway Onestep chock. Plus, on both sides, we use metal X-Chocks between the tires.

RocknRoll · 06-22-2023, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marine359

carry a short length of 1x6 in case I need to raise higher on one side. With the 1x6 in place you can raise one axle off the ground in case you need to change a tire, or lube your bearings.

Good idea!

No1Hunter · 06-22-2023, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocknRoll

Good idea!

Yeah, we actually include a couple short 5/4 x 6 cedar boards that fit in our Beech Lane bag and actually used them once this year.

Bigbird65 · 06-22-2023, 09:37 AM

I really like the Andersen levelers. I also added pull ropes for quick retrieval.

tinglett · 06-23-2023, 08:35 AM

I really like the added rope idea, too. Now on my list. I also need to get a rubber mat and carry along a 1x6 or 1x8 for that added height.

The chock discussion is interesting. Do you guys chock both sides of the TT? I've been letting my Andersen's chock by their design, and I use a Fastway One-Step on the other side. Imo, the interlocking seems to be a bit overkill...but maybe someday I'll see mine slip a little bit. So far that hasn't happened.