I'm picking up my first ever RV (5th wheel) next Wednesday. I asked the dealer to install a couple minor options, namely a set of bubble levels, a simple battery cutoff switch and a few other small things.
They quoted me $30 to install a $8 pair of bubble levels and $65 to install a $25 battery cutoff switch like this. Is this reasonable? I'm not very handy and don't mind paying a fair price for installation, but I just want to make sure those prices are fair. I think even I could install bubble levels if only I could find a perfectly level place to do it (do they just stick on?).
A few more questions:
1) Do the small bubble levels ((like this) work as well as the larger bubble levels (like this) ? Or should I be looking at something different? I don't mind spending a bit more to get something that will make the leveling process much easier.
2) How do battery cutoff switches (similar to those in above link) install? Do they simply bolt to the battery cable, or do I need to strip back insulation, wire it in, etc.? If the latter, I probably don't have the correct tools to do it myself anyway.
I like the levels that tell you how many inches off you are so you can add the desired blocks to make it level or very close to level, takes the guess work out of it.
1) Definitely the larger ones, not enough accuracy in the small ones to do you any good. $30 to install the large ones? Sure, as you said they have to get the trailer perfectly level first, then drill and fasten. Sounds pretty inexpensive to me. I just carry a 6' level in the back and final check the chassis both ways. You'll get so you can eyeball it first and do the final adjust with the level.
2) That cutoff needs special mounting and wiring through it. You can get a lot simpler one that you could hook up. Try camping world. I don't use one, seems unneccesary, I mean do you have one on your car? Of course, you should have a cutoff by the electrical panel for the 12v system anyway that comes from the factory (at least mine did). Again, $65 for the install of that one (pictured) seems fair.
And just an opinion...I'd save the 128 bucks and wait until you began your 'list'. There will be a host of things you'll want that you may be able to use and enjoy more than a cut off and bubble. (You probably already have a level, huh?) BTW, this is my first ever RV too! Welcome!!
That depends on the labor rate. Here in the Phoenix area the rate is $109 per hour, so those charges don’t seem unreasonable. On the other hand, the levels are very easy to install yourself. I use a bullseye level to level my 5er because it shows the level in all directions simultaneously. What I did was level my 5er side to side and front to back using a regular carpenter level. (I checked spots like the freezer, counter top, table, and floor.) Then, using the bullseye level, I found a spot just inside the entry door that was perfectly level. Now, when I’m leveling the 5er, I just open my door, and put the bullseye level on that spot on the floor and adjust the 5er until it reads level in all directions.
longtrailer48 wrote: 1) Definitely the larger ones, not enough accuracy in the small ones to do you any good.
-Jeff
I think your a little confused here when talking about a level as a tool yes bigger is better but not more accurate. Once these add on levels are installed the entire 5er becomes one big level (tool). Next as far as installing them goes, no you do not need a perfectly level spot. The more level the spot the easier it is. You need to level the trailer side to side using blocks or boards under the wheels on the side that is low and front to back using your tongue jack. Use a 3,4 or 6 foot carpenters level on the floor in the center of the unit to check for level. Final give it the bathroom door test. Open the bathroom door part way and let go if it stays put then the unit is level. As far which one, I'd go with the small one because they stick on with double face tape and don't require holes to be drill in your new 5er. If you have a level (tool) this would be very simple to do the first trip out to the campground and if your having trouble I sure that you'll be able to find another camper there that will be more than willing to take a few minute to give you a hand.
Now for the battery disconnect if you think you need one that's up to you but there are a lot simpler ones out there that require no special skill to install check your local auto parts store. I have one on my 72 Vette that just slips on the neg battery post and then it has a post on it that the neg battery cable goes on. It looks almost like the switches they use in grade school science class when learning about electricity and it cost me about $5 at a car show flea market. Doing these type of project yourself is a great way to formularize yourself with your new 5er. Enjoy and good luck.
06 Chevy 2500HD reg cab
06 Chevy Trailblazer ext V8
02 Dutchman 29 Q Sport
Army Vet, German Wife, 1 Boy(10), 1 Girl (5), and a little Mutt Dog
Below is a pic of the jumbo "Level Master" level that I mounted on my trailer. I mounted the level to a piece of acrylic and then used the 3M waterproof "Command Adhesive" large mounting strips to attach the acrylic to the trailer. It's mounted so I can see it from the cab of the Van so I can usually jockey around in a site to at least get the trailer level side to side. The Level Master also has a second smaller level for front to back leveling, but I have one of the smaller bubble levels mounted on one of the front windows that is marked in inches for front to back leveling.
Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974. TRAILER MODS
When I bought my 5er I had the dealer put 2 Max Air vent covers, and a slideout awning cover before delivery and all they charged me was the parts and they even gave me a 10% discount on the parts.
Papa Bob
1* DW "Granny"
1* 2008 Brookside Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
Husky 16K hitch, Tekonsha P3,
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs, Trailair Equa-Flex, Champion C46540
"A bad day camping is better than a good day at work!"
alleghany nf camper on 05/09/08 01:07am wrote: I think your a little confused here when talking about a level as a tool yes bigger is better but not more accurate.
No, not confused. A 3" level (which is the small stick on one he is talking about)that is even a 1/32" off will be off 1" in 8'. It's not the bubble, it's the mount that it's on. Hence a bigger level IS more accurate because it measures a larger distance.
Just be sure of 1 thing... Make sure the unit is level by leving to the INSIDE of the fridge. Do this BEFORE you put on ANY level checking tool
I took a 4 ft carpenters level and leveled our old TT F/R then Side to side. THEN I checked inside the fridge BEFORE sticking on the level. that way when the bubbles say "0" I know for certain it was level...
My $.02 worth...
YMMV
Smooth Roads!!!
2006 Damon Challenger 372F Triton V10
2007 Ford Edge
Offline
