Anyone on here tried Lock 'n' Level?
Hi
I am very new to caravaning, in fact so new I don't collect my first ever caravan until tomorrow morning!
I have been doing research and looking at leveling solutions for my Swift Conquerer 630 TA and have come accross some thing calle Lock 'n' Level.
This looks like it could not only be useful for levelling my new van but also for fitting the wheel locks and also changing wheels/tyres.
But I was wondering if anyone on this forum have used them and had any advice?
Many Thanks.
Robin
Comments
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hi Robster,
yes we have a twin axle and have just bought the lock n level, only used it a few times but is the answer to putting the second alko wheel lock, and also levelling to the minutest detail.
on our first twin axle I used the alko side jack to put the second lock on with no issues, but my new van has a quad mover so the jacking points are useless.
Derek at lock n level is very helpful and can't do enough to help you.
hope this helps.
Neil
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Same as golfneil. Twin axle with 4wd mover, so jacking points removed. Note that the the LnL is lighter than an Alko jack plus the jacking points which comprise 4 brackets and 4 large bolts. The LnL is made of similar material to that used in 4x4s air suspension
bags, so should have a decent life. It does everything you describe.You will need a 12v tyre pump and these need a supply with a 10 amp fuse. Now the car accessory point will be okas they are usually 20 amp, but the vans may only be 5 amp. If you need an extension lead from the car, get a decent one and change its fuse to
10 amp0 -
Many thanks for the replies.
Already had a call from David in reply to an email I sent yesterday, very helpful and friendly.
A quick follow up question, do you have a single LnL or do you have the combined pack?
If single how do you handle levelling if you have to raise the other side of the van to the wheel locks?
Robin
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Hi, I have just bought the Combo set (twin plus single) because unless I need to level on site I will use the single to fit the second wheel lock them deflate it.
I had a long chat with Derek at Lock N Level before I placed my order and he told me he was still trying in normal use with his TA caravan to break one of the original production batch units without success and said it sits under his caravan most of the
time whether inflated of not. He also said that the Company have only had one unit returned and although it was not stated as such by the owner, they thought it was misuse as the bag was ripped.I have now received my units and am looking forward to using them in anger at the weekend.
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I have been using the Lock n' Level for over 18 months now and I have to say it is probably the best bit of kit I have. It is in continuous use since I store the van at home and use the L 'n L to fit the twin Alko wheel locks at home. I would go so far
as to say that there is no other safe way of jacking the van to fit the wheel locks especially on uneven or soft ground such as we usually experience on CLs etc. Since we have an AWD motor mover fitted to the van, using the Alko jack isn't
an option because you can't get at the jacking points. Last year I was unfortunate enough to have to change a wheel and with the van chassis being that bit lower because of the flat tyre, the single air bag was the only safe way to jack the van.There have been some doubts expressed on here about possible damage being caused to the van by the bag deflating and thereby putting pressure on the floor via the corner steadies. My answer to this is that firstly, Derek at Lock n' Level has never had a
unit fail and secondly, providing the transfer valve is closed when the bag is inflated, the chances of both sections failing at the same time are miniscule.We have just returned from a two week holiday where the Lock n' Level was in continuous use, inflated, and it didn't loose an ounce of pressure.
I bought the combo kit but must admit I haven't needed to use the single version at all - but that's just luck, I suppose.
One tip - it's worth having something underneath the air bag to protect it against stones / gravel / anything sharp. I use a piece of industrial rubber mat.
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I've seen the videos of this device and it does look really good.
With a twin axle caravan, it's got to be by far the easiest way to fit the second wheel lock. The bonus is that it can be used to change a wheel after a puncture, without all the hassle and danger of jacking.
I'm not sure that I would bother with it for levelling the caravan (very rarely find that it needs levelling side to side and then a ramp is just as easy) so I doubt I would buy one for a single axle caravan.
One thing that I wondered about......when you use it to fit the wheel locks, presumably you then have to leave it under the wheels until you want to move the caravan again. Does this harm it in any way?
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Ian - no it doesn't and that is what it is designed to do. We have just come back from a two week holiday where the Lock 'n Level has been in constant use - inflated - and it didn't loose any pressure whatsoever. I store the van at home and use the L 'n
L to fit the wheel locks and there it stays but admittedly, I do deflate it since there is no need to have the van level - but the wheels are still sitting on it.I agree, if I had a single axle van, I don't think I could justify the expense just for levelling and ramps etc are a much simpler option. However as an aid to locking a TA, it's difficult to beat - in my opinion.
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I absolutely agree with richardandros having taken the wheels off my new TA at home to have them balanced and refitted them with a jack under the van and also the wheel locks it was a right PA whilst getting wet. We are really looking forward to our first
W/E away in our new caravan and the recently purchased Lok N Level kit plus pump will be an essentialtravelling companion in all future trips0 -
JUST FYI anyone reading this thread who have not purchased a LnL and afre thinking of doing so.
I am told as of 1st July they are putting thier prices up for the first time in 3 years and they will be going up 15%.
I placed my order yesterday, this devices looks to good to be true for a beginner like me!
Robin
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Robin - it isn't too good to be true - it does exactly what it says it will. I hope you are as delighted with it as I am.
Few tips - get a rubber mat or piece of wood to put underneath to protect it from anything sharp. Assuming you have a TA van - I find raising the jockey wheel as high as possible helps in raising the front wheel off the ground to fit the second lock. Oh - and chocks on the other side are a good idea for when the wheel is raised and both motor mover and brake disengaged - just in case you are on a slight slope.
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I use mine on a single axle - its the only way with an alko lock. Tried a ramp, it was impossible to get it lined up and level at the same time. On a previous van without the alko lock I used a bulldog leveller, that was very stable, but sometimes found
I couldn't use it as there either wasn't room to slide it around the wheel (due to edging on a hard standing) or I struggled to actually get it fully aroundt he wheel. Almost got it stuck once! I also had concerns about it pinching the wheel. Lock n Level
is definitely worth the money, a very simple solution to a sometimes frustrating activity of fitting the lock and levelling the van. Highly recommended.0 -
Have just come back from my 'maiden voyage' with my caravan. I am travelling solo and had tried levelling with ramps just on the drive at home and found it a bit of a pfaff on my own. I have purchased the LnL and it made levelling a doddle especially used
with the Bubble Level app on my phone.0
