Mountain Trail EDX Owners, How do you Get Level ?

[envee]

We're presently going through the ( very confusing  ) search for a new camper. We want this one to last us until we are no longer able to go away in a camp trailer so we want to get it right !!  One of the front runners is the Mountain Trail EDX.  Haven't seen one in the flesh yet,one of the joys of living in the West  , but what we have seen on the web looks very, very impressive !!

One thing we were wondering about is the lack of any levelling aids on the back of the camper.  We have owned an Aussie Swag hard floor and it had drop down legs at the back which allowed the camper to be levelled on sloping sites before flipping the top over.  In one video on the EDX that we watched it was said that the base levels things up when it gets to the ground. Is this the case?  Is it an issue to get the EDX level on sloping sites?  Other than this, they certainly tick all the boxes.

Thanks

envee

[gronk]

Saw one being packed up 2 days ago.......the base looked level ( and very close to the ground ) but couldn't make out how you would level it on uneven ground either ?

[LisaMoose]

Hi Envee,

We are very excited to be picking up our 2017 touring edition EDX next month. I hope the link below works. It is an article about the 2017 model which has lots of pictures including levellers. The floor is designed though to bury into the ground to level.

In our decision making process we compared the MT, KK, Complete campsite and Aussie Swag. In our opinion MT won hands down in terms of quality of finish, materials used, innovation and weight. If I were you spending that amount of cash I would definitely make the trip to the Melbourne and/or Sydney shows and compare for yourself as we all look for different things in a camper trailer.

If you want me to go into more detail about our decision making process I'd be more than happy to.

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/reviews/2016/mountain-trail/mountain-trail-edx-57463

[gronk]

The weight saving looks a good thing, but screw in feet for different conditions seems a time waster and a cheap way around adjustable feet !

If they are going to compete with the big boys, they need to do things as good or better.

[KingBilly]

Think you have to fit the feet to the Tvan also.  Both seem to be a pretty simple and quick job which shouldn't put anybody off buying one.  Like adds 10 seconds to the setup so what's the big deal 

Oh, and the Mountain Trail won CTOTY 2016.

KB

[LisaMoose]

Agree with KingBilly. Hardly a deal breaker. For the most part because of the floor design you wouldn't even need them or maybe just the one. Even if you do have to screw one in you'd probably manage to do this while the floor was folding out given the speed it does it in. On another point, probably because of its design the EDX had by far the strongest floor of the above mentioned CT's when I did the jump up and down test.
One thing to think about with the floor is that if you want to carry boats/bikes etc on top with he EDX you need to add the boat loader. The KK you can use the floor as a roof rack but you'd have to take everything off it before opening the camper.

[envee]

Thanks for the replies people.

Hi Envee,

We are very excited to be picking up our 2017 touring edition EDX next month. I hope the link below works. It is an article about the 2017 model which has lots of pictures including levellers. The floor is designed though to bury into the ground to level.

In our decision-making process we compared the MT, KK, Complete campsite and Aussie Swag. In our opinion MT won hands down in terms of quality of finish, materials used, innovation and weight. If I were you spending that amount of cash I would definitely make the trip to the Melbourne and/or Sydney shows and compare for yourself as we all look for different things in a camper trailer.

If you want me to go into more detail about our decision making process I'd be more than happy to.

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/reviews/2016/mountain-trail/mountain-trail-edx-57463

Thanks for the link LisaMoose.  The screw in feet do answer one question for me but the main concern is more to do with the levelling of the actual camper itself rather than the fold over floor. We aren't too worried about the fold over floor being level as such, you're only walking on it or maybe sitting on chairs on there if the weather was crappy.  The camper itself being level is a bit more important because of the bed.  We'd hope to be reasonably level so as not to roll over on top of each other during the night.  There are some drop down feet at the front of the camper I notice, but not sure if you'd be able to use these seeing as how they are in front of the axle, although I guess they be ok for getting it level cross ways ........... and I suppose length ways would be with the jockey wheel............maybe that would work? Length ways first with the jockey wheel and then cross ways with the front feet?

Hi Envee,

 If I were you spending that amount of cash I would definitely make the trip to the Melbourne and/or Sydney shows and compare for yourself as we all look for different things in a camper trailer.

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/reviews/2016/mountain-trail/mountain-trail-edx-57463

We are making plans for a flying trip to the Newcastle show next month.  We are also interested in the Ultimate and possibly one of the Lifestyle hybrids, none of which are easily found in this part of the world    Like I said........the joys of living in the West !! Mountain Trail and Ultimate are going to be there according to their web sites, not certain about Lifestyle, though.

[KingBilly]

The front and/or rear drop down legs are stabiliser legs, not levelling legs (well on most CTs anyway).

Buy a pair of these when next on special http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Explore-Caravan-Leveller-Ramps-Pair/220166 and give one to a mate or leave it at home in the shed.  You only need one.  Select a suitable camping site, position CT, check level, back up 1/2 a metre, place ramp in front of CT wheel on the low side, tow CT up ramp with partner watching level and yelling stop when CT is level in east/west direction.  Chock CT wheels, disconnect tug, use jockey wheel to level CT north/south, drop stabilser legs, crack beer, enjoy.

KB

[McTavish]

And in the case of the MT video.  After the camper levelled 3 min and your thirst is quenched.   


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[LisaMoose]

KB is right about the stabiliser legs. Those plus the jockey wheel etc will all go some way to level out the camper. CT's in generals aren't really made to be set up on too slopey ground. It is one of their downfalls. I like KB's idea. If you have some Maxtrax or the like they might help as well, not to the same extent as the ramps though.
We're planning on heading to Newcastle too. Sounds like you've got a very varied list of campers to look at. Pioneer is in WA if you haven't already looked. With MT you'll need to ask them about servicing being so far away. They told us as they are growing so fast now that expanding their dealer network was a priority.
Good luck with the search. It's funny the things that you notice when you see the trailers in the flesh. The TVan was quickly off our list with one of the reasons being because the stove is quite high and set back. I could barely reach it being just over 5ft.

[LisaMoose]

Further to my last post MT do have dealer in WA in Midland.

[LB]

The front and/or rear drop down legs are stabiliser legs, not levelling legs (well on most CTs anyway).

Buy a pair of these when next on special http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Explore-Caravan-Leveller-Ramps-Pair/220166 and give one to a mate or leave it at home in the shed.  You only need one.  Select a suitable camping site, position CT, check level, back up 1/2 a metre, place ramp in front of CT wheel on the low side, tow CT up ramp with partner watching level and yelling stop when CT is level in east/west direction.  Chock CT wheels, disconnect tug, use jockey wheel to level CT north/south, drop stabilser legs, crack beer, enjoy.

KB

We have a KK and the ramps don't work to level due to the independent suspension. So the best way we find which ever way the ground is falling point the draw bar up the hill. This stops your fridge becoming a rocket if the camper is leaning that way. We then use extend the feet to level the other end. Not sure if that would be the same for the mountain trail.

[Rumpig]

I have owned a KK for atleast 5 years now and have no issues at all leveling our camper with a ramp on one side of the trailer....followed by the jockey wheel to level it front to back.

[KingBilly]

We have a KK and the ramps don't work to level due to the independent suspension. So the best way we find which ever way the ground is falling point the draw bar up the hill. This stops your fridge becoming a rocket if the camper is leaning that way. We then use extend the feet to level the other end. Not sure if that would be the same for the mountain trail.

Huh?  How would independent suspension not work with a levelling ramp?  That doesn't make sense.

Doing it your way must make for some interesting times whilst setting up.

KB

[envee]

Further to my last post MT do have dealer in WA in Midland.

Not any more    We got all excited when we saw that on the fb page but MT said no dealer in WA and Opposite lock said nope when we rang them.  We looked at dates for the camping shows and the Newcastle's one worked out the best.  Never been there so looking forward to having a ( very quick ) look around.

 

The front and/or rear drop down legs are stabiliser legs, not levelling legs (well on most CTs anyway).

Buy a pair of these when next on special http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Explore-Caravan-Leveller-Ramps-Pair/220166 and give one to a mate or leave it at home in the shed.  You only need one.  Select a suitable camping site, position CT, check level, back up 1/2 a metre, place ramp in front of CT wheel on the low side, tow CT up ramp with partner watching level and yelling stop when CT is level in east/west direction.  Chock CT wheels, disconnect tug, use jockey wheel to level CT north/south, drop stabilser legs, crack beer, enjoy.

KB

Yeah got some of them. Used them a lot with the Camprite.

I have owned a KK for atleast 5 years now and have no issues at all leveling our camper with a ramp on one side of the trailer....followed by the jockey wheel to level it front to back.

I like the KK I saw that levelled with the air rams.  How cool would that be?    They have some really clever stuff on their campers I reckon.

[envee]

So my next question is..............what sort of real life fully loaded ball weight do the EDX's have?  The info says 130kg which isn't too bad but is that fully loaded? Have to say I doubt it, so love to hear from anyone who has an EDX as to what the ball weight actually is fully loaded.

Thanks

envee

[oldmate]

The front and/or rear drop down legs are stabiliser legs, not levelling legs (well on most CTs anyway).

Buy a pair of these when next on special http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Explore-Caravan-Leveller-Ramps-Pair/220166 and give one to a mate or leave it at home in the shed.  You only need one.  Select a suitable camping site, position CT, check level, back up 1/2 a metre, place ramp in front of CT wheel on the low side, tow CT up ramp with partner watching level and yelling stop when CT is level in east/west direction.  Chock CT wheels, disconnect tug, use jockey wheel to level CT north/south, drop stabilser legs, crack beer, enjoy.

KB

We have a KK and the ramps don't work to level due to the independent suspension. So the best way we find which ever way the ground is falling point the draw bar up the hill. This stops your fridge becoming a rocket if the camper is leaning that way. We then use extend the feet to level the other end. Not sure if that would be the same for the mountain trail.

As Pauline would say "please explain". How does having independent suspension make any difference when putting a leveling ramp under a tyre??


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[LB]

As Pauline would say "please explain". How does having independent suspension make any difference when putting a leveling ramp under a tyre??


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So I am going off how the hubby explained it when we tried the ramps to level and it didn't work I am as mechanically minded as a rock. He said the suspension was appeared to be readjusting. In any case we tried the ramps and the spirit level said it was level. Went to bed and by morning I was very up close and personal with my hubby the lean was back.

[weeds]

Fit airbags instead of coils on the independent suspension....than you will have plenty of scope to level

[KingBilly]

So I am going off how the hubby explained it when we tried the ramps to level and it didn't work I am as mechanically minded as a rock. He said the suspension was appeared to be readjusting. In any case we tried the ramps and the spirit level said it was level. Went to bed and by morning I was very up close and personal with my hubby the lean was back.

Is it airbag independent suspension and the airbags or lines are leaking?  Otherwise coil sprung independent suspension will not move up and down as you describe.  Or the CT moved on the levelling ramp with all the movement up top overnight 

KB

[Fizzie]

Went to bed and by morning I was very up close and personal with my hubby

& this is a bad thing

[LB]

& this is a bad thing

In winter hes great because he is like having your own personal radiator, in summer not so much. Plus not sure he likes been squished up against the camper. Not really romantic

[lukeycat]

Think you have to fit the feet to the Tvan also.  Both seem to be a pretty simple and quick job which shouldn't put anybody off buying one.  Like adds 10 seconds to the setup so what's the big deal 

Oh, and the Mountain Trail won CTOTY 2016.

KB

All the CTOTY award says is they spent the most on advertising within the magazine lol. 

As far as keeping the actual camper level either fit airbag suspension or buy a small spirit level and a set of caravan levellers for under the wheels I've used my max trax in the past to level the camper


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[envee]

All the CTOTY award says is they spent the most on advertising within the magazine lol. 

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Surely not !!! 

[KingBilly]

All the CTOTY award says is they spent the most on advertising within the magazine lol.

Wow, surprised it took so long for somebody to drag up that old chestnut  . You haven't let me down mr luckcat 

KB