Let’s Talk About BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler
Leveling a trailer can be a frustrating experience, often involving awkward maneuvering, shims, and a healthy dose of guesswork. That’s where the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler comes in, promising a simple and effective solution for single-axle trailers. BAL aims to take the headache out of campsite setup, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time outdoors.
Years of camping have taught me the value of efficient setup and breakdown. I was tired of lugging around wooden blocks and struggling to get my lightweight trailer perfectly level. This leveler promised a solution to the problem and I was looking for an efficient and easy way to level a trailer.
Upon unboxing, the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler feels robust, with a decent weight that suggests solid construction. The ratchet wrench included seems adequate, and the overall design appears straightforward, but it seems a little simple for the price. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic.
Compared to traditional leveling blocks or even some more complex scissor-style levelers, the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler seemed simpler and potentially faster. I chose it over others because of its compact design and the promise of single-person operation. I had hoped it would be easier to set up and use than other leveling systems.
My first impression was a mix of curiosity and hope. I was eager to see if it lived up to the claims of ease and efficiency, especially considering its price of $111.59.
Real-World Testing: Putting BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler during a weekend camping trip to the Angeles National Forest. The campsite was slightly uneven, a perfect scenario for putting the leveler through its paces. Setup was relatively easy on solid ground and I could see the device would be difficult to use on soft ground.
The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler performed adequately in dry conditions, but I can foresee that muddy conditions may present challenges. It seemed that the tire leveler would not perform as well as I expected in the outdoor elements. It handled the slight incline without issue, raising the trailer tire to the desired level with a few turns of the wrench.
The ease of use was definitely a plus; the ratchet wrench provided good leverage, and the process was intuitive. I found that the instructions were easy to understand and follow. The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler was much easier to use than stacking blocks under my tires.
The only minor issue was the initial positioning of the leveler against the tire, requiring a bit of adjustment to ensure proper contact. It was a little tricky to get it lined up perfectly on the first try.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several camping trips spanning a few months, the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches and scuffs on the lifting pads, but nothing that affects its functionality. The wrench also has slight wearing of the teeth.
The durability seems adequate for light to medium use; I wouldn’t subject it to extremely rugged terrain or overly heavy trailers. The finish on the metal components has proven to be fairly resistant to rust and corrosion. Overall, the device is showing signs of weathering, but still functional.
Maintenance involves simply wiping down the leveler with a damp cloth after each use and occasionally lubricating the screw mechanism. So far, the maintenance has been extremely minimal. This is far easier than cleaning and storing multiple leveling blocks.
Compared to my previous experiences with blocks and shims, the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler offers a significant improvement in terms of speed and convenience. It still does not level as well as I wanted it to. While it’s not perfect, it’s certainly a step up in terms of ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler
Specifications
The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler is specifically designed for single-axle trailers and fits 13″, 14″, and most 15″ wheels. It comes with a ratchet wrench used to turn the drive screw, which elevates or lowers the tire lifting pads. This eliminates the need for moving the trailer onto blocks or ramps.
The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler design to work on single axle trailers only makes it useful for small campers. The wheel size limitations should be considered before making a purchase. The elimination of blocks provides a quicker setup time.
Performance & Functionality
The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler performs its primary function – leveling a trailer – reasonably well, particularly on relatively even surfaces. The tire leveler performs well on solid and relatively flat ground. The ability to fine-tune the leveling with the wrench is a definite advantage.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use; however, its limitations become apparent on more uneven terrain or with heavier trailers. I would have preferred to see the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler be able to handle more uneven terrain. A higher weight limit may also broaden the use of the leveler.
It mostly meets expectations for a basic leveling solution, but falls short of being a truly versatile tool for all camping scenarios.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler is decent, with sturdy metal components and a reasonably robust screw mechanism. The construction of the tire leveler looks well made and should last a few seasons. However, the overall design is somewhat basic and could benefit from some refinements.
The leveler is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, although the ratchet wrench could be more ergonomically designed. There’s a slight learning curve in terms of positioning the leveler correctly against the tire, but it’s minimal. The wrench handle could benefit from having a rubberized grip.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and use, the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler should last for several camping seasons. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation of the screw mechanism. Proper lubrication of the screw mechanism will ensure longer life of the product.
The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler is easy to maintain and repair should any issues arise. Replacement parts, such as the ratchet wrench, should be readily available from BAL or online retailers. The simplicity of the design should lend itself to easy replacement of components.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler comes with a ratchet wrench. It can be used with the Single Tire Locking Chock for added stability.
There are no other readily available accessories or customization options for the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler. This may affect other brands that use their own products, but this is not readily available. The lack of customization might be a turn off for some potential users.
Pros and Cons of BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler
Pros
- Easy to use and set up compared to traditional leveling blocks.
- Provides fine-tuned leveling adjustments.
- Relatively lightweight and compact for easy storage.
- Durable construction for light to medium use.
- Compatible with single tire locking chock for added stability.
Cons
- Limited to single-axle trailers and certain wheel sizes (13″-15″).
- May struggle on very uneven terrain or with heavier trailers.
- Price point is a bit high considering the simplicity of the design.
Who Should Buy BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler?
The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler is perfect for casual campers with lightweight, single-axle trailers who want a simple and efficient leveling solution. First time campers or people that are looking to decrease setup time would enjoy this tire leveler. This is especially useful for those who frequent campsites with relatively level surfaces.
Those with larger, heavier trailers, or those who often camp on very uneven terrain, should skip this product. A more robust leveling system may be needed for those heavier trailers. Look to purchase more robust or hydraulic leveling jacks for more uneven terrain.
A must-have accessory is the Single Tire Locking Chock for added stability.
Conclusion on BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler
The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler offers a convenient alternative to traditional leveling blocks for lightweight, single-axle trailers. Its ease of use and fine-tuned adjustments are definite advantages. The BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler decreases setup time compared to using leveling blocks.
However, its limitations in terms of terrain and trailer weight, combined with a somewhat high price point, make it a less compelling option for some. The high price point may deter some buyers when compared to less costly alternatives.
I would recommend the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler to those who prioritize ease of use and camp frequently in relatively level campsites. If those caveats are met, then the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler is a solid leveling system. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual needs and camping style.