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rockster57



Member Since: 15 Nov 2014
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 937
United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver
Levelling with a Roof Top Tent
Hallelujah! SWMBO has decided she would like to try out my RTT. Although I’ve done lots of camping in my younger days, I hasten to add I also have yet to experience life under high rise canvas.

So to the point.... What do people think is the best way to level up the vehicle when you’ve found your perfect pitch? Levelling ramps? Has anyone tried using the standard screw jack? If it’s on a firm platform/base and only raised a few inches so the wheel remains in weight bearing contact with the ground, would this work? Would keeping all 4 wheels on the ground avoid the risk of the vehicle slipping off the jack? I’m thinking this method would also have the advantage of lessening any swaying from a breeze or nocturnal wriggles or is not an issue on a Defender’s firm suspension?

Any thoughts folks?
Post #660519 30th Oct 2017 10:33am
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Specialbikejames



Member Since: 03 Mar 2013
Location: Bristol
Posts: 47
United Kingdom 1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Rioja Red
I just use any old logs or stones lying around at my camp site for the night- saves having to haul around cumbersome chocks and the like.

I have seen people use the plastic ramps which are popular with camper vaners- fine if you've got somewhere to store them.

You could also use a hilift jack on the sills which level the body up while keeping the wheels on the ground, standard Defender suspension doesn't move much once you're up there.
Post #660527 30th Oct 2017 10:55am
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Kit



Member Since: 12 Feb 2016
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 1110
United Kingdom 1993 Defender 90 200 Tdi SW Scotia Grey
Some rocks.

Razz 1993 200 Tdi 90 CSW
1956 Series 1 Hard-top
1958 Series 1 Soft-top
Post #660528 30th Oct 2017 10:56am
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ChrisCM



Member Since: 10 Jun 2013
Location: Cornwall uk
Posts: 572
United Kingdom 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 SW Santorini Black
I’ve just mounted my new RTT and had the same thoughts, luckily I’ve got two sets of plastic caravan levelling ramps so when I get away for the first real trial camp (not just in the drive) I’ll take these and see which ones work best. 2010 Defender 110 Station Wagon, Santorini Black.
Post #660534 30th Oct 2017 11:11am
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BigRuss



Member Since: 15 May 2010
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 2785
United Kingdom 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
Surely you need a set of these!

https://www.lro.com/blog/news/land-rover/1...ct-details

Multipurpose Whistle Russell
2011MY 110 XS USW Black
Post #660561 30th Oct 2017 1:12pm
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Hendrix



Member Since: 04 Oct 2016
Location: North Notts
Posts: 103
England 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Santorini Black
Never carried additional levelling devices, if we cant get near enough with bits of wood stone just put vehicle so that feet are down hill when sleeping.
We do use ramps with our motorhome but feel they take up too much space/weight to use in the Defender.
Post #660823 31st Oct 2017 7:23am
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dantastic



Member Since: 04 May 2010
Location: London
Posts: 367
United Kingdom 
Get a spirit level for caravans, they are small and cost very little. It helps getting straight.
When wild camping it's rarely a problem finding stuff to put under the wheels but many camp sites in France aren't flat so if you are heading there then a set of leveling blocks will come handy.
Post #660870 31st Oct 2017 10:40am
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Cupboard



Member Since: 21 Mar 2014
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 2971
United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 HT Corris Grey
I just use stuff that's lying around, but I've seen someone use the base from a Hi Lift jack.
Post #661705 3rd Nov 2017 7:02pm
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L90Andy



Member Since: 29 May 2014
Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon
Posts: 719
United Kingdom 1997 Defender 90 300 Tdi ST Nato Green
Hi lift Jack up tight under the bumper or rear crossmember. Also stops the rocking Thumbs Up Instagram: L90andy

My 1984 Ninety: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic56071.html - SOLD!
My 2015 Defender: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic39625.html - SOLD!
Post #661707 3rd Nov 2017 7:27pm
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williamthedog



Member Since: 29 Dec 2012
Location: south wales
Posts: 3441
2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 PU Tamar Blue
As Hendrix said, if you can't get level park so your feet are downhill Thumbs Up
Post #661717 3rd Nov 2017 8:04pm
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Mo Murphy



Member Since: 01 Jun 2008
Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts
Posts: 2242
United Kingdom 1984 Defender 90 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel HT Auto Pennine Grey
A high lift jack under the sills ?
Christ, he'll thank you for that one after he's mangled them.
Mo The Land Rover 90 - Many are called, few are chosen.

50 Shades of Pennine Grey
Post #661726 3rd Nov 2017 8:37pm
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Lodelaner



Member Since: 04 Feb 2010
Location: Lambourn
Posts: 632
United Kingdom 1988 Defender 90 V8 Petrol ST Shire Blue
I've used Fiamma level up HD ramps - also good for adding a little clearance whilst working under the vehicle.

Rocks can be brutal on your tyres, tricky to level up and crude when you pay over £100 a corner for rubber. The level ups were £25. No brainer IMHO.


Click image to enlarge JB

@Lodelaner Instagram

Youtube greenlaning and other LR related content
Post #661728 3rd Nov 2017 8:44pm
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rockster57



Member Since: 15 Nov 2014
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 937
United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver
Cheers Widget, sound logic and advice I reckon. Thanks to all for their opinions. Cheers guys Thumbs Up
Post #661734 3rd Nov 2017 9:17pm
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