Levelling ramps?

Do I need levelling lamps for my symbol? I assume that most sites are reasonably level. Apart from the obvious of having the van on a slight slope is there anything that is not likely to function as well on a slight gradient (fridge perhaps?).

If I do need them does anybody have any recommendations?

Cheers

Don't believe that most sites are level. There are quite a lot of times we have got out the ramps as it can be a bit disconcerting standing on a sloping floor. Doors swing closed and sleeping head down can be strange. We are not too particular but would not want to be without the opportunity to get a better level.

We have used the fridge when parked on slopes and have never had a problem but I know that some set ups can be critical as to level.

We just use a set of plain vanilla Fiamma ramps others will have different preferences.

I have never used or carry ramps ,  and have never had a problem with the fridge or anything else, as long as the wine / dinner doesn`t slide off the table all is well. It hasn`t done yet.

Even Britstop pub car parks can slope. I always carry a set of ramps and probably use them on 30% of sites.

I can't sleep if my head is lower than my feet so always carry a set. The Fiat auto box makes parking on them almost impossible so I prefer not to use them!  I have one of those 2 spirit bubble gauges from B&Q and a zone on my dashboard marked to locate it and I can usually shuffle around a pitch to get it all level enough.

Personal preference, for me the van has to be flat so we have milenco quads but they do take up a lot of space if you lack storage, not a problem in the Worcester. In your position I would go for a set of the simple single ramps that at least will give you some leeway and not take up too much space. Basic milenco ones about £20 and widely available.

Yes, forgot to say, mine are a cheap pair of yellow wedges bought about 15 years ago. Only once had I wished for something more substantial. 

As for the fridge, they work best level and their efficiency will drop as they tilt. If they are tilted too much in the wrong direction the gas won't circulate and it doesn't work. The limit used to be a couple of degrees but a modern fridge will take a lot more abuse.

I carry basic ramps (yellow plastic Fiamma ones). I don't mind a slight slope from a comfort point of view, but my fridge is poor on gas unless properly level.

Never had ramps and usually find a rock, or branch etc if needed (very rare). Only had a couple of occasions in the last 16 years when we could not get the van level(ish), but we managed for a night anyway.

If you decide to get ramps (and I would) this might be of interest if your storage space is at a premium. We carry a pair of Milenco Triples. Better quality than the Fiamma yellow ones which split at the pointy end, but quite a bit more bulky.

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The op should be able to see from this thread it's very much a case of 'must have' and 'don't bother'!! Some wouldn't be without them whilst others can't see the point. Having owned a pair myself and used them just once in ten years, i tend to go with the latter!

Its a matter of size, you get a much larger height difference front to back on a given slope over 8 metres than you do over 5.5 metres. If you are on a pitch for a week or more and your shower tray doesn't drain it can be a tad annoying.

The Exec sits up at the rear like a top fuel dragster, so unless we prefer sleeping like bats, we need ramps.

I do try to use any slight incline on a pitch to avoid ramps, but how do you go about this when on a pegged pitch where you have to be in a specific position, if you don't have ramps?

Hi . I would definitely carry at least 1 pair of ramps ( we carry 2 pairs with us ) I hate the van not being level . I end up slipping down the bed or going for shower and standing in a puddle of yesterday's shower water lol . We have a pair of milenco Quattro and a pair of  fiamma yellow wedges .

Couldn't do without my ramps in the symphony, keep mine in a bag at the back of the wardrobe.
Have stayed on too many uneven pitches and there's nothing worse than peas rolling off the plate.

Dave

We wouldn't be without them, for all the reasons given above.

If you think you are likely to be in the " never use them" camp then don't buy any until you have confirmed this. They are bulky and quite heavy so, if you can do without, all the better.

If, when away, you can't cope without them, then you can sometimes borrow a plank or whatever from the office or improvise from stuff around. We had a very comfortable night in Cambridge by sweeping up the gravel from the pitch to make 2 mounds under the front wheels.

Incidentally, after years of fiddling with spirit levels, on our last long trip, faced with a faulty spirit level, we used a ping pong ball on the ( uncarpetted) floor. Worked a treat and very accurate.

I find the sink with a little water in it is a good level indicator.

whisky glass does it for me, while the contents last that is!

The real McCoy though is a set of ramps I read about somewhere that have Bluetooth feedback to the cab. You drive up them and are told, by a voice in the cab, where exactly to stop to have a level van. 

I can think of a dozen ways they could go wrong but it's a nice try and useful for those travelling on their own.

I just drive on to pitch, switch off plug in EHU if using then sit down with a drink, and survey the site. easy peasy, I can tell if it is " sitting right " was  on the  very slightest  slope last week, hardly noticeable, no problem.

I also wouldn't be without my levelling ramps. Ok, they take up a lot of room, but they're kept in a waterproof bag in the bathroom when travelling. We stay on lots of aires and other out of the way places, level they are usually not! So long as we're near enough level fore and aft, side to side is not such a problem as we just reverse the direction we sleep in the double bed, heads always higher.
Al.

We use Fiamma level up ramps . Saying that havent had to use them in 16 months. Usually try shuffling the van about the pitch or as recently happened asked to be moved as caravans either side were sitting with hitch  buried in ground and wheels on 18'' blocks of wood ie really sloping pitch!
         Ramps are handy when all else fails but we survived for years with some 6x2 wood blocks which could be arranged to suit requirements - cost nill! Plenty of phone apps available to give bulls eye type spirit levels to check or just use what feels right.

We carry cheap Fiamma ramps in our Symbol. We driving round a site several times for the Ayatola to find the pitch with the best view. I have pointed out to her previously that she is happy to pass several very level pitches but the one she picks is sloping!! It is then up to me to attempt to get the van levelish  
 

We also carry the Fiamma levelling blocks, and stow them in the passenger side step well, one horizontal, one vertical.

If we cannot get the van level then we always try to be 'feet low' when sleeping. T'other way on isn't much fun. How much slope can we tolerate? Well if the toilet lid and seat will stay up in the raised position then that's fine on all counts. If not then the slope is too great for us and relocation is necessary for a decent night's sleep.

Bartfarst

For our symphony we have the basic grey fiamma ramps.We aren't fussy by any means and sleep across the van with our heads at the high end of the bed on a slight side slope but sometimes, especially on CLs or Cornish cliff tops there is no alternative to some levelling.

The Fiamma level up kit is only 1.45 kg, that isn't heavy. It will also fit under the sliding drawer in the left cupboard that is under the bench seat on a Symphony. this is where ours usually reside. Also fit in the bit under the single seat (although we don't have the drawer in this as we use it for shoes/heater and or BBQ or wellys depending on the weather. I hate things not having a place and don't want to have to shuffle stuff around just to use the loo! I can see the back of the wardrobe working too. I think layout wise the Symbol is pretty similar  so you'd probably find many options to hide them.