After reading generally favorable reviews online, I installed the LevelMatePro+ (#paid link) leveling system to simplify setting up the trailer. I mounted it under the port side bench, on the interior wall. The plus version includes a hardwired power option. The tools I used included some heavy-duty velcro and wago (#paid link) connectors.
For the Velcro, I cleaned the inside fiberglass and the side of the LevelMate with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry. I then attached the two pieces and let them sit for 24 hours. For power, I removed the factory splice that powered the propane detector and replaced it with a pair of 3-conductor wagos. Wagos are fantastic. Easy to use — just stick the wire in and flip the lever down. Arguably there is a slight downside to using the common circuit: the propane detector should remain powered for safety when the trailer is idle, and now I’m powering the LevelMate all the time. A more perfect installation would have a separate circuit for the LevelMate. I decided it wasn’t worth the hassle. I generally either have the trailer plugged in or the battery disconnected when it’s in storage, and the current draw of the LevelPro is low enough I’m not going to sweat the load while boondocking.
Usage
Here’s a quick video on using it. (Not an endorsement of the company, I bought mine on Amazon).
After initial installation, you level the trailer with the bubble levels and then calibrate the LevelMate as level. This includes entering dimension information — how far apart the wheels are, what’s the tongue-to-wheel distance — so the LevelMate can convert angles to distances.
When setting up the trailer, I turn the phone on while still in the driver’s seat to see which side to stick the Camco leveler on, then get out and place the leveler and then pull the tow vehicle forward until the Casita is level side to side. Then I finish chocking the wheels and disconnect.
One feature not shown in the video is there’s an option to save the position of the jack once it’s off the ball. Then when it’s time to leave, you can just reset the jack to the trailer and know it should be high enough to back the tow vehicle ball under it. (Presumably, that could be off in the cargo load in the tow vehicle changed, or you approached the hitch at a different angle, but it hasn’t been a problem in practice.)
Once disconnected, fore and after leveling is simply cranking the jack down until the trailer reads level.
Evaluation
How’s it work? Pretty good but not excellent. I’ve found the readings tend to jump from 0 to a quarter inch off. So sometimes, after using the LevelMate, I end up checking the bubble levels for the last tweak. Nonetheless, it makes setting up much more convenient than just using bubble levels.
The + version also includes an Apple Watch app. I ended up finding it easier just to use the iPhone because it’s easier just to set the phone down than try to keep my wrist still while jacking.
Alternate version
There is also a not plus version that does not require (or allow) hardwiring. It’s battery-powered and has battery-saving options like automatic shutdown. That would require going into the trailer sometimes to turn the unit back on. Being lazy, I went with the powered all-the-time version, so I don’t have to mess with that or replace the batteries.