One of the first things you’ll need to master as an RVer is how to level your travel trailer. Whether you’re setting up at a campground, boondocking in the wilderness, or parking in your driveway, having a level trailer is essential for comfort, appliance efficiency, and even the longevity of your rig. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so you can set up quickly and enjoy your stay.
Why Leveling Your Trailer is Important
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why leveling your trailer matters:
- Comfort: Sleeping on an uneven bed isn’t fun, and walking around a slanted trailer can feel disorienting.
- Appliance Functionality: Many RV refrigerators require a level surface to work properly and avoid damage.
- Door & Slide Issues: An unlevel trailer can cause doors to swing open or closed and make slide-outs operate improperly.
- Structural Integrity: Over time, an unlevel trailer can put unnecessary stress on the frame, leading to costly issues.
Step 1: Choose the Right Spot
Before leveling, pick a suitable parking spot:
- Look for relatively flat and stable ground (concrete, gravel, or hard-packed dirt).
- Avoid areas that might sink over time (mud, soft sand, or grassy slopes).
- If available, opt for designated RV pads that provide a more stable surface.
Step 2: Check for Levelness
To determine how much leveling is needed:
- Use a bubble level or a built-in leveling system to check both side-to-side and front-to-back level.
- Place the level on the floor near the center of the trailer for the most accurate reading.
Recommended Leveling Tools
- RV Leveling Blocks – Easy to stack and durable.
- RV Smart Level – A must-have digital leveling tool.
Step 3: Level Side-to-Side First
You need to level side-to-side before unhitching from the tow vehicle.
What You Need:
✅ Leveling blocks (or homemade wooden blocks)
✅ Wheel chocks (Chock Wheel Stabilizers) to prevent rolling
Steps:
- If one side is lower, determine how much height is needed.
- Stack leveling blocks in front of or behind the tires on the lower side.
- Slowly drive the trailer onto the blocks until level.
- Check the level again. Adjust as needed.
- Chock the wheels on both sides to prevent movement.
Step 4: Unhitch and Level Front-to-Back
Once side-to-side leveling is complete, you can unhitch from the tow vehicle.
Steps:
- Place wheel chocks securely on both sides.
- Lower the tongue jack until the hitch ball is free.
- Use the tongue jack to adjust the front-to-back level.
If your trailer has stabilizer jacks, lower them after leveling to reduce movement inside the trailer (but never use them for actual leveling).
Recommended Jacks
- Electric Tongue Jack – Saves time and effort.
- Camco Stabilizer Jacks – Durable and easy to use.
Step 5: Final Check & Stabilization
- Double-check the level in both directions.
- Lower stabilizer jacks for extra support.
- If you have slide-outs, extend them after leveling to prevent unnecessary stress.
Extra Tips for Perfect Leveling
- Use an electronic leveling system if available for quick adjustments.
- Consider an auto-leveling system if you camp often and want an easier setup.
- Practice makes perfect! The more you do it, the faster you’ll get.
Final Thoughts
A properly leveled trailer makes a huge difference in comfort, appliance performance, and the longevity of your rig. While it might seem like a hassle at first, with practice, it becomes second nature.
💬 Do you have any favorite leveling tools or tips? Drop them in the comments!
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