How Do You Level A Travel Trailer: Avoid Costly Mistakes

How do you level a travel trailer? Leveling a travel trailer involves using leveling blocks, jacks, or an automatic RV leveling system to make sure your trailer is horizontally and vertically balanced. This prevents damage, ensures appliances work correctly, and makes your camping experience much more comfortable.

Camping in a travel trailer is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors. But before you can relax and enjoy your surroundings, you need to tackle a crucial task: travel trailer leveling. An unlevel trailer can lead to a host of problems, from malfunctioning appliances to uncomfortable sleeping arrangements and even structural damage over time. Luckily, leveling your travel trailer is a straightforward process once you know the right steps and have the right tools. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about travel trailer leveling, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

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Why Travel Trailer Leveling Matters

Leveling your travel trailer isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring everything functions as it should. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Appliance Functionality: Many RV appliances, such as refrigerators, are designed to work optimally when level. Being off-kilter can cause them to malfunction or even break down completely.
• Comfort: Sleeping on a slanted bed or cooking on a tilted stove is no fun. Leveling your travel trailer creates a more comfortable and enjoyable living space.
• Structural Integrity: Over time, an unlevel trailer can put undue stress on the frame and walls, leading to costly repairs.
• Drainage: Sinks and showers need to drain properly. If the trailer is not level, water can pool and cause problems.
• Door Operation: Leveling can help doors open and close correctly.

Gathering Your RV Leveling Tools

Before you start the leveling process, make sure you have the necessary tools on hand. Having everything ready will make the job much easier and faster. Here’s a list of essential RV leveling tools:

• Leveling Blocks: These are sturdy blocks made of plastic or wood that you place under the tires to raise the low side of the trailer.
• Leveling Jacks for RV: These are placed under the frame to provide additional support and fine-tune the leveling. Some trailers come with built-in leveling jacks.
• Bubble Level for RV: A simple bubble level is a must-have for determining how far off-level your trailer is. You can use a traditional level or a digital level for more precision.
• Wheel Chocks: These prevent the trailer from rolling while you’re leveling it. Safety first!
• Lug Wrench: In case you need to change a tire or adjust the wheels.
• Gloves: To keep your hands clean and protected.
• Shovel: To clear away any debris or create a level surface under the tires.
• Measuring Tape: To check the height.

Choosing the Right Leveling Blocks

There are several types of RV leveling blocks available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick overview:

Type of Block	Pros	Cons
Plastic Leveling Blocks	Lightweight, durable, easy to clean	Can be slippery in wet conditions, may crack under heavy loads
Wooden Leveling Blocks	Inexpensive, easy to customize	Can rot or splinter over time, heavier than plastic
Interlocking Leveling Blocks	Adjustable height, easy to store	Can be more expensive than other options

Consider the weight of your travel trailer and the types of terrain you’ll be camping on when choosing your leveling blocks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Travel Trailer Leveling

Now that you have your tools and know the importance of leveling, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of leveling a camper:

1. Assessing the Site

Before you even unhitch your travel trailer, take a walk around your campsite and assess the ground. Look for any obvious slopes or uneven areas. This will help you determine how much leveling you’ll need to do.

• Identify the Lowest Side: Use your eye or a long level to determine which side of the trailer is lower.
• Clear the Area: Remove any rocks, branches, or other debris that could interfere with the leveling process.

2. Positioning Your Travel Trailer

Carefully position your travel trailer on the campsite, taking into account the location of utilities (water, electricity, and sewer hookups) and any scenic views you want to enjoy.

• Consider Utilities: Make sure you can easily reach the hookups with your hoses and cords.
• Maximize Views: Position your trailer so you can enjoy the best possible views from your windows and awning.
• Leave Enough Space: Ensure you have enough space to extend your awning and set up any outdoor furniture.

3. Leveling Your Travel Trailer Side-to-Side

This is usually the first step in the leveling process. You’ll use your leveling blocks to raise the low side of the trailer until it’s level.

• Place Leveling Blocks: Position the leveling blocks in front of the tires on the low side of the trailer. You may need to stack multiple blocks to achieve the desired height.
• Pull Forward onto Blocks: Slowly and carefully pull the trailer forward until the tires are resting on the leveling blocks.
• Check Level: Use your bubble level to check the side-to-side level of the trailer. Place the level on a flat surface inside the trailer, such as the floor or a countertop.
• Adjust as Needed: If the trailer is still not level, adjust the height of the leveling blocks or reposition the trailer until it is.
• Set Wheel Chocks: Once you’re satisfied with the side-to-side level, place wheel chocks behind the tires to prevent the trailer from rolling.

4. Leveling Your Travel Trailer Front-to-Back

Next, you’ll need to level your travel trailer from front to back. This is typically done using the trailer’s tongue jack and/or rear stabilizer jacks.

• Detach from Tow Vehicle: Disconnect your travel trailer from your tow vehicle.
• Use Tongue Jack: Use the tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the trailer until it’s level.
• Check Level: Use your bubble level to check the front-to-back level of the trailer.
• Adjust as Needed: Make small adjustments to the tongue jack until the trailer is level.
• Lower Stabilizer Jacks: Once the trailer is level, lower the stabilizer jacks at the rear of the trailer. These jacks provide additional support and prevent the trailer from rocking. Note: Stabilizer jacks are not intended for leveling.

5. Stabilizing Your Travel Trailer

Once your trailer is level, it’s important to stabilize it to minimize movement and rocking. This will make your camping experience much more comfortable.

• Use Stabilizer Jacks: Extend the stabilizer jacks until they make firm contact with the ground. Avoid over-extending the jacks, as this can damage them or the trailer frame.
• Consider Jack Pads: Place jack pads under the stabilizer jacks to prevent them from sinking into soft ground.
• Use Additional Supports: For added stability, consider using additional supports such as scissor jacks or tripod stabilizers.

Dealing with Uneven Ground

Sometimes, you’ll encounter campsites that are extremely uneven, making it difficult to level your travel trailer using standard methods. Here’s how to level RV on uneven ground:

• Scout the Site: Before positioning your trailer, carefully scout the site and identify the most level area.
• Use More Leveling Blocks: Don’t be afraid to use multiple leveling blocks or stack them to achieve the necessary height.
• Dig Out High Spots: If necessary, use a shovel to dig out any high spots in the ground.
• Use a Combination of Methods: Combine the use of leveling blocks, tongue jack, and stabilizer jacks to achieve the best possible level.
• Consider Automatic Leveling Systems: If you frequently camp on uneven ground, consider investing in an automatic RV leveling system.

Automatic RV Leveling System: A Game Changer

An automatic RV leveling system can greatly simplify the leveling process. These systems use hydraulic or electric jacks to automatically level your travel trailer with the touch of a button.

Benefits of Automatic Leveling Systems

• Convenience: Level your trailer quickly and easily with the push of a button.
• Accuracy: Automatic systems are typically more accurate than manual leveling methods.
• Time Savings: Save time and effort by eliminating the need for manual leveling.
• Reduced Strain: Avoid the physical strain of cranking jacks and lifting heavy blocks.

Types of Automatic Leveling Systems

• Hydraulic Leveling Systems: These systems use hydraulic jacks to lift and level the trailer. They are typically more powerful and durable than electric systems but can also be more expensive.
• Electric Leveling Systems: These systems use electric jacks to level the trailer. They are generally less expensive than hydraulic systems but may not be as powerful.

Installation and Maintenance

Automatic leveling systems can be installed by a professional RV technician or, in some cases, by a skilled DIYer. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating the jacks and checking the fluid levels (for hydraulic systems), is essential to keep the system working properly.

Travel Trailer Stabilization: Preventing Movement

Travel trailer stabilization is about minimizing movement and rocking once your trailer is level. Here are some tips:

• Use X-Chocks: These chocks fit between the tires and provide added stability, preventing the trailer from rolling or rocking.
• Use Scissor Jacks: Place scissor jacks under the frame of the trailer to provide additional support.
• Use Tripod Stabilizers: These stabilizers attach to the kingpin (for fifth-wheel trailers) or the tongue jack (for travel trailers) and provide added stability.
• Inflate Tires Properly: Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Over- or under-inflated tires can contribute to instability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Travel Trailer Leveling

Even with the right tools and knowledge, it’s easy to make mistakes during the leveling process. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring the Importance of Leveling: As mentioned earlier, leveling is crucial for the proper functioning of your appliances and the overall comfort of your camping experience.
• Using Stabilizer Jacks for Leveling: Stabilizer jacks are designed to provide support, not to lift or level the trailer. Using them for leveling can damage the jacks or the trailer frame.
• Over-Extending Jacks: Over-extending the jacks can damage them or the trailer frame. Always use jack pads to prevent the jacks from sinking into soft ground.
• Forgetting Wheel Chocks: Always use wheel chocks to prevent the trailer from rolling while you’re leveling it.
• Rushing the Process: Take your time and double-check your work to ensure the trailer is properly leveled.

Maintaining Your Leveling Equipment

Proper maintenance of your leveling equipment will ensure it lasts longer and performs optimally. Here are some tips:

• Clean Leveling Blocks: After each use, clean your leveling blocks with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
• Lubricate Jacks: Regularly lubricate the jacks with a silicone-based lubricant to keep them working smoothly.
• Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect your leveling blocks and jacks for any signs of damage, such as cracks or bends.
• Store Properly: Store your leveling equipment in a dry, protected place to prevent rust and corrosion.

FAQs About Travel Trailer Leveling

• Can I level my travel trailer with just the tongue jack? While the tongue jack can help with front-to-back leveling, it’s not designed for side-to-side leveling. You’ll need leveling blocks to raise the low side of the trailer.
• What is the best bubble level for RV? The best bubble level for you will depend on your personal preferences. Some people prefer traditional levels, while others prefer digital levels for their added precision. Look for a level that is easy to read and durable.
• How often should I check the level of my travel trailer? It’s a good idea to check the level of your travel trailer every time you set up camp and then again after a few days, as the ground can shift over time.
• Who is responsible for leveling my travel trailer at a campground? You are responsible for leveling your own travel trailer. Campground staff may be able to offer assistance or advice, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure your trailer is level.
• What happens if I don’t level my travel trailer? Failing to level your travel trailer can lead to a host of problems, including malfunctioning appliances, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, structural damage, and drainage issues.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can level your travel trailer with confidence and enjoy a more comfortable and worry-free camping experience.