How To Level A Travel Trailer With A Slide Out: Step by Step

Can I level my travel trailer after the slide out is extended? Yes, you can level your travel trailer after extending the slide out, but it’s crucial to do it correctly to avoid frame damage and ensure proper operation of your slide. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to achieving this, covering essential techniques and tools for safe and effective travel trailer leveling with slide.

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Why Leveling Matters, Especially With a Slide Out

Leveling your travel trailer isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting your investment. An unlevel RV can lead to:

• Appliance Malfunction: Refrigerators and other appliances may not function properly when not level.
• Door and Window Issues: Doors and windows can stick or become difficult to open and close.
• Plumbing Problems: Drains may not work correctly, leading to water pooling.
• Frame Stress: Uneven weight distribution can stress the frame, leading to costly repairs. This is especially important with a slide out.

When you extend a slide out on an unlevel surface, it puts extra stress on the frame and slide mechanism. This can lead to:

• Slide Out Binding: The slide may become difficult to extend or retract.
• Frame Twist: Significant unleveling can cause the RV frame to twist.
• Seal Leaks: Uneven pressure can damage the seals around the slide, leading to leaks.
• Mechanism Failure: The slide out motor and gears can wear out prematurely.

Therefore, proper RV leveling techniques slide out are critical.

Tools You’ll Need for Travel Trailer Leveling with Slide

Before you start, gather the necessary tools:

• Leveling Blocks: These are stackable blocks designed to raise the low side of your trailer. Consider RV leveling blocks slide out rated for the weight of your RV.
• Level: A bubble level or a digital level is essential to determine how unlevel your trailer is. A carpenter’s level can also work.
• Wheel Chocks: Safety first! Chock your wheels to prevent any movement during the leveling process.
• Jack Pads: These protect your leveling jacks from sinking into soft ground.
• Socket Wrench: You’ll need this to operate your leveling jacks, if equipped.
• Gloves: Protect your hands.
• Measuring Tape: Helpful for determining the amount of lift needed.
• Slide Out Support (Optional): For long-term setups or heavy slides, these can provide extra support.

Step-by-Step: How to Level a Trailer Slide Extended

Follow these steps for travel trailer leveling with slide.

Step 1: Site Selection and Initial Assessment

1. Choose a Relatively Level Spot: Look for the flattest spot possible. Even a slightly level spot makes the process easier.
2. Position Your Trailer: Pull your travel trailer into the campsite.
3. Use Your Level: Place the level inside the trailer, both front-to-back and side-to-side. Note which side and which end are low. Also, check the level on the outside of the trailer on the frame.
4. Estimate the Lift Needed: Determine how many inches you need to raise each side or end to achieve level. This helps you decide how many leveling blocks you’ll need.

Step 2: Chock the Wheels

1. Place Wheel Chocks: Put wheel chocks behind and in front of the wheels on both sides of the trailer. This is a crucial safety step.

Step 3: Level Side-to-Side

This step addresses the left to right leveling of the trailer.

1. Position Leveling Blocks: On the low side of the trailer, position your leveling blocks in front of the tires. Stack them to the height you estimated in Step 1.
2. Pull onto Blocks: Slowly pull the trailer forward until the tires are resting on the leveling blocks. Have someone guide you to ensure you are positioned correctly.
3. Recheck Level: Use your level to see if the trailer is now level side-to-side. If not, adjust the blocks as needed.
4. Fine-Tune (If Necessary): You may need to add or remove blocks to get it perfect. Small adjustments make a big difference.

Step 4: Unhitch and Level Front-to-Back

Now let’s address the front to back leveling.

1. Unhitch from Tow Vehicle: Disconnect your trailer from your tow vehicle.
2. Use the Tongue Jack: Use the tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the trailer until it’s level front-to-back.
3. Recheck Level: Use your level to confirm that the trailer is level front-to-back.
4. Place Jack Pads: Put jack pads under the tongue jack to prevent it from sinking into the ground.

Step 5: Extend the Slide Out (Carefully)

Extending the slide out has to be done carefully.

1. Extend Slide Out: Slowly extend the slide out. Observe if the trailer shifts or becomes unlevel as the slide extends. This is when any issues with travel trailer stabilization slide out will become apparent.
2. Recheck Level: After the slide is fully extended, check the level again, both inside and outside. The added weight of the slide out can sometimes throw off the leveling.

Step 6: Stabilize the Trailer

Travel trailer stabilization slide out is essential to prevent rocking and swaying.

1. Lower Stabilizer Jacks: Lower all four stabilizer jacks until they make contact with the ground.
2. Use Jack Pads: Place jack pads under the stabilizer jacks to prevent them from sinking, especially on soft ground.
3. Adjust Jacks: Adjust the jacks until they are snug but not lifting the trailer. Over-extending the jacks can cause frame damage.
4. Avoid Over-Stabilization Never use the stabilizer jacks to level the trailer. They are designed to stabilize, not lift.

Step 7: Fine-Tune and Final Checks

1. Walk Around: Walk around inside the trailer and outside, paying attention to any areas that feel unlevel.
2. Adjust as Needed: Make any necessary adjustments to the leveling blocks or jacks.
3. Check Door and Window Operation: Open and close all doors and windows to ensure they operate smoothly.
4. Consider Slide Out Supports (Optional): If you’re staying in one location for an extended period, consider using slide out supports for added stability.

Table: Troubleshooting Leveling Problems

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Trailer still unlevel	Incorrect initial assessment	Re-evaluate the amount of lift needed and adjust leveling blocks.
Jacks sinking into ground	Soft ground	Use larger jack pads or place wood under the pads for extra support.
Trailer rocking/swaying	Insufficient stabilization	Adjust stabilizer jacks or add additional support.
Slide out difficult to move	Frame twist due to unleveling	Re-level the trailer to reduce stress on the frame. Inspect the slide mechanism for damage.
Doors/windows sticking	Frame distortion due to unleveling	Re-level the trailer and check the alignment of doors and windows. Lubricate hinges and latches if needed.
prevent RV frame twist slide out	Improper Leveling	Evaluate leveling methods. Ensure the trailer is level both before and after the slide is extended.

Best Way to Level RV Slide: Additional Tips

• Invest in a Good Level: A digital level can provide more accurate readings than a bubble level.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Leveling your trailer becomes easier with experience.
• Consider Automatic Leveling Systems: If you camp frequently, an automatic leveling system can save time and effort.
• Regularly Inspect Your Equipment: Check your leveling blocks, jacks, and other equipment for damage.
• Pay Attention to the Ground: Be aware of the ground conditions. Soft ground requires extra precautions.
• Level Before Extending Slide: Whenever possible, level the trailer before extending the slide out to minimize stress on the frame.
• Don’t Overlook Stabilization: Proper stabilization is just as important as leveling. It prevents rocking and swaying, making your RV experience more comfortable.

Travel Trailer Levelers Slide Out: Options to Consider

There are several types of travel trailer levelers available:

• Leveling Blocks: Simple and affordable, these are great for minor adjustments.
• Ramps: Easy to drive onto, ramps are a good option for leveling on one side.
• Automatic Leveling Systems: These systems use hydraulic or electric jacks to automatically level the trailer. They are more expensive but offer convenience and precision.
• Scissor Jacks: These can be used for both leveling and stabilization.
• Stackable Levelers: These allow for fine-tuned adjustments.

Grasping Travel Trailer Stabilization Slide Out

Stabilization is different from leveling. Leveling corrects the angle of the RV relative to the ground. Stabilization prevents movement and rocking. Here’s how to improve travel trailer stabilization slide out:

• Use Stabilizer Jacks Properly: Ensure your stabilizer jacks are making solid contact with the ground.
• Add Additional Support: Consider using additional support under the frame, especially if you’re parked on soft ground.
• X-Chocks: These connect the wheels on each side of the trailer, reducing movement.
• King Pin Stabilizer (for Fifth Wheels): This stabilizer reduces movement at the front of the trailer.

How to Level a Travel Trailer with Slide Out on Uneven Ground

Leveling a travel trailer on uneven ground presents additional challenges, but with the right approach, it’s manageable.

1. Assess the Unevenness: Determine the extent of the unevenness. Are there significant dips, slopes, or obstacles?
2. Use More Leveling Blocks: You’ll likely need more leveling blocks to compensate for the uneven ground. Stack them securely.
3. Consider Using Wood: Pieces of wood can be used to fill in gaps and provide a stable base for leveling blocks.
4. Take Your Time: Leveling on uneven ground requires patience and careful adjustment.
5. Recheck Frequently: Monitor the level as you make adjustments. The ground may shift as you work.
6. Ensure equal support Leveling blocks should be arranged to provide as much surface area as possible in contact with the tires.

Fathoming Level Travel Trailer After Slide Out

Many people find that their travel trailer becomes unlevel after extending the slide out. This is due to the added weight of the slide. Here’s how to deal with it:

1. Level Before Extending (If Possible): Level the trailer as accurately as possible before extending the slide.
2. Recheck After Extending: Always recheck the level after the slide is fully extended.
3. Make Minor Adjustments: Use the tongue jack or stabilizer jacks to make minor adjustments as needed.
4. Consider Slide Out Supports: If the slide is heavy, slide out supports can help distribute the weight and prevent the trailer from becoming unlevel.

FAQ: Leveling a Travel Trailer with a Slide Out

• What happens if I don’t level my travel trailer?

  • Failure to level can cause appliance malfunction, door and window problems, plumbing issues, and frame stress.

  • Can I use stabilizer jacks to level my trailer?

  • No, stabilizer jacks are designed for stabilization, not leveling. Using them to level can damage the frame.

  • How many leveling blocks do I need?

  • The number of leveling blocks depends on how unlevel the ground is. It’s always better to have more than you need.

  • Are automatic leveling systems worth the investment?

  • If you camp frequently, an automatic leveling system can save time and effort.

  • How often should I check the level of my trailer?

  • Check the level whenever you set up camp and after extending the slide out. It’s also a good idea to recheck it after a few days, as the ground may settle.

  • Is it better to level side-to-side or front-to-back first?

  • It’s generally recommended to level side-to-side first, then front-to-back.

  • What is the best way to level RV slide?

  • The best way to level an RV with a slide is to level as much as possible before extending the slide, then fine-tune the leveling afterward using jacks or blocks.

  • How do I prevent RV frame twist slide out?
  • Level the travel trailer correctly and evenly before and after extending the slide out. Do not use stabilizer jacks to lift the trailer.
  • What are RV leveling blocks slide out made of?
  • RV leveling blocks are typically made of heavy-duty plastic, rubber, or wood. Plastic is lightweight and durable, rubber provides good grip, and wood offers strong support but can be prone to rot.

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your travel trailer is properly leveled, even with a slide out. This will protect your investment, improve your camping experience, and prevent costly repairs down the road. Always prioritize safety and take your time to do the job right.